Mineral Resources’ (MinRes) Mt Marion lithium operation has seen promising early results from a major exploration program.
The Mt Marion lithium operation is located in the Goldfields region of Western Australia, and is a joint venture between MinRes and Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium – where both companies own 50 per cent. MinRes is the mine’s operator.
MinRes said the early results confirmed significant exploration potential at depth along strike and in the surrounding region, and it demonstrates potential for open pit extensions and underground mining.
The company has reported approximately 34 kilometres of drilling being completed in 2023 so far by utilising six diamond and reverse circulation drill rigs.
The first major exploration program since MinRes took control of the mine found lithium-bearing pegmatite formations approximately one kilometre below the surface.
MinRes said it will double exploration drilling capacity at Mt Marion by the end of the 2023 calendar year, ramping up to a 12-rig drilling campaign over the following 18 months.
MinRes managing director Chris Ellison said the Mt Marion exploration results highlight how the company is just scratching the surface of the potential lithium resource, including the possibility of underground mining.
“MinRes identified opportunities in lithium, the most important mineral in the world’s decarbonisation, more than a decade ago and set about building a portfolio of world-class assets that could deliver long-term value,” Ellison said.
The operation produces mixed grade spodumene concentrate which is transported through the Port of Esperance for offshore conversion.
A $120 million upgrade and expansion of the Mt Marion operation doubled capacity to up to 900,000 tonnes per year, with the commissioning process now underway.