Arizona Lithium Limited has received approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to commence exploration drilling at its Big Sandy Lithium Project in Arizona.

This significant development paves the way for the company to expand its lithium resources in North America.

The BLM has granted the Permit of Exploration (POE) for the Big Sandy project, with no appeals filed during the 30-day appeal period following the approval.

This green light allows Arizona Lithium to proceed with its planned drilling program, which is scheduled to begin in late July 2024.

The exploration drilling will be managed by Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) under a Mining Services Agreement established with Arizona Lithium earlier this year.

The program will include 131 drill holes and a bulk sampling initiative, aimed at expanding the current lithium resource at Big Sandy.

Paul Lloyd, Managing Director of Arizona Lithium, expressed enthusiasm about the approval, stating: “We are very pleased to obtain drilling approval from the BLM for the Big Sandy project.

Plans are well advanced to commence drilling later in July and the taking of a bulk sample of Big Sandy ore for processing at the Lithium Research Centre in Tempe, Arizona.”

The Big Sandy Lithium Project, which spans approximately 25 square kilometres and consists of 300 BLM claims, has only seen 4 per cent of its area drilled to date.

This presents a substantial opportunity for resource expansion.

The project currently contains a JORC resource of 320,800 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).

This approval marks a crucial step in Arizona Lithium’s strategy to enhance its lithium resource base, aligning with the growing global demand for lithium driven by the transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles.

The company is now poised to create additional shareholder value through successful exploration and a potential increase in the existing lithium resource at the Big Sandy project.