Medcalf Drilling Extends Lithium Mineralisation to 700m Depth with 1.33% Li2O Intercept
Charger Metals has reported significant new spodumene-pegmatite lithium mineralisation at its Medcalf Deposit, extending known resources and promising a resource upgrade. Recent drilling results reveal deeper and wider lithium zones, reinforcing the project’s potential.
- 3,418m of combined diamond and RC drilling completed this quarter
- New spodumene-pegmatite lodes discovered outside existing resource
- Lithium mineralisation extended down dip by 160m to 700m depth
- Initial assays show grades up to 1.33% Li2O with tantalum by-products
- Resource upgrade expected following receipt of all assay results
Expanding the Medcalf Lithium Footprint
Charger Metals NL (ASX:CHR) has delivered promising news from its Lake Johnston Lithium and Gold Project in Western Australia, with recent drilling at the Medcalf Spodumene Deposit uncovering significant new lithium mineralisation. Over 3,400 metres of combined diamond and reverse circulation (RC) drilling this quarter has extended the known lithium-bearing pegmatite swarm both laterally and at depth.
Notably, hole CLMRC064DT intercepted new spodumene-pegmatite lodes in the hanging wall outside the current resource boundary, including an 11-metre interval grading 0.81% lithium oxide (Li2O) and a 2-metre interval at 1.33% Li2O. These results suggest the deposit’s footprint is larger than previously understood.
Depth and Scale: A Growing Deposit
The drilling program has extended mineralisation down dip by approximately 160 metres, reaching a total depth of 700 metres. This is a substantial increase from earlier estimates and highlights the deposit’s vertical continuity. The pegmatite swarm extends from surface at a roughly 45-degree dip, making it amenable to open pit mining methods, which typically offer lower extraction costs.
Previous diamond drilling up dip has returned high-grade intersections averaging 1.44% Li2O, reinforcing the potential for a high-quality resource. The strike length of mineralisation now exceeds 700 metres, indicating a sizeable and continuous lithium system.
Towards a Resource Upgrade and Metallurgical Testing
Charger Metals anticipates updating the Medcalf inferred resource, currently estimated at 8.2 million tonnes at 1.0% Li2O, once all assay results are received in the coming weeks. This upgrade will be critical for refining the project’s valuation and development plans.
Additionally, the company plans to commence metallurgical and ore sorting test work on diamond core samples shortly, with initial results expected in the June 2026 quarter. These tests will provide insight into the processing characteristics of the ore, essential for assessing economic viability.
Strategic Location and Next Steps
The Medcalf Deposit’s proximity; approximately 200 kilometres trucking distance; to the Esperance Port enhances its logistical appeal. Charger Metals’ ongoing drilling and exploration efforts at Lake Johnston continue to build a compelling case for the project’s advancement.
While visual estimates of spodumene mineralisation have been encouraging, the company rightly cautions that laboratory assays remain the definitive measure of grade and quality. Investors will be watching closely for the full assay suite and subsequent resource update.
Bottom Line?
As Charger Metals awaits final assay results, the Medcalf Deposit’s expanding lithium footprint could reshape its development trajectory and market positioning.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming assay results impact the overall resource classification and grade?
- What do initial metallurgical test results reveal about ore processing and recovery rates?
- Could further drilling at Medcalf West unlock additional lithium resources adjacent to Medcalf?
