Soil sampling can indeed yield lower lithium grades compared to...

Soil sampling can indeed yield lower lithium grades compared to other methods. Let’s explore why:

1. Dilution and Surface Distribution:

   • Soil samples represent the uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust, where lithium is often dispersed due to weathering and erosion.
   • Lithium-bearing minerals may be diluted in the soil, especially if they are not concentrated in specific zones.
   • Unlike rock samples, which can be directly sourced from mineralized veins or pegmatites, soil samples capture a broader area, potentially including non-mineralized regions.

2. Mobility and Leaching:

   • Lithium ions are mobile and can be leached from rocks by rainwater, moving through the soil profile.
   • This leaching process can redistribute lithium within the soil, leading to lower concentrations in surface samples.
   • Additionally, lithium mobility depends on factors like soil type, pH, and organic matter content.

3. Depth Variability:

   • Soil sampling typically focuses on the top few centimeters of soil.
   • Deeper lithium-rich zones may not be adequately captured, especially if the mineralization is at greater depths.
   • Drill core samples from deeper depths provide a more accurate representation of subsurface lithium grades.

4. Mineralization Style:

   • The style of lithium mineralization matters. For example:
     • Pegmatites: These coarse-grained rocks can host high lithium concentrations. However, their presence may not always be evident in surface soils.