Astute Metals Uncovers High-Grade Lithium Anomaly at Red Mountain Extension

Emerging Lithium Potential at Red Mountain Extension

Astute Metals NL (ASX, ASE) has revealed compelling new exploration results from its 100%-owned Red Mountain Extension Lithium Project in Nevada. Recent surface sampling campaigns have identified a robust lithium-in-soil anomaly stretching approximately 2.1 kilometres in length and 1 kilometre in width, with soil lithium concentrations peaking at an impressive 1,080 parts per million (ppm).

Complementing these soil results, rock chip sampling has confirmed the presence of lithium mineralisation in the underlying bedrock, with grades reaching up to 2,690ppm. These findings suggest a continuation of the lithium-bearing host rocks from the adjacent Red Mountain discovery southwards into the Extension area, reinforcing the project's potential as a significant lithium source.

Strategic Focus and Claim Optimisation

In light of these encouraging results, Astute Metals has undertaken a strategic review of its Nevada lithium claims. The company has decided to reduce the footprint of its Red Mountain and Red Mountain Extension claims by relinquishing peripheral areas deemed less prospective for economic lithium mineralisation. Additionally, the Cobre Project claims have been entirely relinquished to concentrate capital and operational focus on the flagship Red Mountain project.

Chairman Tony Leibowitz highlighted the foresight in staking the Red Mountain Extension in 2024, noting the discovery of high-grade lithium-bearing rocks validates this decision. The company’s renewed focus aims to accelerate progress towards a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate and further development milestones.

Regulatory Landscape and Exploration Outlook

The Red Mountain Extension lies within a federally designated Wilderness Study Area (WSA), where surface-disturbing exploration is currently prohibited. However, a draft Nye County Public Lands Bill, if passed by the US Congress, would reclassify this area to allow multiple uses, including ground-disturbing activities such as drilling. Astute Metals has expressed support for this legislation and is poised to advance exploration rapidly should the bill become law.

Meanwhile, the company has secured drilling approvals from the Bureau of Land Management for its Needles Gold Project and filed a Notice of Intent for drilling at Red Mountain, with approvals expected shortly. Upcoming reverse circulation drilling campaigns will provide critical data to underpin a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate, a key value inflection point for investors.

Context Within Nevada’s Lithium Landscape

Situated in central-eastern Nevada, the Red Mountain project area is geologically analogous to other major lithium deposits hosted in tertiary lacustrine sediments, such as Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass and American Battery Technology Corporation’s Tonopah Flats. Astute’s exploration success to date, including high-grade rock chip assays and strong soil anomalies, positions Red Mountain as a promising contender in the competitive Nevada lithium sector.

With high leachability test results and beneficiation potential already demonstrated, the project’s technical fundamentals complement the strategic and regulatory developments, setting the stage for potential resource growth and commercialisation.