Charger Metals Pushes Medcalf Lithium Project Forward with Mining Lease Application

Mining Lease Application Signals Development Ambitions

Charger Metals NL (ASX – CHR) has taken a significant step forward in advancing its Lake Johnston Lithium and Gold Project by lodging a Mining Lease Application (MLA) for the Medcalf Spodumene Deposit and the adjacent Medcalf West Exploration Target. This move formalises the company’s intent to develop a future mining operation on its 100% owned tenements in Western Australia’s prolific Yilgarn Province.

The MLA covers a substantial area of 3,644 hectares on traditional Ngadju lands, underscoring Charger’s commitment to respectful engagement with Indigenous custodians. The Medcalf deposit itself boasts a maiden Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 8.2 million tonnes at 1.0% lithium oxide (Li2O), a grade that positions it competitively within the global spodumene landscape.

Exploration Target and Drilling Plans

Beyond the established resource, Charger has identified a promising Exploration Target at Medcalf West, estimated between 3 and 5 million tonnes grading 1.0% to 1.4% Li2O. While still conceptual and requiring further drilling to confirm, this target highlights the potential for resource expansion in an area with limited prior exploration.

To unlock this potential, Charger plans to commence a diamond and reverse circulation drilling program in January 2026, with approvals already secured for over 40 holes. This campaign aims to test extensions of the existing Medcalf resource and to infill drill beneath the outcropping spodumene pegmatites at Medcalf West, potentially increasing the resource base and enhancing project economics.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantages

Medcalf’s location within the world’s largest spodumene province offers significant logistical advantages. The deposit lies within trucking distance of four existing spodumene concentrate plants and is relatively close to the Port of Esperance, a major export hub. This proximity could reduce capital expenditure and operational costs compared to more remote projects.

Charger envisions initial open pit mining transitioning to underground operations to minimise environmental footprint, with plans for a potential on-site spodumene concentration plant. The MLA area includes space for essential infrastructure such as waste dumps, tailings storage, power stations, and haul roads, indicating a comprehensive approach to future mine development.

Market Context and Outlook

The timing of this application coincides with a strong lithium market, where spodumene concentrate prices have surged by 82% in the current calendar year. This market backdrop enhances the commercial attractiveness of the Lake Johnston project and supports Charger’s strategy to expand and advance its lithium assets.

Charger’s Managing Director Bryan Dixon emphasised the company’s confidence in resource growth potential and the value of systematic exploration efforts over the past two years. The upcoming drilling campaign will be closely watched by investors eager for updates on resource expansion and project feasibility.