170m Lithium Mineralisation Confirmed at Red Mountain by Astute Metals
Astute Metals reports a major lithium discovery at its Red Mountain project in Nevada, intersecting over 170 metres of mineralisation and setting the stage for a maiden resource estimate by year-end.
- Drill-hole RMDD008 intersects 170.4m lithium mineralisation across six zones
- High-grade intervals include 62.4m at 1,210ppm lithium and 33.8m at 1,130ppm lithium
- April drilling campaign extends mineralisation 630m north and to depths beyond 180m
- Next drilling phase planned to support maiden Mineral Resource Estimate by end of 2025
- Project shows strong leachability and beneficiation potential, positioning it among top US lithium clay projects
A Breakthrough at Red Mountain
Astute Metals NL (ASX – ASE) has announced a significant milestone in its exploration of the Red Mountain Lithium Project in Nevada, USA. The latest assay results from drill-hole RMDD008 reveal a combined 170.4 metres of lithium mineralisation spread across six distinct zones. This substantial intercept includes high-grade sections such as 62.4 metres at 1,210 parts per million (ppm) lithium and 33.8 metres at 1,130ppm lithium, underscoring the project's robust potential.
Extending the Known Lithium Horizon
The April 2025 drilling campaign, now complete with these final results, has successfully extended the known lithium mineralisation footprint by approximately 630 metres northward and to depths exceeding 180 metres. Previous standout holes from this campaign, including RMDD003 and RMDD007, delivered some of the highest-grade and widest lithium intersections recorded at Red Mountain to date, reinforcing the project's status as a leading lithium clay deposit in the United States.
Geological Context and Metallurgical Promise
Hosted within clay-bearing mudstones, siltstones, and sandstones, the lithium mineralisation at Red Mountain is interpreted to be part of an extensive lacustrine sedimentary system known as the Horse Camp Formation. This geological setting is analogous to other major lithium deposits in Nevada, such as Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass project. Importantly, preliminary metallurgical testwork indicates high lithium leachability rates of up to 98%, alongside successful beneficiation trials, suggesting the mineralisation could be economically processed into lithium carbonate, a key battery material.
Looking Ahead – Towards a Maiden Resource
With these encouraging results, Astute Metals is now designing a follow-up drilling program focused on the northern and other high-grade zones of the project. The goal is to gather sufficient data to support a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) by the end of calendar year 2025. This resource estimate will be a critical step in advancing Red Mountain from exploration towards development, potentially adding a significant new lithium supply source in the US market.
Strategic Significance
Chairman Tony Leibowitz highlighted the importance of these findings, noting that the consistent high-grade intercepts set Red Mountain apart from many other lithium clay projects in the country. As global demand for lithium intensifies, driven by the electric vehicle and battery storage sectors, projects like Red Mountain could play a pivotal role in securing domestic supply chains.
Bottom Line?
Astute Metals’ latest drilling success at Red Mountain propels the project closer to a maiden resource, with market eyes now on upcoming drilling and resource announcements.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming drilling campaign refine the understanding of lithium distribution and grade continuity?
- What are the economic implications of the high leachability and beneficiation results for future processing costs?
- Could Red Mountain’s lithium resource position Astute Metals as a key player in the US lithium supply chain amid growing demand?
