Dundas Lithium Soil Samples Hit 147ppm Lithium in Latest Infill Program
Lightning Minerals has advanced its lithium exploration at the Dundas project in Western Australia through a detailed infill soil sampling program, revealing promising lithium concentrations that refine existing targets.
- 499 soil samples collected to refine lithium targets
- Peak lithium assays of 147ppm at Dundas North and 104ppm at Dundas South
- Expenditure commitments fulfilled amid subdued lithium market sentiment
- Ongoing target prioritisation for future drilling campaigns
- Use of advanced Ultrafine+ geochemical analysis method
Context and Exploration Strategy
Lightning Minerals (ASX – L1M) has reported encouraging results from its recent infill soil sampling program at the Dundas lithium project in Western Australia. The program, which collected 499 samples, was designed to build upon a prior regional geochemical survey conducted on a 400m by 400m grid. By tightening the sampling grid to as close as 200m by 100m in key areas, the company aimed to better delineate zones of lithium anomalism and sharpen its exploration targets.
Key Findings and Technical Details
The infill sampling confirmed and extended previously identified lithium anomalies, with peak lithium concentrations reaching 147 parts per million (ppm) at Dundas North and 104ppm at Dundas South. These results were obtained using the Ultrafine+ (UFF+) analytical method, which is well-regarded for its sensitivity in detecting lithium and associated pathfinder elements typical of lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites.
Samples were collected from approximately 20cm below the surface and sieved to retain the fine fraction for analysis. The program met the company’s expenditure commitments on the Dundas tenements, which cover a substantial area of around 450 square kilometers split between Dundas North and South.
Market Sentiment and Forward Outlook
Despite a currently subdued lithium market, Lightning Minerals is maintaining a disciplined approach to exploration, focusing on cost-effective target generation. Managing Director Alex Biggs emphasized the importance of advancing these targets in preparation for a more favourable lithium market environment. The company is also progressing exploration activities in Brazil and Canada, positioning itself for growth when market conditions improve.
Future work at Dundas is expected to include field validation of elevated lithium results and consideration of follow-up drilling programs such as Aircore, Reverse Circulation, or Diamond drilling to test the identified geochemical anomalies more thoroughly.
Strategic Significance
The Dundas project lies within the prolific Norseman-Wiluna Belt, a region known for its mineral potential. While no economic mineral deposits have yet been confirmed on the tenements, the presence of lithium anomalies over broad areas is a positive early indicator. The company’s methodical approach, including adherence to JORC reporting standards and collaboration with the Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, underscores its commitment to responsible and transparent exploration.
Bottom Line?
Lightning Minerals is quietly building a robust pipeline of lithium targets at Dundas, ready to strike when market tides turn.
Questions in the middle?
- When will Lightning Minerals initiate drilling to test these lithium anomalies?
- How do these lithium assay results compare with nearby lithium projects in the region?
- What is the company’s timeline for advancing its Brazilian and Canadian lithium assets alongside Dundas?
