Core Lithium Ltd (ASX:CXO) is collaborating in a joint research program with the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) of the University of Western Australia (UVA) and other Northern Territory (NT) lithium explorers, covering the North Arunta Pegmatite Province, Australia.

The program, initiated by Australasian Metals Ltd, will be co-funded by Core Lithium, Oceana Lithium, Askari Minerals and Lithium Spring, all of which have been actively exploring lithium-related minerals in the North Arunta district of the NT.

The North Arunta Pegmatite Province comprises several highly prospective rare metal pegmatite fields, of which many are interpreted to be lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites.

Encouragingly, this is similar to the rare element pegmatite that hosts world-class lithium and tantalum deposits in Western Australia, such as Greenbushes, Pilgangoora and Wodgina.

Demonstrates regional potential

Commenting on initiating the joint research program, Australasian Metals managing director Dr Qingtao Zeng said: “The research collaboration with several active explorers in the region demonstrates the region’s potential of lithium-related mineralisation.

“With CET UWA's support, we believe the program will significantly improve understanding of regional geology.

“Our fieldwork in the Northern Arunta province continues and we will be in a better position to deliver exploration success with the combined resources and expertise of the research partners.”

Forward plan

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 lithium-bearing and pathfinder minerals will be undertaken.

This will allow for robust and cost-effective exploration targeting fertile (in terms of lithium, tantalum and potentially rare earth element) granites.