Kairos Minerals identifies new lithium-caesium-tantalum targets at Wodgina project
Kairos Minerals will undertake a follow-up mapping and rock chip sampling program at Wodgina once all assays from the Ultrafine+ program are at hand.
Perth-based explorer Kairos Minerals (ASX: KAI) has identified two extensive new lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) anomalies at its wholly-owned Wodgina project south of Port Hedland in Western Australia.
The targets were generated from preliminary soil geochemistry work conducted less than 3 kilometres from the world-class Wodgina lithium mine, which is a joint venture between Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) and US chemicals giant Albemarle.
The mine is set to recommence spodumene concentrate production next year.
Kairos said 837 results had been received to date from 1,517 samples collected in the area which were sent to Labwest laboratories in Perth for analysis.
Coherent and robust
The first target spans 1.7 kilometres and was defined by “coherent and robust” LCT anomalies with values of up to 238 parts per million lithium, 293ppm caesium and 78 parts per billion tantalum returned from Ultrafine+ soil analysis with coincident elevated rubidium, indium and tungsten.
Samples from this area returned the highest values for lithium, caesium, rubidium and tungsten of all the results received to date.
A historical rock chip sample collected at the eastern end of the target returned an assay of 1.6% lithium oxide where pegmatites have been previously mapped.
Coincident anomalies
The second target was defined by coincident lithium, tantalum and rubidium anomalies.
Analysis of aerial images has indicated the possible presence of pegmatites in the area.
Kairos has planned a field reconnaissance trip for a follow-up mapping and rock chip program to further refine the targets and identify potential drilling locations for next year.
This will be conducted after all sampling results have been received.
High hopes
Executive chairman Terry Topping said the company had “high hopes” for the Wodgina project.
“Given that it is adjacent to one of the world’s most significant lithium mines, I think it is fair to say these early results have exceeded our expectations,” he said.
“We have delineated outstanding targets for lithium exploration which will now be prioritised as part of our broader ongoing exploration efforts in the Pilbara.”
Mr Topping said Wodgina was shaping up to be a promising project in a tier one district.
“It is an advanced lithium exploration opportunity and adds another exciting dimension to our Pilbara exploration portfolio,” he said.
The project complements Kairos’ existing gold assets at the advanced Mt York project which sits within the greater Pilbara project, where the company is targeting mineralisation similar to De Grey Mining’s (ASX: DEG) Hemi discovery.