TonaTec Exploration LLC, of Elko, Nevada, has mobilized a core drill rig to the Tearlach Resources Limited’s Gabriel Project and has started Phase 1 core drilling, according to a statement from Tearlach. Previous lithium findings from the Gabriel Lithium project are on par with those of its neighbor American Lithium.
Gabriel Project Map with Phase 1 Drill locations. Image Credit: Tearlach Resources Limited
The drill program is intended to complete step-out holes for potential locations around the Gabriel property and confirm lithium mineralization encountered in holes completed by Blackrock Silver. In the initial metallurgical testing, material from mineralized intervals will be used.
Program Highlights:
- Drilling is conducted more quickly due to the Joint Venture’s cooperative nature
- Initial holes using the drill pads that Blackrock Silver already has to save time
- 19 Hole Core Drill
- 3000 m of HQ core drilling
- Concurrent Metallurgical testing
- Estimated 2–3 months.
- More targeting and mapping for the extended drill program
- Broad pattern to substantially extend and validate the previously drilled zones
The depth and experience of our team is a key contributor to the speed in which we can execute from the project’s inception to drilling within a month. We believe this is only one step in a multipronged approach that uses concurrent geological and engineering processes to drive our project forward quickly. We are accelerating not only drilling and permitting but the ability to understand the larger picture for the Tonopah lithium district.
Morgan Lekstrom, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Tearlach Resources Limited
Lekstrom added, “We plan significant catalysts over the next few weeks and months that will provide a clear path forward for shareholders of Tearlach and our JV partner, Blackrock Silver. Being next to American Lithium and in a very mining-friendly jurisdiction has significant advantages as their resource size and potential district size makes what we believe Tonopah to be the fast-growing and future Lithium District in America.”
Technical Information:
Blackrock Silver will initially drill holes on the existing pad locations that have already been approved by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) utilizing a core drill with a size of HQTT.
To allow drill pad development on additional Gabriel Project areas for which Tearlach has already submitted the reclamation bond, PALN has issued a notice to the BLM. IDS of Elko, Nevada, will survey the downhole deviations.
The core will be transported to Reno, Nevada, where it will be sawn, the samples will be examined, and the geology will be recorded at a facility run by an ALS Laboratory.
Drilling has shown past lithium concentrations up to 1,217 ppm in addition to the continuity of large zones of mineralization up to a thickness of 56.4 m. The lithium-bearing zone has an average thickness of 28.1 m, and it has been intersected 117 m below the surface in the northeastern part of the property, just 8 m below the surface.
The geological environment and mineralization are similar to the adjacent TLC lithium deposit held by American Lithium Corp, which is situated 3 km northeast of the company’s property holdings.
Initial results match rather favorably to other well-established lithium claystone properties in the area, both of which are adjacent to the property, with grades exceeding 1,200 ppm lithium encountered and thick zones of mineralization up to 56.4 m starting near the surface.
Source: https://tearlach.ca/