So that I don't get branded an "Upramper" or a "Pumper" of this stock I outlined the lowest before. Here is what I got for the highest spodemene.
Next steps are outlined as well. This project cannot be written off as a "Duster" just yet. I think we need a lot more information.
That is my opinion and understanding after reading todays announcement.
Statement describes a 15-metre interval of spodumene injection into ultramafic rocks, located near a larger unmineralized pegmatite, with the injection consisting of 50% spodumene (estimated). Here's a detailed explanation:
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1. 15-Metre Interval
A 15-metre interval is significant in exploration, as it represents a potentially mineralized zone of meaningful thickness.
The thickness of this interval suggests that spodumene mineralization is not limited to minor veinlets but occurs in a more substantial and potentially economically relevant zone.
Exploration Implication: If this mineralization is consistent over a broader area, it could contribute to a larger, mineable resource. Further drilling is needed to determine the lateral and vertical extent of this interval.
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2. Spodumene Injection into Ultramafic Rocks
Spodumene injections occur when lithium-bearing hydrothermal fluids infiltrate pre-existing rocks, in this case, ultramafics.
Ultramafic rocks (rich in magnesium and iron) are not typical hosts for spodumene but can serve as reactive environments where lithium-bearing fluids precipitate spodumene.
This suggests a hydrothermal alteration event, likely associated with nearby pegmatites, which introduced spodumene into the ultramafic rock unit.
Exploration Implication: The presence of spodumene in ultramafics indicates a dynamic and complex mineralizing system. Such systems can host economic lithium deposits if mineralization is consistent and of sufficient grade.
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3. Close to Larger Unmineralized Pegmatite
Pegmatites are commonly associated with lithium mineralization, as they are the primary sources of spodumene in most deposits.
While the nearby pegmatite is described as unmineralized, its proximity to the spodumene injection suggests it may have been the source of the lithium-bearing fluids responsible for the injection.
Exploration Implication: Even though the larger pegmatite lacks visible spodumene, it likely acted as a conduit or reservoir for the hydrothermal fluids that mineralized the ultramafics. This relationship warrants further study to understand the system's plumbing and identify other potentially mineralized zones.
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4. Injection Consists of 50% Spodumene (Estimated)
A 50% spodumene content is very high. Spodumene contains ~8% Li₂O (lithium oxide), so a bulk sample with 50% spodumene would contain ~4% Li₂O, which is significantly higher than typical economic lithium grades (~1-3% Li₂O in hard-rock deposits).
If the 50% concentration is accurate and extends consistently throughout the interval, this could represent a high-grade lithium deposit.
Exploration Implication: High spodumene content suggests excellent potential, but it needs to be confirmed with:
Assays for lithium content (Li₂O%).
An assessment of the mineralization's geometry and consistency.
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Geological Significance
1. Lithium Source: The spodumene injection suggests the system is fertile for lithium, even though the pegmatite nearby is unmineralized.
2. Hydrothermal System: The relationship between spodumene, ultramafics, and pegmatites points to a hydrothermal system, which often leads to high-grade mineralization.
3. Unique Setting: Spodumene mineralization in ultramafic rocks is uncommon, which makes this an intriguing target for further exploration.
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Next Steps for Evaluation
1. Core Assays: Analyze samples from the interval for Li₂O%, and assess other potential by-products like rubidium, cesium, or tantalum.
2. Petrography: Study thin sections of the spodumene and surrounding ultramafics to confirm mineralogy and paragenesis.
3. Drill More Holes: Expand drilling to determine the lateral extent, depth, and continuity of the spodumene injections.
4. Structural Mapping: Map faults, fractures, or other features that may have acted as conduits for the lithium-bearing fluids.
5. Geochemical Analysis: Test for geochemical signatures in the unmineralized pegmatite and ultramafics to understand the system's evolution.
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(20min delay)