95m Lithium Intersection at Red Mountain Signals Growing Resource Potential

Broadest Lithium Intersection to Date

Astute Metals NL (ASX, ASE) has unveiled assay results from two recent drill holes at its 100%-owned Red Mountain Lithium Project in Nevada, USA, revealing the widest single lithium mineralisation intersection recorded at the site. Drill hole RMDD007 returned a remarkable 95 metres grading 1,340 parts per million (ppm) lithium, equivalent to 0.72% lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), starting from 54.9 metres depth. This intercept surpasses previous drilling results and highlights the project's growing significance in the lithium clay sector.

Multiple High-Grade Zones Confirmed

Alongside the standout RMDD007 hole, RMDD006 also delivered multiple lithium-bearing intervals, including a 31.8-metre section grading 1,120ppm lithium. Both holes intersected lithium mineralisation hosted in clay-bearing mudstone, sandstone, and conglomerate, consistent with the geological model of lithium-enriched lacustrine sediments typical of Nevada’s basin and range province. The results affirm the continuity and strike extent of the lithium horizon mid-project, with RMDD007 acting as a twin to a previous hole and confirming the broadening of prospective stratigraphy.

Emerging Lithium Zones and Next Steps

In addition to drilling, rock chip sampling has identified a new, previously untested zone of lithium potential approximately 500 metres east of the main mineralised trend. This discovery opens fresh exploration avenues within the project area. Assay results for two further drill holes from the April campaign are pending and expected in July, which will be integrated with existing data to refine the geological understanding and guide upcoming drilling programs.

Strategic Importance and Future Outlook

Located in a region hosting some of the largest lithium clay deposits in the US, such as Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass Project, Red Mountain benefits from a favourable geological setting. Previous metallurgical testwork has demonstrated high lithium leachability of up to 98%, enhancing the project's economic prospects. Astute Metals plans to incorporate these latest results into a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate by the end of 2025, a critical milestone that could elevate the project's profile among lithium investors and battery materials supply chains.

Industry Context

The lithium carbonate market remains robust, with prices hovering around US$8,359 per tonne as of June 2025. Projects like Red Mountain, which offer broad, high-grade lithium intersections in claystone deposits, are increasingly attractive given the global push for electric vehicle battery supply security. Astute Metals’ ongoing exploration success positions it well to capitalize on this demand surge.