Metals Australia (ASX:MLS) identifies spodumene at Manindi lithium project

Metals Australia Ltd (ASX:MLS) has confirmed the identification of spodumene in high-grade lithium-bearing drillcore from the Manindi Lithium Project, 20km southwest of Youanmi in Western Australia's Murchison District. The metallurgical testwork on a composite sample of drillcore from the Foundation pegmatite discovery at Manindi revealed the presence of spodumene, highlighting the potential for high-value lithium concentrate products.

Executive Commentary

The identification of spodumene in the high-grade lithium-bearing pegmatites at Manindi is an extremely positive sign as it highlights the potential for greater proportions of this high-value lithium mineral both within the identified pegmatites and in new zones. The Company is looking to generate high-value lithium concentrate products from the Manindi pegmatites, which have been drill tested within a 3km corridor in the northern part of the Manindi Project. Once the metallurgical testwork is completed, the Company will carry out further drilling to test priority spodumene target zones and define a maiden mineral resource estimate.

Summary

Metals Australia Ltd (ASX:MLS) has successfully identified spodumene in the high-grade lithium-bearing drillcore from the Manindi Lithium Project. The presence of spodumene in the Foundation pegmatite indicates the potential for spodumene-dominant zones to occur in the identified pegmatites or elsewhere within the project. The Company aims to generate high-value lithium concentrate products and plans to carry out further drilling to test priority spodumene target zones and define a maiden mineral resource estimate. Additionally, ongoing metallurgical testwork includes a gravity concentration stage to concentrate petalite into a high-value product for the ceramics and glass industry, targeting a 3% Li2O grade. The Company also plans to continue discussions with potential offtakers for both the lepidolite concentrate as well as higher-grade petalite and/or spodumene concentrate.