Fulcrum Lithium Confirms Extensive Lithium Mineralisation at Alkali Flats with Imminent Resource Estimate

Alkali Flats Drilling Confirms Robust Lithium Mineralisation

Fulcrum Lithium Ltd (ASX:FUL) has delivered a significant boost to its Nevada lithium ambitions with assay results from its Phase 3 drilling program at the Alkali Flats project. Of the 39 holes drilled, 34 intersected lithium mineralisation above 300ppm, including thick continuous zones reaching up to 147.9 metres and peak grades exceeding 1,100ppm lithium. Key intersections such as hole AF3-E25 returned 19.8 metres at 903ppm Li and AF3-E18 posted 24.8 metres at 862ppm Li, underscoring the deposit’s scale and grade.

This latest drilling effort quintupled the data density in the core project area, reducing hole spacing from 2,000 metres to 600 metres and significantly enhancing geological confidence. The thick, continuous lithium-bearing claystone body now covers at least 32 square kilometres, with mineralisation open in multiple directions, setting the stage for the company’s eagerly awaited maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), expected imminently.

Encouraging Metallurgical Results Support Processing Prospects

Complementing the drilling success, metallurgical test work on composite samples from prior phases has yielded promising lithium extraction rates. Acid-cured mini-column leach tests achieved between 93% and 96% lithium recovery within seven days at ambient temperatures, a notable result that suggests efficient, low-energy processing routes may be feasible. Additional beneficiation techniques such as hydrocyclone separation and alcohol screening demonstrated mass and carbonate reductions, potentially lowering acid consumption in processing.

The metallurgical program is ongoing, with further testing of Phase 3 drill core samples planned to refine processing methods and optimise recovery.

Dry Canyon Exploration Uncovers Large-Scale Lithium Claystone Targets

Meanwhile, at Fulcrum’s Dry Canyon project, geophysical surveying using Controlled-Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotelluric (CSAMT) techniques has revealed extensive, shallow lithium claystone targets. The survey data indicates claystone units exceeding 500 metres in thickness at their thickest points and extending broadly across the 45 square kilometre project area. Surface sampling has already identified high-grade lithium values, including assays above 1,000ppm Li.

Encouraged by these findings, Fulcrum expanded its claim holdings at Dry Canyon by 335 lode claims during the quarter, securing a total of 536 claims. The company is progressing drill program planning and has submitted permit applications to the US Bureau of Land Management, aiming to test these newly defined targets in an upcoming maiden drilling campaign.

Corporate and Financial Position

On the corporate front, Fulcrum announced the retirement of director and company secretary Peter J. Nightingale, with Marcelo Mora appointed as the new company secretary. Operationally, the company spent $918,000 during the quarter, primarily on exploration and corporate administration, with no production or development expenditures reported. Cash reserves stood at $1.784 million at quarter-end, providing nearly two quarters of funding at current expenditure levels.

Fulcrum’s projects are located on federally administered public lands in Nevada, with claim maintenance costs and regulatory compliance ongoing. The company confirmed no material changes to prior technical assumptions underpinning its exploration results.