Critical Beryllium Discovery Raises Questions on Extraction Viability at Lithium Plus
Lithium Plus Minerals has identified significant high-grade beryllium mineralisation at its Northern Arunta Spotted Wonder Project, revealing promising polymetallic potential alongside lithium. This discovery positions the company at the forefront of critical minerals exploration in Australia.
- High-grade beryllium mineralisation confirmed in Spotted Wonder drill core
- Beryllium mineralisation starts near surface, closely linked with lithium
- Multiple new drill-ready pegmatite targets identified across the project
- On-ground exploration scheduled to commence in Q3 2025
- Beryllium’s critical mineral status enhances strategic value of Northern Arunta tenure
Discovery Highlights Polymetallic Potential
Lithium Plus Minerals Limited (ASX – LPM) has announced a significant breakthrough at its 100%-owned Spotted Wonder Project within the Northern Arunta Lithium Projects in Australia's Northern Territory. A detailed reassessment of drill core from mineralised pegmatites has revealed high-grade beryllium mineralisation, a rare and strategically important metal, alongside lithium. This finding underscores the polymetallic nature of the project and broadens its critical minerals appeal.
Beryllium – A Critical and Strategic Mineral
Beryllium is prized for its lightweight strength, excellent thermal stability, and conductivity, making it essential in high-performance electronics, aerospace, defence, and nuclear technologies. Globally recognised as a critical mineral, beryllium supply is heavily concentrated, with about 85% sourced from a single deposit in Utah, USA. This concentration creates supply vulnerabilities and price volatility, factors that elevate the strategic importance of new discoveries like Lithium Plus’s Northern Arunta find.
Encouraging Drill Results and Exploration Targets
The Spotted Wonder Project’s drill results show beryllium mineralisation commencing at or near surface, with notable intersections such as 12 meters at 0.10% beryllium oxide (BeO) from surface and other intervals reaching up to 0.28% BeO. These are accompanied by lithium mineralisation reaching up to 0.29% lithium oxide over 4 meters, confirming the polymetallic potential. Additionally, Lithium Plus has identified multiple new drill-ready pegmatite targets at the Polonis, Costean, and Saunders prospects, expanding the scope for future discoveries.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
Executive Chairman Dr Bin Guo emphasised the significance of the discovery, noting that it enhances the strategic value of the Northern Arunta tenure by adding critical minerals beyond lithium. The company plans to commence on-ground exploration activities in the third quarter of 2025, focusing on assessing the economic potential of the beryllium mineralisation and advancing polymetallic extraction methods. This approach aligns with global trends prioritising critical minerals for economic and national security reasons.
Broader Market Context
With global beryllium demand forecast to grow steadily amid constrained supply, Lithium Plus’s discovery could position it as a key player in a niche but strategically vital market. However, the economic viability of extraction and market pricing remain uncertain due to the opaque and volatile nature of beryllium pricing. Investors will be watching closely as Lithium Plus advances its exploration and feasibility studies.
Bottom Line?
Lithium Plus’s beryllium discovery at Northern Arunta could redefine its critical minerals strategy, but economic hurdles remain ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the next steps for confirming the economic viability of beryllium extraction at Spotted Wonder?
- How might Lithium Plus integrate lithium and beryllium resources into a combined development plan?
- What impact could geopolitical tensions have on the strategic value of Lithium Plus’s beryllium discovery?
