Aldoro wraps up “phase 1” WA lithium probe

Aldoro Resources could be onto lithium at its Niobe project in Western Australia after a phase one RC drilling program intersected two thick pegmatite intervals below surface. The company says each of the 17 holes plunged into Niobe struck significant pegmatite bodies, validating and extending historic drilling results. The campaign forms part of a larger 64-hole investigation of the project’s landholdings.

According to Aldoro, the notable intersections from its latest string of drilling at Niobe include 21 metres of pegmatite from 36m and 14m of pegmatite from 40m downhole. Interestingly, both of the intersected pegmatite’s are open, leaving the door ajar for further discovery.

Aldoro is now awaiting assay results and says it is buoyed by the outcomes of its opening Niobe play with the intersected pegmatites as thick or thicker than predicted.

The Perth-based junior explorer’s latest work at Niobe follows a previous rock chip sampling program in the area that delivered elevated rubidium grades of up to 9,307 parts per million. Rubidium is considered a “pathfinder” mineral for lithium.

Aldoro says assay results received late last year suggest it could have a rubidium and lithium prospect zone that stretches beyond the project’s main Niobe pegmatite.

The company has previously intimated Niobe could be developed into a world-class rubidium resource.

Following the completion of the ongoing drilling program and collection of the outstanding assay results, Aldoro will look to kick off a mineral resource estimate, before shifting its attention to its Wyemandoo Project, where an extensive greenfields drill program is planned.

As Aldoro continues to pepper its rubidium-bearing pegmatites at Niobe, the company could find itself with a string of new followers as the white-hot lithium market continues its stellar new year surge. If the company can eke out a solid set of assay results from its ongoing Niobe probe, it could be gearing up to kick the new year off with a bang. 

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@businessnews.com.au