Askari kicks off its lithium drill run at newly acquired Namibian spodumene acreage

Askari Metals’ (ASX:AS2) newly acquired ‘Uis’ lithium acreage in Namibia is now the subject of a maiden RC drill run from the company as a first-stage 3,500m campaign kicks off.

The first 3,500m leg of a larger 10,000m run is chasing up strong rock chip results (lithium oxide concentrations of 3.1%), and, 2.1% in spodumene pegmatites.

Spodumene pegmatites are present at Uis from surface.

Throughout the campaign, the company will also test out leads for tin, tantalum and rubidium; all three elements are commonly associated with lithium. Rubidium, on its own, is also a high-value metal. 

More updates to come

“The commencement of this inaugural RC exploration drilling campaign at Uis carries forward the confidence gained from the positive surface results,” Askari chief Gino D’Anna said. 

“Finding high-grade spodumene dominant lithium mineralisation beneath the surface in this drilling program will be an accelerant for future exploration activities.” 

“We look forward to keeping our investors informed of our progress.”

Spodumene confirmed last week 

Not even two weeks ago, Askari announced its confirmation of spodumene pegmatites at Uis. 

Assay results on two samples showed concentrations of 2.1% lithium oxide and another at 1.1%. 

Aksari exploration chief Johan Lambrechts, at the time, highlighted a number of old workings on-site. 

“The strategic location of the Uis Project within 2.5km of an operating battery metals mine [owned by AfriTin mining] demonstrates the potential of the Uis Project,” Lambrechts said. 

“We have encountered numerous historical mine workings with an abundance of altered / weathered spodumene and lepidolite mineralisation at surface.”

“The grades are high and the workings in many cases are extensive offering immediate drilling targets.”

Quick recap on spodumene 

Spodumene is a type of mineral typically hosting in-situ hard rock lithium mineralisation.

Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) regularly auctions spodumene samples and has broken price records multiple times this year as lithium demand continues to outpace supply, and as the commodity remains at the forefront of radars everywhere. 

Disclaimer: Market Index helps small-cap ASX listed companies connect with Australian investors through clear and concise articles on key developments. Askari was a client at the time of publishing. All coverage contains factual information only and should not be interpreted as an opinion or financial advice.