Global Battery Metals (GBML) is set to commence trenching and a new assay sampling programme at its Leinster lithium project in Ireland.

The company received Ireland's GSRO approval for a short trenching programme at its lithium pegmatite project.

Following the drilling programme earlier this year, the company defined pegmatite dikes across the Knockeen zone at the project with all holes intersecting lithium-bearing spodumene pegmatites.

The approval allows the company to undertake up to ten shallow trenches for a total length of up to 200m on PL 1597. This is valid for a period of up to two years.

GBML is planning to open up a shallow trench to determine a previously announced historical spodumene-bearing pegmatite dike in bedrock.

This work is expected to allow 3D visualisation of the 1.8m-wide pegmatite, which was reported earlier this year.

In a press statement, GBML said: “The trench is designed to crosscut the pegmatite dike and then expose 10m–20m along the strike length of it in order to then collect approximately 30–40 assay samples from the trench over the next 5–10 business days.” 

Furthermore, the trenching is expected to help the company in the interpretation of the dike encountered in the 2023 summer drilling programme.

GBML CEO Michael Murphy said: "With the goal of confirming lithium mineralisation in our first round of exploration achieved, the company will expedite additional exploration efforts to further define identified lithium mineralisation.

“Knockeen has a storied history, and after drilling consistent, near-surface lithium intersects, we believe that trenching will augment our growing dataset, which can help to enhance this exciting developing lithium project."

The Leinster lithium project comprises 16 prospecting licences along strike to nearby Blackstairs Lithium's Avalonia Project.