Charger Metals Unveils High-Grade Lithium at Medcalf West, Launches Mt Day Drilling
Charger Metals NL has reported promising high-grade lithium intersections at its Medcalf West Prospect within the Lake Johnston Project, alongside initiating a diamond drilling program at the Mt Day Prospect, signalling potential expansion of its lithium resource base.
- 11m at 1.80% Li2O lithium intersection at Medcalf West
- Diamond drilling commenced at Mt Day Prospect targeting large LCT pegmatite field
- Exploration funded by Rio Tinto under farm-in agreement
- Medcalf West mineralisation extends over 650m strike with multiple pegmatite zones
- High-grade lithium mineralisation near surface in a 35m thick zone
Strong Lithium Intersections at Medcalf West
Charger Metals NL (ASX: CHR) has announced further high-grade lithium results from its December 2024 Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program at the Medcalf West Prospect, part of the Lake Johnston Lithium Project in Western Australia. The standout intercept was 11 metres at 1.80% lithium oxide (Li2O), including a higher-grade 7 metres at 2.13% Li2O, confirming the presence of significant spodumene-bearing pegmatites.
This mineralisation occurs within a near-surface zone approximately 35 metres thick, extending over at least 650 metres of strike. The drilling also revealed structural complexities, with an interpreted fault truncating the mineralised trend, potentially offsetting the pegmatites and influencing their distribution.
Strategic Partnership with Rio Tinto
The exploration at Lake Johnston is being advanced under a farm-in agreement with Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited, which is funding the current program. Rio Tinto can earn up to a 75% interest by sole funding exploration expenditure and completing a Definitive Feasibility Study, underscoring the strategic importance of this lithium project within the global battery metals landscape.
New Drilling Campaign at Mt Day Prospect
In parallel with the Medcalf West results, Charger has commenced a maiden diamond drilling program at the Mt Day Prospect, a large 5.5km by 1.5km pegmatite field identified by strong lithium-in-soil anomalies and high-grade rock chip samples. This program aims to test the interpreted gently east-dipping LCT pegmatites and explore for potential down-dip fractionation trends, which could indicate substantial lithium mineralisation at depth.
Mt Day represents a significant new target area within the Lake Johnston Project, with the potential to add materially to Charger’s lithium resource portfolio if drilling confirms the scale and grade suggested by surface sampling.
Context within the Yilgarn Lithium Province
The Lake Johnston Project is strategically located in the Yilgarn Province, a prolific lithium-producing region in Western Australia. It lies approximately 70km east of the Earl Grey (Mt Holland) Lithium Project, one of Australia’s largest hard-rock lithium operations. Charger’s discoveries at Medcalf West and ongoing exploration at Mt Day position the company to capitalize on the growing demand for battery-grade lithium.
Managing Director Aidan Platel highlighted the significance of the recent results, noting the confirmation of high-grade lithium mineralisation close to existing deposits and the promising start to drilling at Mt Day. The company’s methodical approach to exploration, supported by Rio Tinto’s funding and expertise, could accelerate the advancement of these prospects toward development.
Looking Ahead
Charger’s next steps include completing the diamond drilling program at Mt Day and further assay results from Medcalf West, which will provide greater clarity on the extent and economic potential of the lithium mineralisation. The company’s progress will be closely watched by investors seeking exposure to high-quality lithium assets in a globally competitive market.
Bottom Line?
Charger Metals is advancing its lithium portfolio with high-grade discoveries and new drilling, setting the stage for potential resource growth in a key battery metals hub.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the ongoing diamond drilling at Mt Day refine the understanding of lithium mineralisation scale and grade?
- What are the implications of the fault offset on resource continuity and mining strategy at Medcalf West?
- How might Rio Tinto’s involvement influence the pace and scale of development at Lake Johnston?
