Critical metals exploration and development company MetalsGrove Mining Limited (ASX: MGA), (“MetalsGrove” “MGA” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce that its drilling contractor, Topdrill, has mobilised its drill rig in preparation for the inaugural RC drilling program at the Upper Coondina Lithium Project, located 100 km south of Marble Bar.
Highlights
- Experienced drilling contractor Topdrill, has mobilised its RC rig on-site to commence the inaugural drill program at the Upper Coondina Lithium Project
- Phase one will comprise an initial 3,000m RC drilling program at the Chola prospect
- Earth work contractors have been appointed and the preparation of access tracks and drill pads have commenced
- Chola prospect RC drilling to commence as soon as site preparations are complete
- New deep ground penetrating radar (DGPR) survey starting this week
- DGPR proven to be highly effective for detecting pegmatites in previous known pegmatite outcrops
MGA formally engaged Topdrill as the drilling contractor following the completion of a heritage survey (with subsequent approval) together with a Programme of Works (PoW) relating to the planned drilling programme at Upper Coondina.
Prior to drilling, earth work contractor EMJC Earthmoving & Plant Hire has commenced earth works at the site to upgrade access roads, prepare tracks and drill pads.
Mobilisation of the Ultramag DGPR technology is underway in preparation for a DGPR survey that will commence this week. DGPR is a proven technique for identifying additional pegmatites and establishing a more detailed understanding of subsurface mineralisation.
MGA will initially drill test its priority lithium drilling targets at the Chola prospect in the south east of the main Upper Coondina project. Drilling will commence at Chola as soon as site preparations are complete.
Commenting on the encouraging soil sample assays from Upper Coondina, MetalsGrove’s Managing Director, Sean Sivasamy said:
“We are pleased to be moving to the inaugural drilling program at Upper Coondina, just five months after our successful ASX listing. Through soil sampling, surface field mapping and geophysics, we have already identified multiple pegmatite swarms that are prospective for lithium pegmatites over a combined strike length of nearly 4 km. This drilling is aimed at confirming the width, depth and mineralisation profile of these pegmatites down to 60 to 100m plus depth. We are fortunate to have developed excellent working relationships with all stakeholders at Upper Coondina. These relationships have undoubtedly assisted our rapid progress with the Project.”
