Charger Metals Confirms Deeper Lithium Mineralisation at Medcalf

Deeper Lithium Zones Confirmed at Medcalf

Charger Metals NL (ASX:CHR) has unveiled diamond and reverse circulation drilling results that push the boundaries of lithium mineralisation at its Medcalf Spodumene Deposit, part of the 100%-owned Lake Johnston Lithium and Gold Project in Western Australia. The latest assays reveal spodumene-pegmatite lodes extending from surface to depths of 600 to 700 metres down dip, significantly beyond the maiden resource footprint.

The March quarter drilling campaign, comprising 3,418 metres across 75 holes, has delivered combined spodumene widths ranging between 10 and 32 metres with lithium oxide (Li2O) grades averaging above 1%. Notable intercepts include 32 metres at 1.06% Li2O from hole CLMRC064DT and 20.7 metres at 0.93% Li2O from CLMRC065DT, underpinning the deposit’s continuity and thickness improvements at depth.

Resource Upgrade on the Horizon

Managing Director Bryan Dixon highlighted the implications of these results: "Medcalf has outcropping spodumene mineralisation over 700 metres of strike and the recent diamond drilling has confirmed lithium mineralisation 600 to 700 metres down dip. As we drill deeper at Medcalf we are seeing better widths and lode continuity." The company is now revising the Medcalf Lithium Resource upwards from the maiden 8.2 million tonnes at 1.0% Li2O, with the updated estimate expected in the coming weeks.

The deposit’s geometry, with stacked spodumene-bearing pegmatites dipping at 45 degrees, lends itself well to open pit mining, a factor that could enhance project economics. The Medcalf deposit’s proximity to four spodumene concentration plants and the Esperance Port, approximately 200 kilometres away, further supports logistical advantages.

Gold Exploration Yields No New Hits

While lithium drilling has been promising, follow-up work at the Xmas Gold Prospect within the Lake Johnston project returned no significant new gold intercepts. Two additional holes targeting the high-grade zone that previously yielded 3 metres at 18.0 g/t gold failed to extend mineralisation, indicating the gold discovery remains narrow and isolated for now.

Charger’s broader Lake Johnston tenure includes other lithium targets such as Medcalf West and Mt Gordon, where exploration continues. The company’s lithium projects benefit from the regional infrastructure and the strong lithium price environment, which has surged over 160% in the past year, reinforcing market optimism around these assets.

The recent drilling results build on previous successes, including the extension of spodumene mineralisation to 600-700 metres depth and high-grade intersections at Medcalf West, supporting an anticipated resource upgrade. This momentum follows a series of announcements confirming growing lithium resources and exploration potential across Charger’s portfolio Medcalf lithium resource at 8.2Mt and Medcalf West Drill Results Extend Spodumene Mineralisation.

Technical Rigor and Regional Context

The drilling campaign employed industry-standard diamond and RC methods, with samples analysed by Intertek Laboratories using near-total digestion techniques suitable for lithium and tantalum assays. Quality control measures included field duplicates, certified reference materials, and independent verification of significant intersections, ensuring data integrity.

Geologically, the Medcalf deposit lies within the Yilgarn Craton’s Lake Johnston granite batholith corridor, a prolific lithium and tantalum province. The deposit’s LCT pegmatite style mineralisation is consistent with regional analogues such as the Mt Holland Earl Grey project, which boasts ore reserves of 189 million tonnes at 1.5% Li2O.