Askari Metals has received two additional exploration licences, E45/6117 and E45/6119, for the Yarrie lithium project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The licences will enable the start of initial exploration campaigns at the site.
Since acquiring the Yarrie Lithium project area in January 2022, Askari has engaged in ongoing dialogue with stakeholders including native title parties, pastoralists and other licence holders.
This engagement has facilitated the progression of all nine exploration licence applications, which span 1,711km².
In addition to securing the new licences, Askari has executed pastoralist deeds, heritage agreements and access deeds for each of the nine exploration licence applications.
The company had previously obtained licence E45/6118, and together these three licences now form the core group at the Yarrie Project.
This grouping is based on the area's geological structures, known anomalism and the results of previous explorations by Askari.
The initial Phase I field campaign at the Yarrie Project identified 11 lithium and LCT-type pathfinder mineralisation target areas, with five earmarked as high-priority.
Askari is preparing to mobilise its team to conduct follow-up exploration on these targets, building on the insights gained from the Phase I exploration campaign and the previously completed hyperspectral survey.
The exploration work at the Yarrie Project is expected to run concurrently with activities at the Uis Lithium Project in Namibia, which is advancing towards the resumption of drilling activities in the first quarter of 2024.
Yarrie managing director Gino D’Anna said: “The granting of E45/6117 and E45/6119 provides the company with the ability to commence exploration works on what it considers to be its core licences at the Yarrie Project.
“This is a significant milestone, which has been achieved and demonstrates the company’s continued progression within the lithium sector in the highly prospective eastern Pilbara region. We expect further exploration licences to be granted in due course in line with our previous guidance.
“At the same time, the company continues to develop relationships with key stakeholders and interested parties to ensure timely access for exploration.”
