Australian mining exploration company Zenith Minerals has identified a total of 83 lithium targets at its Split Rocks Lithium Project in Western Australia — following a comprehensive reassessment of both existing and new geochemical data. This is a big increase since the company previously reported 30 targets.

The expansion is a result of new surface sample assays, a thorough review of existing soil geochemical data, and a drill data assessment.

The targets include the expansive Cielo Lithium Target, measuring over nine kilometres in length and two kilometres in width.

This target, previously announced on 9 February 2023, remains untested and has shown a peak auger value of 880ppm Li.

Among the identified targets, six are distinguished by pegmatite drill intersections up to 50 metres thick.

These are classified as lithium, caesium, tantalum (LCT) pegmatites, based on their geochemical character, underscoring the highly prospective nature of the Split Rock project leases.

The new targets are located outside of Zenith’s existing Rio Lithium Deposit, which boasts 11.9Mt at 0.72 per cent Li2O, and lies northwest of the Mt Holland Lithium Mine, owned by SQM-Wesfarmers.

The project is well-prepared for further exploration, with 318 drill holes fully permitted and ready for drilling. Additionally, Permits of Work are in place for another 193 AC drill holes, covering Cielo and 14 other targets.

Zenith has issued a written notice to EV Metals Group (EVM), advising of the 11 January 2024 deadline for the bankable feasibility study.

It is anticipated that Zenith will reassume full control of a 100 per cent interest in both the Split Rocks and Waratah Well projects on this date.