Chariot Resources Ltd (ASX: CC9) has independently confirmed the presence of spodumene and pollucite in verification samples from its Fonlo and Iganna lithium projects in Nigeria, reinforcing the interpretation of these sites as lithium-caesium-tantalum pegmatite systems and informing upcoming metallurgical and exploration activities.
- Spodumene identified in all six verification samples from Fonlo and Iganna
- Pollucite detected in high-caesium Iganna samples, up to 9.5 wt%
- Results support lithium-caesium-tantalum pegmatite model for projects
- Findings guide planned metallurgical testwork and drilling preparations
- Acquisition of Nigerian lithium portfolio pending completion and approvals
Independent Mineralogical Confirmation at Fonlo and Iganna
Chariot Resources Ltd (ASX:CC9) has announced that independent quantitative mineralogical analysis by the University of British Columbia (UBC) has confirmed the presence of spodumene in all six previously disclosed verification samples from its Fonlo and Iganna lithium projects in southwest Nigeria. The analysis, conducted using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement, quantified spodumene abundances ranging from 28.4 wt% to 75.3 wt% of identified crystalline phases across the samples. Additionally, pollucite was identified in the highest-caesium Iganna samples, with concentrations up to 9.5 wt% in one sample.
This mineralogical work provides a technical foundation for Chariot’s interpretation of Fonlo and Iganna as lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite systems, a classification that aligns with the elevated caesium values previously reported in certain Iganna samples. The findings are a key input for the Company’s planned metallurgical testwork and ongoing exploration strategy.
Sample Details and Mineralogy Insights
The six verification samples analysed included three from Fonlo and three from Iganna. At Fonlo, spodumene content ranged from 34.1 wt% to 53.1 wt%, accompanied primarily by quartz and plagioclase gangue minerals. Iganna samples showed more variability: one sample contained a mixed assemblage of spodumene, plagioclase, quartz, and mica, while two others were spodumene-dominant with significant pollucite presence. Minor amblygonite-montebrasite was also flagged in one Iganna sample, though with low confidence.
Notably, lepidolite was not identified in these six samples, although Chariot has previously observed visual indications of lepidolite and lithium mica in the Iganna pegmatites. The absence of lepidolite in this limited sample set does not preclude its presence elsewhere on the project.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
These mineralogical results enhance Chariot’s geological model and provide a clearer basis for designing metallurgical testwork to assess lithium recovery potential. The Company plans to integrate these findings with assay data, mapping, and field observations to refine geological targeting at Fonlo and Iganna. Exploration activities, including surface work and drill planning, will continue subject to acquisition completion, regulatory approvals, and funding availability.
The Nigerian lithium portfolio acquisition, which includes Fonlo, Iganna, Gbugbu, and Saki projects, remains pending completion. This portfolio covers approximately 254 square kilometres across Oyo and Kwara states and represents one of the largest lithium asset holdings in Nigeria. The acquisition was materially de-risked by Nigerian Government approval for licence transfers announced in March 2026.
Chariot’s recent capital raising efforts, including a $2.15 million placement in March 2026, have been directed towards advancing this acquisition and exploration program. These efforts followed a secured loan facility obtained in late March to refinance existing debt and support working capital needs, underscoring the Company’s commitment to progressing its Nigerian lithium ambitions. The integration of mineralogical data into exploration planning follows these financial moves and supports the Company’s phased small-scale mining pathway previously outlined.
In a broader market context, the confirmation of spodumene and pollucite at Fonlo and Iganna aligns with Chariot’s strategy to develop high-grade, near-surface lithium resources in emerging jurisdictions. The mineralogical clarity provided by UBC’s analysis is a critical step toward assessing the economic potential of these deposits, although further metallurgical testing and drilling are required to establish resource continuity, recoveries, and scale.
Bottom Line?
Chariot’s independent mineralogical confirmation at Fonlo and Iganna strengthens its exploration foundation but highlights the need for further metallurgical and drilling work to define resource potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will metallurgical testwork results influence the economic viability of the Fonlo and Iganna projects?
- What is the timeline for completing the Nigerian lithium portfolio acquisition and commencing drilling activities?
- How might the presence of pollucite affect processing strategies and lithium recovery at Iganna?