Askari Metals Launches Tin-Tantalum Exploration at Uis EPL 7626 Licence

Phase 1 Exploration Launches at Strategic EPL 7626 Licence

Askari Metals (ASX:AS2) has initiated its Phase 1 field exploration program at the wholly owned EPL 7626 licence, a key part of the Uis Project in Namibia’s Erongo Region. This licence is strategically contiguous with the operating Uis Tin Mine, owned by Andrada Mining (LSE: ATM), which boasts a substantial JORC (2012) Mineral Resource Estimate of 77.51 million tonnes grading 0.79% lithium oxide, 0.15% tin, and 82 ppm tantalum. The exploration campaign targets polymetallic mineralisation including tin, tantalum, rubidium, caesium, and lithium, focusing on detecting buried LCT (lithium-cesium-tantalum) pegmatites beneath surface cover.

Remote Sensing and Soil Sampling to Uncover Buried Pegmatites

The Phase 1 program comprises detailed geological mapping, rock chip sampling, and a licence-wide soil geochemical sampling campaign covering approximately 68 square kilometres. This soil survey employs a 400 by 40 metre grid, designed to identify geochemical halos indicative of concealed pegmatites. Askari’s Africa-based exploration team, led by Senior Geologist Boniface Katanga, is utilising an in-house remote sensing methodology developed from high-resolution Sentinel-2 multispectral satellite imagery. This hyperspectral technique, enhanced by Principal Component Analysis and decorrelation stretch processing, has successfully delineated lithological zones with spectral signatures matching known Sn-Ta pegmatite-hosting mica schists mapped on the company’s adjacent EPL 7345 licence.

These interpretations suggest that the mineralised trend extends northeastwards from EPL 7345 through the Uis Tin Mine and onto EPL 7626, albeit beneath surface cover. This geospatial insight underpins the soil sampling design and aims to pinpoint high-priority targets for subsequent systematic trenching.

On-Site LIBS Technology Accelerates Assay Turnaround

Sample processing and analysis will be conducted on-site using Askari’s proprietary Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and pellet press equipment. This approach enables rapid, cost-effective geochemical screening, facilitating real-time decision-making and efficient prioritisation of anomalies for follow-up work. The field program, including sample collection and receipt of initial results, is expected to be completed within approximately three months.

Executive Director Gino D’Anna highlighted the advantage of this integrated exploration model, stating that the hyperspectral technique “accurately defines all outcropping and sub-outcropping pegmatites” and has generated a pipeline of new targets on EPL 7345 and EPL 8535. Leveraging the same model, the company is now applying it to EPL 7626 to expand its exploration footprint.

Broader Uis Project Strategy and Upcoming Work

Beyond EPL 7626, Askari plans a suite of follow-up activities across the Uis Project, including second-phase infill soil sampling, initial trenching programs on EPL 7626 and EPL 8535, and reverse circulation drilling on EPL 7345. These efforts aim to systematically test and delineate polymetallic mineralisation, building on recent trenching successes that confirmed robust tin, tantalum, lithium, rubidium, and caesium mineralisation across the project area. This exploration momentum complements the company’s parallel strategy advancing its Nejo copper and gold project in Ethiopia, where a maiden drilling campaign is underway.

The commencement of the EPL 7626 program follows a string of positive exploration updates, including the confirmation of continuous polymetallic mineralisation at nearby pegmatite targets and detailed trenching results that underpin planned drilling later this year. These developments occur alongside Askari’s efforts to maintain a clean balance sheet and secure strategic partnerships, such as the backing from lithium industry heavyweight Huayou Cobalt.

Given the proximity to Andrada Mining’s operating mine and the well-established infrastructure including the Walvis Bay deep-water port, EPL 7626’s exploration results could be pivotal in defining a valuable polymetallic resource. The integration of advanced remote sensing and on-site LIBS analysis sets Askari apart in the competitive lithium and tin exploration landscape.