The current Resource extension drilling program is expected to be completed in the next two weeks, with assays expected by end - October to feed into a Mineral Resource update
HIGHLIGHTS
Cade Deeps drilling: Six holes completed to a down-dip target depth of ~120-150m below the Cade Mineral Resource. While spodumene was observed in three holes, the core logs suggest that the drilling intersected the wall zone of the Cade pegmatite on the lower periphery of the spodumene mineralised zone. Further exploratory drilling is warranted to follow the Cade pegmatite to the south to determine if more spodumene mineralised zones are present.
Davy Extensional drilling: Eight holes completed to target depth at the northern and southern strike extents as well as down-dip of the Davy Mineral Resource. Spodumene-bearing pegmatites of 1-3m in thickness were intersected in all five holes drilled in the northern strike extent of the Davy Mineral Resource.
Mining Lease Application: Drafts of the current mineralisation report and supporting documents will soon be submitted to the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) for review. Once reviewed by the GSWA, the documents will be submitted along with the Mining Lease application.
Updated Mineral Resource Estimate: On-track for delivery in November. Together with metallurgical test work results, this will underpin a Scoping Study targeted for completion by end-December. This in turn is expected to pave the way for a Feasibility Study commencing in early 2023.
Essential Metals Managing Director, Tim Spencer, said: “This drill programme has
been very important in delineating potential extensions to the Cade and Davy deposits to determine the potential scale of a future mining operation and support detailed economic studies. Assay results will flow into an updated Mineral Resource and Scoping Study for Pioneer Dome, both scheduled for delivery in the December Quarter.”