Charger Metals Strikes 11m of 1.80% Li2O at Medcalf West, Starts Mt Day Drilling

Further High-Grade Lithium Confirmed at Medcalf West

Charger Metals NL (ASX: CHR) has announced compelling new assay 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 an 11-metre section grading 1.80% lithium oxide (Li2O), including a higher-grade 7 metres at 2.13% Li2O, underscoring the prospect’s potential as a significant lithium source.

The drilling program, comprising 10 holes totaling 1,517 metres, was designed to delineate the orientation and thickness of spodumene-bearing pegmatites along a 1.2-kilometre strike. Results confirmed multiple steeply northwest-dipping pegmatites within a 35-metre-thick mineralised zone extending at least 650 metres along strike. These findings build on previous discoveries and suggest a robust near-surface lithium system.

Structural Complexity and Mineralisation Extent

Geological interpretation indicates that the Medcalf West mineralisation is truncated to the northwest by a fault, potentially offsetting the pegmatite bodies southwards. This structural complexity may have implications for resource modelling and future drilling strategies. The high-grade intersections beneath the northwestern outcrop, including 3 metres at 1.14% Li2O and 2 metres at 1.14% Li2O, further validate the continuity of lithium mineralisation in this faulted zone.

Importantly, the drilling also confirmed that the main Medcalf Prospect’s high-grade spodumene mineralisation is closed off to the south-southeast, refining the known limits of the deposit and aiding in targeting future exploration efforts.

Mt Day Prospect Drilling Underway

In parallel with the Medcalf West results, Charger Metals has commenced a maiden diamond drilling program at the Mt Day Prospect, another key target within the Lake Johnston Project. Mt Day hosts a large 5.5 by 1.5-kilometre field of lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites, defined by strong lithium-in-soil anomalies and high-grade rock chip samples exceeding 3% Li2O in some locations.

The initial drilling aims to test the easternmost outcropping pegmatites and explore potential down-dip fractionation trends. This program is expected to provide critical insights into the scale and grade potential of Mt Day, which remains one of the most promising yet underexplored areas in the project portfolio.

Strategic Partnership with Rio Tinto

Exploration at Lake Johnston is being advanced under a farm-in agreement with Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Limited, which is funding the ongoing programs. Rio Tinto can earn up to a 75% interest by sole funding exploration expenditure and completing a definitive feasibility study, reflecting strong industry confidence in the project’s potential.

Charger’s Managing Director, Aidan Platel, highlighted the significance of the recent results, noting that the high-grade lithium intersections at Medcalf West add valuable scale and continuity near existing mineralisation. He also expressed optimism about the Mt Day drilling, emphasizing its potential to unlock a large, high-quality lithium resource.

Positioning Within the Yilgarn Lithium Belt

The Lake Johnston Project is strategically located within the prolific Yilgarn Craton, approximately 70 kilometres east of the Earl Grey (Mt Holland) Lithium Project, one of Australia’s largest hard-rock lithium operations. This proximity to established lithium infrastructure and major projects enhances the commercial appeal of Charger’s discoveries.

With lithium demand continuing to surge globally, driven by electric vehicle and battery storage markets, Charger Metals’ expanding footprint in this tier-one jurisdiction positions it well for future development and potential partnerships.