Pilbara Minerals delivers further strong lithium results from Pilgangoora

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX:PLS) has received strong assay results from an exploration and resource extension drilling program underway at its 100%-owned Pilgangoora Lithium Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The program is targeting the under-explored region on the tenement boundary adjacent to the former Altura Lithium Operation with the intention of optimising and growing the future pit inventory. Highly encouraging assays have been received for the first 32 reverse circulation holes of the 62-hole program that has further defined zones of high-grade pegmatite mineralisation, with results including: 20 metres at 1.83% lithium oxide (Li2O) and 36 parts per million (ppm) tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) from 28 metres; 12 metres at 1.84% Li2O and 67 ppm Ta2O5 from 5 metres; 21 metres at 1.28% Li2O and 62 ppm Ta2O5 from 25 metres; 32 metres at 1.44% Li2O and 79 ppm Ta2O5 from 159 metres; and 44 metres at 1.49% Li2O and 76 ppm Ta2O5 from 146 metres. A new near-surface pegmatite domain has been identified, suggesting a lower strip ratio within the potential mine pit inventory of the combined South Pit, which is outside the previously identified mineral resource. “Expanding mining envelope” Pilbara Minerals’ managing director and CEO Ken Brinsden said the ongoing results would go a long way to realising the full potential that the company saw in the area adjacent to the old tenement boundary, which was a key influencer of the recent acquisition. He said: “The wide and near-surface intercepts of relatively high-grade mineralisation will go a long way to expanding our mining envelope and pit inventory of the combined South Pit areas. “As we work towards a restart at the Ngungaju Plant, the success of this exploration and drill program and the efforts of our team to further integrate both assets mean we can be confident in a bright future for the greater Pilgangoora Operation.” Geological modelling is underway and on track for the delivery of an updated Pilgangoora project mineral resource in the September quarter of 2021.