Weather and Lower Grades Challenge Chariot’s Black Mountain Lithium Ambitions
Chariot Corporation has completed its Phase 2 drilling at the Black Mountain lithium project in Wyoming, revealing a more intricate pegmatite system with modest lithium grades and outlining clear targets for further exploration.
- Phase 2 drilling completed with 20 reverse circulation holes totaling 783.6 meters
- Lithium mineralization >0.5% Li2O intersected in five holes in Northern Crest area
- Southern Crest pegmatite outcrops confirmed, targeted for future drilling
- Complex pegmatite vein system with shallow southwest dip identified
- Base metal mineralization (notably zinc) encountered but deprioritized
Phase 2 Drilling Wraps Up Amid Weather Challenges
Chariot Corporation has announced the completion of its Phase 2 drilling campaign at the Black Mountain lithium project in Wyoming, USA. The program comprised 20 reverse circulation percussion drill holes, totaling 783.6 meters, focused primarily on the Northern Crest and Northwest Flank areas due to winter weather and access constraints that limited the originally planned 43 holes.
Lithium Grades Modest but Geological Complexity Emerges
The drilling intersected lithium mineralization exceeding 0.5% lithium oxide (Li2O) in five holes within the Northern Crest portion of the project. While these grades are lower than initially anticipated, the results revealed a more complex pegmatite system than previously understood. Notably, the pegmatite veins exhibit a shallow dip to the southwest, contradicting earlier interpretations of a northwest dip. This new insight suggests potential mineralized extensions to the south of the currently drilled areas.
Southern Crest Remains a Key Target
Geological mapping confirmed the presence of spodumene-bearing pegmatite outcrops in the Southern Crest area, which was inaccessible for drilling during this phase due to icy road conditions. These outcrops have previously yielded high-grade lithium samples, with assays ranging from 2.04% to 6.68% Li2O. Chariot plans to prioritise drilling in this area in upcoming programs to better evaluate its lithium potential.
Base Metals Encountered but Not a Focus
In addition to lithium, the drilling identified intervals of base metal mineralization, particularly zinc averaging 0.57% over a 24.8-meter interval in one hole. Copper was also detected at low levels. However, Chariot has indicated that further drilling will not target these base metals at this stage, maintaining focus on lithium exploration.
Next Steps and Strategic Outlook
With the Phase 2 program providing valuable geological insights but limited by weather and access, Chariot is preparing for further drilling to test the Southern Crest pegmatites and to fill the 150-meter gap between the Northern Crest and Northwest Flank areas. These efforts aim to clarify the extent and continuity of lithium mineralization, which is critical before advancing toward any resource estimation or pilot mining plans.
Bottom Line?
Chariot’s evolving understanding of Black Mountain’s geology sets the stage for targeted drilling that could unlock more substantial lithium resources.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming drilling in the Southern Crest area confirm higher-grade lithium zones?
- How will the revised pegmatite orientation impact resource modelling and mine planning?
- Could base metal mineralization at Black Mountain gain strategic importance in the future?
