Perth-based lithium developer Hawkstone Mining has declared a maiden mineral resource at its Big Sandy lithium project in the US state of Arizona.
It has announced an indicated and inferred resource of 32.5mn t grading 1,850 parts per million (ppm) lithium estimated to contain around 321,000t of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) or around 60,300t of lithium metal. This includes a high-grade resource of 12.7mn t grading 2,360ppm comprising around 49pc of the contained LCE.
As the initial resource comprises only about 4pc of the exploration area, the company is optimistic that it can significantly increase the mineral resource and has increased its exploration target by 15pc to 280mn-492mn t from 242mn-417mn t.
The next steps in the development of the project include making plans for a pre-feasibility study and drilling exploration targets.
"The calculation of a maiden resource from a limited number of tightly spaced drill holes, comprising a mere 4pc of the Big Sandy project area, highlights the size and potential of this world-class lithium resource," managing director Paul Lloyd said.
"The location in Arizona (about a 2.5-hour drive northwest of Phoenix) provides multiple development advantages, being strategically located near all major infrastructure and in close proximity to US battery manufacturing facilities," Lloyd said.
