Pioneer Lithium Unveils High-Priority Targets at Idaho’s North Pine Project

Strategic Exploration Advances in Idaho

Pioneer Lithium Ltd (ASX – PLN) has completed a comprehensive geophysical and geological interpretation of its North Pine Project in Idaho, revealing multiple high-priority exploration targets. The independent review, conducted by Mitre Geophysics Pty Ltd, synthesised decades of legacy data and academic research to establish a robust mineral systems framework for the project.

The North Pine Project now stands as one of the largest contiguous critical minerals ventures in Idaho’s central mineral belt, targeting tungsten, antimony, gold, and associated polymetallic mineralisation. These commodities are increasingly vital, with antimony and tungsten designated by the US government as critical to national security and defence supply chains.

Key Prospects and Geological Insights

The Springfield Prospect emerges as a standout target, hosting a scheelite-bearing, pyrrhotite-rich skarn system historically mined in the 1950s. Its location at the southwestern termination of the Big Creek–Thunder Mountain extensional graben creates a structurally favourable setting for concealed mineralised lenses both along strike and at depth. The prospect’s strong electrical conductivity makes it highly amenable to airborne electromagnetic surveys, with a VTEM survey planned to refine drill targets.

At Silver Cliffs, Pioneer confirmed a large shear-controlled mineralised corridor associated with potassic alteration linked to a significant Laramide mineralising event. The scale and continuity of this alteration suggest strong potential for a substantial antimony system. However, legacy geophysical data are too coarse to resolve detailed structures, prompting plans for high-resolution helimagnetic and radiometric surveys to delineate drill targets.

The Northman Prospect shares structural similarities with the nearby Yellow Pine–Stibnite system, known for its shear-hosted antimony, tungsten, and gold mineralisation. Pioneer’s field reconnaissance identified promising shear zones and quartz veining, with further high-resolution geophysics slated to refine exploration focus.

Strategic Positioning and Processing Advantages

Notably, the Silver Cliffs extension claims surround Resolution Minerals’ recently acquired Johnson Creek Tungsten & Antimony Mill. This proximity offers potential downstream processing synergies and value leverage for future development, an advantage that could accelerate project economics.

Pioneer has physically staked 227 lode claims covering approximately 18.37 square kilometres, though tenure remains subject to final confirmation by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The company is advancing a near-term work program including detailed airborne geophysical surveys and geochemical assays, with results expected by late November or early December.

Looking Ahead

CEO Michael Beven emphasised the clarity the technical review brings to Pioneer’s exploration strategy, highlighting the potential for additional concealed mineralisation and the value of upcoming high-resolution surveys to sharpen drill targeting. As the North Pine Project progresses, it positions Pioneer Lithium at the forefront of critical mineral exploration in a geopolitically strategic region.