Fulcrum Lithium has launched its largest drilling campaign yet at the Alkali Flats project in Nevada, aiming to expand and refine its lithium resource ahead of a maiden estimate.
- Phase 3 drilling program commenced with over 30 planned holes
- Combination of reverse circulation and core drilling to enhance data quality
- Focus on extending known lithium mineralisation and infill drilling
- Drilling supports upcoming maiden Mineral Resource Estimate
- Project located near established lithium operations in a mining-friendly US jurisdiction
Fulcrum Lithium Advances Alkali Flats Exploration
Fulcrum Lithium Ltd (ASX – FUL) has initiated the Phase 3 drilling program at its Alkali Flats lithium project in Esmeralda County, Nevada. This marks the company’s most ambitious drilling campaign to date, with over 30 holes planned using a combination of reverse circulation (RC) and core drilling rigs. The program aims to both extend the boundaries of known lithium mineralisation and infill gaps from previous drilling phases.
Strategic Importance of the Drilling Campaign
The Alkali Flats project, wholly owned by Fulcrum, covers approximately 66 square kilometres on federally administered land. Its location is strategically significant, lying close to other major lithium projects such as Tonopah Flats and TLC, and just 10 kilometres from the Silver Peak lithium mine; the only operational lithium mine in the United States. This proximity places Alkali Flats within a proven lithium-rich geological setting, enhancing its potential value.
The Phase 3 drilling is designed to increase the density of drill holes in the core of the deposit, reducing spacing from around 2,000 metres to 600 metres. This increased data resolution is critical for developing a robust maiden Mineral Resource Estimate, which will integrate geological, geophysical, and engineering data collected to date.
Technical and Operational Insights
Fulcrum’s COO, Scott Keenan, highlighted the multi-rig approach as a means to efficiently gather key data. The inclusion of core drilling will provide essential geotechnical information to inform pit slope design, while reverse circulation drilling will continue to delineate the extent of lithium claystone mineralisation. The program also builds on recent geophysical surveys, notably the Controlled-Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotelluric (CSAMT) survey, which indicated that mineralisation remains open in all directions.
Beyond resource definition, the drilling will supply core samples for ongoing metallurgical studies, a vital step in assessing the economic viability of the deposit. These studies will help determine the best processing methods and potential recovery rates for lithium extraction.
Looking Ahead
Fulcrum’s Phase 3 drilling program represents a critical phase in maturing the Alkali Flats project from discovery towards development. The results will not only underpin the maiden resource estimate but also contribute to de-risking the project ahead of potential future investment or development decisions. Given the growing demand for lithium driven by electric vehicle and battery markets, Alkali Flats is well positioned to attract attention as it advances.
Bottom Line?
Fulcrum’s expanded drilling at Alkali Flats sets the stage for a pivotal resource update that could reshape its lithium prospects.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate be released following Phase 3 drilling?
- How will metallurgical results influence the project's economic outlook?
- What are the potential timelines for advancing Alkali Flats towards production?