Intra Energy Corporation Limited (ASX: IEC), a diversified mining and energy group, is excited to announce the commencement of an extensive soil geochemical survey at its Maggie Hays Hill Project, located in the prolific Lake Johnston province of Western Australia. This initiative marks a significant step in the exploration of historical Gold and Lithium targets within the project area.
Following the acquisition of the Maggie Hays Hill (MHH) Lithium and Gold project, preliminary rock sampling conducted in December unveiled highly anomalous levels of tantalum, with a maximum of 390 ppm, and niobium, with a maximum of 482 ppm. These findings, reported in an ASX release on January 17, 2024, underscore the potential of the area and necessitate a comprehensive follow-up exploration program.
The soil geochemical survey, meticulously designed with 400-metre spaced lines and 100-metre spaced samples, aims to target lithium while also evaluating the presence of base metals, gold, and nickel. Special attention is being given to areas with known occurrences of these elements, employing more intensive sampling grids to ensure thorough exploration coverage. The survey is anticipated to span three weeks, with assay results expected by the end of the quarter.
In parallel, a targeted rock sampling program is underway, focusing on outcropping pegmatites previously unexplored, alongside collecting more representative samples from known pegmatite locations. This program is set to enhance our understanding of the mineralization present and is expected to conclude within a week, with results due near quarter's end.
Adding to the exploration efforts, IEC has finalised plans for a high-resolution magnetic and LIDAR survey across the entire tenement, set to begin in mid-February. This cutting-edge survey will provide invaluable data, aiding in the precise targeting of exploration efforts, with results anticipated in March.
IEC is committed to conducting its exploration activities in harmony with the local communities and environment. As part of this commitment, the company is collaborating with the Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation to undertake preliminary heritage monitoring in areas likely to be affected by drilling activities. This initiative is a precursor to lodging a heritage clearance survey request, ensuring that exploration proceeds with respect for the land and its cultural significance.
As IEC focuses its exploration efforts on the Maggie Hays Project during the March quarter, the company continues to evaluate its portfolio of projects to ensure the optimal allocation of resources, aiming to maximize shareholder value. This exploration program underscores IEC's commitment to unlocking the potential of the Maggie Hays Hill Project and contributing to the mining sector's growth in Western Australia.
IEC Managing Director, Ben Dunn, commented:
“The Company is pleased to commence a comprehensive exploration program that will rapidly advance the Maggie Hays Hill project to drilling. The substantive spodumene intersections being reported by TG Metals and the recent entry into the Lake Johnston lithium province by Rio Tinto provide compelling evidence that there is a lot more spodumene to be found in the region. We are not blind to other opportunities within the license, in particular the historical gold finds and our exploration program will ensure that the tenement is thoroughly evaluated”.
About us:
Intra Energy Corporation (ASX:IEC) is an environmentally responsible, diversified mining and energy group with a core focus on battery, base and precious metals exploration to support the global decarbonisation and electrification for the clean energy future.
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