First Lithium (ASX: $FL1) reports high-grade lithium results from Blakala prospect

First Lithium Limited (ASX: $FL1) has announced the receipt of exceptional assay results for diamond drill holes BDFS04 to BDFS15 at its priority 1 Blakala lithium prospect in the Gouna permit, Mali. The results include a 63.5 m intersection at 1.45% Li2O, with a 27.5 m intersection at 2.07% Li2O, further validating the visual estimates of spodumene % in the cores. The Main Pegmatite body continues to show high-grade mineralisation, with the strike confirmed at approximately 960 m and open to North and South, pending assays.

Executive commentary on the assay results

FL1 Managing Director, Venkat Padala, stated, 'The assay results provided support to the visual estimates indicated at the time of drilling. The mineralised intersections are really starting to create a picture of the potential of this project and the scope of the discovery. Drilling continues and is almost 70% complete with the program expected to be finalised in February. This will provide FL1 a very clear runway to its maiden resource being available sometime in the first half of 2024.'

Summary of the assay results and outlook

The exceptional assay results from diamond drill holes BDFS04 to BDFS15 at the Blakala prospect demonstrate the high to very high-grade lithium mineralisation, further validating the visual estimates. The Main Pegmatite body remains open to the North and South and at depth, with additional pegmatite bodies intersected to the East and West, also open in multiple directions. The Company aims to achieve its maiden JORC Mineral Resource targeted for mid-2024, leveraging the ongoing drilling and assay results to grow the exceptional grade resource at Blakala. FL1 emphasizes the importance of laboratory chemical assays to determine the grade of mineralisation, acknowledging the uncertainty in reporting visual results. The Company's commitment to sustainable development and environmentally sensitive practices aligns with its dedication to positively impacting local communities while meeting the global demand for lithium.