How Lithium Energy’s Seismic Survey Uncovered Utah’s Hidden Lithium Basin
Lithium Energy Limited has completed a 38km passive seismic survey at its White Plains Lithium Brine Project in Utah, revealing a promising Half Graben Basin structure up to 600 metres deep. This milestone sets the stage for advanced geophysical surveys and targeted drilling to define lithium resources.
- 38km passive seismic survey completed at White Plains project
- Identification of Half Graben Basin structure typical of Basin and Range Province
- Basement rock depth estimated up to 600 metres
- Next exploration phase – Magnetotelluric survey to delineate drill targets
- Planned drilling campaign to assess lithium brine distribution and geochemistry
Exploring the Depths of White Plains
Lithium Energy Limited (ASX – LEL) has announced the successful completion of a passive seismic survey across its White Plains Lithium Brine Project in Utah, USA. Spanning four east-west lines over a total of 38 kilometres, the survey has provided valuable insights into the subsurface geological framework, revealing a Half Graben Basin structure reaching depths of up to 600 metres. This type of basin is characteristic of the Basin and Range Province, a region known for its complex extensional tectonics and potential for lithium-rich brine deposits.
Why Passive Seismic Matters
Passive seismic surveying is a non-invasive geophysical technique that detects natural seismic waves to map underground structures. For lithium brine exploration, understanding the depth to basement rock is crucial, as it defines the theoretical lower boundary for lithium mineralisation. The data collected at White Plains has thus laid a foundational geological model, enabling Lithium Energy to better target areas where lithium-rich brines may accumulate within sedimentary aquifers adjacent to bounding faults.
Next Steps – Magnetotelluric Survey and Drilling
Building on these encouraging results, Lithium Energy plans to conduct a Magnetotelluric (MT) survey next. This technique measures natural variations in the Earth's electromagnetic fields to image subsurface electrical conductivity, which helps distinguish hypersaline lithium brines from surrounding rock formations. The MT survey will focus on selected portions of the White Plains area to refine high-priority drill targets.
Following the MT survey, the company intends to initiate a drilling campaign aimed at confirming the presence, distribution, and geochemical characteristics of lithium-bearing brines. This phase will provide critical data to support the delineation of a maiden JORC Mineral Resource and inform future feasibility studies.
Strategic Implications
White Plains sits within a geologically promising region shaped by ancient lake systems and extensional tectonics, factors conducive to lithium brine accumulation. Lithium Energy’s methodical approach; combining passive seismic and MT surveys before drilling; reflects a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge geophysical tools to de-risk exploration and efficiently identify economic lithium deposits. Executive Chairman William Johnson emphasised the importance of integrating these techniques to unlock the project’s full potential.
While no drilling results or direct lithium assays have yet been reported, the current geophysical data provide a compelling rationale for advancing exploration. The project’s progress will be closely watched by investors and industry observers keen on new lithium supply sources amid growing demand for battery metals.
Bottom Line?
With geophysical groundwork complete, Lithium Energy is poised to drill into Utah’s promising lithium brine basin, potentially reshaping its resource outlook.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the Magnetotelluric survey reveal about the extent and concentration of lithium brines?
- How soon can Lithium Energy commence drilling, and what initial results might be expected?
- What are the potential challenges in translating geophysical data into a defined JORC Mineral Resource?
