Trinex Minerals Advances Dudley Lithium Project with Drilling Approval
Trinex Minerals has secured statutory approval for a Reverse Circulation drilling program at its Dudley Lithium Project on Kangaroo Island, marking a key step forward in its lithium exploration strategy. Meanwhile, the company has withdrawn from its uranium project in Canada to focus resources on lithium.
- Statutory approval received for RC drilling at Dudley Lithium Project, South Australia
- Landowner Access and Compensation Agreement signed, enabling drilling commencement
- Initial drilling to target high-priority pegmatite zones identified by soil sampling
- Trinex withdraws from Gibbons Creek uranium project in Saskatchewan, Canada
- Drilling contractors to be selected with emphasis on best environmental practices
Drilling Approval Signals Momentum for Dudley Lithium Project
Trinex Minerals Limited (ASX: TX3) has announced a significant milestone in its lithium exploration efforts with the receipt of statutory approval from the South Australian Department of Energy and Mining to conduct a Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program at the Dudley Lithium Project. Situated on the eastern end of Kangaroo Island, this approval follows the recent signing of a Landowner Access and Compensation Agreement, clearing the way for on-ground exploration activities.
The Dudley Lithium Project, held under exploration licence EL 6892, is notable for its extensive pegmatite systems stretching over six kilometres with surface widths up to 80 metres. These pegmatites have shown promising signs of lithium mineralisation, particularly spodumene, a key lithium-bearing mineral. Historical prospecting and recent soil sampling campaigns have identified multiple high-priority targets that the upcoming drilling program aims to test.
Focused Drilling to Unlock Lithium Potential
The initial drilling phase will comprise approximately 10 holes targeting the Dudley pegmatite and other anomalous zones identified through the 2024 soil sampling program. Drilling will focus beneath the weathered surface layer, expected to be 20 to 30 metres deep, to access fresh rock where lithium mineralisation is more likely to be preserved. This approach reflects a strategic effort to delineate the extent and grade of lithium mineralisation, which could underpin future development plans.
Trinex’s Managing Director, Will Dix, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress, highlighting the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship by tendering the drilling contract to ensure best practices. The timing of drilling will also be coordinated with local farming activities, reflecting a sensitivity to community and environmental considerations.
Strategic Shift Away from Uranium
In a parallel development, Trinex has elected to withdraw from the Gibbons Creek uranium project in Saskatchewan, Canada. This decision follows a final assessment of geophysical survey data and consideration of the financial commitments required to continue the earn-in option. By stepping away from uranium, Trinex is sharpening its focus on lithium, a critical mineral aligned with global clean energy transition trends.
This pivot underscores the company’s strategic prioritisation of assets with the highest potential to deliver value and aligns with broader market dynamics favouring lithium exploration and development.
Looking Ahead
With drilling approval secured and preparatory steps underway, Trinex is poised to advance its understanding of the Dudley Lithium Project’s resource potential. The results of the upcoming RC drilling program will be closely watched by investors and industry observers, as they will provide critical insights into the project’s viability and potential contribution to the lithium supply chain.
As the company moves forward, the balance between exploration success, environmental responsibility, and community engagement will be key to sustaining momentum and unlocking shareholder value.
Bottom Line?
Trinex’s drilling approval marks a pivotal moment, setting the stage for critical lithium exploration results that could reshape its growth trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial lithium grades and widths will the upcoming drilling reveal beneath the weathered profile?
- How will Trinex balance environmental stewardship with accelerated exploration timelines?
- What are the financial and strategic implications of withdrawing from the Gibbons Creek uranium project?