Early-stage exploration at Raiden Resources’ Andover South project has unearthed a promising landscape dotted with swarms of exposed and interpreted pegmatites, some as wide as 30 meters. The potential implications of these findings have caught the attention of industry observers, especially considering the proximity to Azure Minerals’ (ASX:AZS) Andover lithium project, which has garnered significant attention for its robust drill results and takeover interest.
Adjacent to a High-Stakes Lithium Endeavor
Situated to the south of the Andover lithium project, the newly acquired ground has found itself in the proximity of a lithium endeavors that has been making waves. Azure Minerals has been busy drilling toward a maiden resource, scheduled for Q1 2024, with notable drill intersections boasting lithium grades of up to 2.13% Li2O. Such remarkable results have propelled the Andover lithium project into the spotlight, even enticing a takeover bid from SQM, a global heavyweight in the lithium mining sector.
Raiden’s Encouraging Early Insights
Raiden Resources (ASX:RDN), the driving force behind these discoveries, has expressed optimism regarding the lithium system at Andover South. Early indications suggest that the lithium potential here might be substantial in scope and nature. The foundation of this optimism rests on the identification of outcropping pegmatites spread across a 3.5-kilometer-long and 600-meter-wide pegmatite field within the Andover South tenements E47/4061 and E47/4062. This pegmatite field is strategically positioned adjacent to the Black Hills Monzogranite, a plausible source of mineralizing fluids.
Cognisant of High-Grade Potential
Raiden’s exploration efforts have been underscored by the discovery of multiple swarms of pegmatites across the project. These findings align with previous reconnaissance outcrop sampling, which confirmed high-grade lithium occurrences, including concentrations of:
- 2.22% Li2O
- 0.98% Li2O
- 0.37% Li2O
Signs of Encouragement
Dusko Ljuojevic, the Managing Director of Raiden, is buoyed by the significant widths of the outcropping pegmatites, some as impressive as 30 meters. He interprets these dimensions as promising signs that the pegmatite system could potentially be expansive. In light of this discovery, Raiden’s teams are diligently mapping and sampling the remaining tenements of the Andover South and Andover North project area, aiming to share results with the market in the near future.
Paving the Path Ahead
Raiden’s present focus revolves around its ongoing mapping and sampling program. This initiative serves a dual purpose: building upon the recent discovery of high-grade lithium-bearing pegmatites and gaining insights into the potential scale and extent of the pegmatite field. The exploration teams are now directing their mapping endeavors to tenement E47/4061, where pegmatite outcrops within the promising geological context are anticipated.
Analysing the Next Steps
In the pursuit of thorough exploration, rock samples collected from the exposed pegmatites will be sent to ALS Perth for assaying. These results are eagerly anticipated and will contribute to a deeper understanding of the project’s mineralization potential. With ongoing pegmatite mapping and reconnaissance efforts encompassing the broader portfolio, including the Mt Sholl and Arrow projects, Raiden’s journey in uncovering valuable mineral resources is poised to continue making headlines.
