Australasian Metals Limited advised it has initiated a joint research program with Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) of the University of Western Australia (UWA) covering the Northern Arunta pegmatite province in the Northern Territory. The program with be co-funded by Core Lithium Limited, Oceana Lithium Limited, Askari Minerals Limited, and Lithium Spring Limited, all of which have been actively exploring for lithium-related minerals in the North Arunta Pegmatite district. Various rare metal pegmatite fields are known in the highly prospective Northern Arunta Pegmatite Province. Many of these are interpreted to be Lithium-Caesium-Tantalum (LCT) pegmatites, a type of rare-element pegmatite that hosts world-class lithium and tantalum
deposits in Western Australia, such as Greenbushes, Pilgangoora, and Wodgina. Other pegmatites, such as those associated with rare earth elements, may also be present. Until now there has been a dearth of systematic structural and petrogenetic constraints on the Arunta rare metal pegmatite province, which, as a consequence, has hindered systematic, cost-effective exploration targeting using modern geochemical, hyperspectral and
mineralogical tools. This joint research program will address this issue by first defining a robust litho-chemical- mineralisation framework for rare metal pegmatites in the Arunta Province and situating it within the context of available structural constraints. Following the establishment of this framework, detailed mineralogical and mineral chemistry investigations on Li-bearing and pathfinder minerals will be undertaken, allowing for robust and cost-effective exploration targeting for fertile (in terms of lithium, tantalum and potentially rare earth element) granites. Previous highlighted Li-Ta related geochemical anomalism area in the northwest corner of EL 32830 has been investigated with further mapping and sampling work. A8G is finalising a maiden diamond drilling program at the project with the support of the local pastoral owner and Northern Territory geophysics and drilling collaborations program. The Northern Territory Mines Department has approved a Mining Management Plan in accordance with the Mining Management Act 2001. The Company has agreed a budget with the Aboriginal Area Protection Authority (AAPA) for both the Mt Peake Lithium project and Barrow Creek EL28515. AAPA is currently undertaking fieldwork and will go to EL32830 afterwards. Once AAPA has completed its fieldwork, the Company will be granted an AAPA certificate, which will indemnify the Company if the planned drilling program is carried out in accordance with the AAPA certificate's conditions.