Ann: Lithium Exploration Activities Update, page-3

@dartmining.com.au | www.dartmining.com.au
In December 2017 Dart released a further update on its recent lithium exploration (ASXTM 21
December 2017) which had been focused on the northern end of the Dorchap Dyke Swarm near
Eskdale. At that time Dart announced that to accelerate the regional exploration programme it planned
to undertake a helicopter reconnaissance survey to enable rapid assessment of the historically mapped
dykes and to identify additional large, unmapped dykes within the Dorchap Dyke Swarm.
EXPLORATION SINCE DECEMBER 2017
Regional geochemical sampling of multiple pegmatites continued through January. Preliminary
interpretation of the incomplete results so far available is that those relatively few dykes sampled are
unlikely to contain lithium mineralisation of economic interest. These samples were mostly taken
before the aerial reconnaissance survey was conducted.
A reconnaissance helicopter survey was completed between January 31st and February 2nd. The
targeted area was mainly within State Forest boundaries and the terrain is mountainous and covered
by dense eucalypt re-growth forest with trees about 20-30 m high and very thick undergrowth.
Despite the challenges to visually locating pegmatites from a helicopter in such terrain, it was felt that
pegmatites (at least in part) would be more resistant to erosion than the host schists and would likely
crop out strongly enough to be identified from a low flying helicopter. This proved to be the case and
the helicopter survey was remarkably successful in locating numerous (~80) probable pegmatite
outcrops that were previously unknown. The locations of all probable pegmatite outcrops were
recorded by GPS to enable subsequent on-ground follow-up. Aerial observations indicate that many of
the outcrops are of substantial size. The aerial survey has essentially coarse-filtered out smaller dykes,
which is of great benefit with such a large number of dykes historically identified in the area.
On-the-ground investigations of targets from the helicopter survey have begun and are on-going
under the direction of a lithium specialist exploration team. Following the successful helicopter survey,
Dart’s exploration approach has been modified to emphasise boots on-the-ground examination of the
pegmatite targets arising from the survey, and to limit regional geochemical investigations. The first
pass examination of the aerially identified pegmatites has focussed on visual identification of any
possible spodumene or other lithium-bearing minerals within these pegmatites. Dart has adopted this
approach as it believes that any pegmatites with lithium grades of economic interest will almost
certainly be associated with visible spodumene or other lithium-bearing minerals.
FUTURE EXPLORATION PROGRAMME
Dart plans to continue its on-the-ground examination of the multiple outcrops located by the
helicopter survey. Mineralogical, petrographic and analytical studies will be completed as a priority to
confirm the identification of any lithium-bearing minerals. Detailed mapping will be undertaken to
define the extent of target pegmatites. Further on-the-ground access will in places require narrow
track development - such is the difficulty of the terrain and vegetation. Given the success of the
helicopter aerial survey, a further similar survey is planned over areas not covered by the initial
survey.
Dart is encouraged by the field observations and is currently expanding and accelerating its lithium
exploration programme.
Take care Mule