Picture of Firering Strategic Minerals logo

FRG Firering Strategic Minerals News Story

0.000.00%
gb flag iconLast trade - 00:00
Basic MaterialsSpeculativeMicro CapSucker Stock

REG - Firering Strategic - Part 2 of Phase II 5,000m auger drilling campaign

For best results when printing this announcement, please click on link below:
http://newsfile.refinitiv.com/getnewsfile/v1/story?guid=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20231025:nRSY1753Ra&default-theme=true

RNS Number : 1753R  Firering Strategic Minerals PLC  25 October 2023

 

Firering Strategic Minerals plc / EPIC: FRG / Market: AIM / Sector: Mining

 

25 October 2023

Firering Strategic Minerals Plc

 ("Firering" or the "Company")

Commencement of Part 2 of Phase II 5,000m auger drilling campaign at Atex

3,000m of RC drilling campaign planning well advanced

Firering, the exploration company focusing on critical minerals, is pleased to
announce that it has commenced Part 2 of its auger drilling campaign at its
flagship Atex Lithium-Tantalum Project ("Atex"), in Côte d'Ivoire.  This
auger drilling campaign will target three new pegmatite zones that were
identified during the soil sampling campaign (announced on 22 June 2023).

In addition, a Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling campaign is in the final
stages of planning for Q4 2023 and will seek to build upon some of the
significant assay results obtained from our previous 3,000m diamond drill
campaign.

Highlights

·    A total of 840 holes for c.5,000m of auger drilling are planned.

·    Three new pegmatite zones being targeted.

·    Final hole locations for c.3,000m of RC drilling have been decided on.

·    RC drilling contract is well advanced and will be announced shortly.

Yuval Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of Firering, said:

"I am pleased to announce the commencement of a further c5,000m of auger
drilling following the recent successful campaign which confirmed some of the
six new pegmatite zones identified during our soil sampling campaign.  In
addition, final hole locations for an initial c.3,000m of RC drilling have
been decided on.  We expect to announce the RC drilling contract shortly and
commence RC drilling in Q4.

"The success of any exploration campaign is measured by the start of a new
campaign.  We have been encouraged by the results of our campaigns to date
and are optimistic that the results of the next phase of our auger drilling
and the start of the RC drilling will further strengthen the potential of the
Atex project taking us one step closer to becoming the first lithium producing
project in Côte d'Ivoire.

"We will continue to update the market with our achievements at Atex".

 

Commencement of Part 2 of Phase II auger drilling

Part 2 of the Phase II auger drilling campaign follows the successful
completion of the first part of the Phase II auger drilling campaign in August
2023.  Part 2 will start in Area 4, where several east-west orientated
pegmatites were identified during the detailed mapping exercise, followed by
Area 5, west of Tounvré, and Area 3, east of Spodumene Hill.  A total of 840
holes have been planned for c. 5,000m of drilling.  All planned auger lines
are shown in Figure 2.  As in Part 1, all auger holes will be geologically
logged and End of Hole ("EOH") samples will be tested with the pXRF in
Firering's lab in Tounvré.

Commencement of initial 3,000m of RC drilling

Final RC hole locations for the initial 18 holes for c.3,000m of RC drilling
have been decided on and are shown in Figure 3.  The RC campaign is due to
start in due course and should be completed over the course of 4 weeks.  All
RC holes will be logged and sampled at 1m intervals with all fresh pegmatite
samples sent to Intertek Laboratories in Perth, Australia for assaying.  The
drilling is planned to intersect fresh pegmatite beneath the weathered
pegmatite identified during Part 1 of the auger drilling campaign and to test
the potential lithium mineralisation of the pegmatites.  Assay results are
expected during Q1 2024 and will be used to direct future drilling programmes.
 The RC contract discussions are well advanced and will be announced shortly.

Figure 1: Map showing the nine target areas identified and mapped in detail
during the soil sampling campaign.  Part 1 of Phase II auger drilling focused
on Areas 1, 2 and 6; Part 2 will focus on Areas 3, 4 and 5.

 

Figure 2: Map showing the planned auger lines for Part 2 of the Phase II auger
drilling campaign.

Figure 3: Plan view of Tounvre RC drilling programme.

Competent Person

In accordance with the AIM Note for Mining and Oil and Gas Companies, Firering
discloses that Michael Cronwright of CSA Global is the Competent Person that
has reviewed the technical information contained in this document. Michael
Cronwright has a Pr.Sci.Nat with the South African Council for Natural
Scientific Professions ("SACNASP") and is a member in good standing with
SACNASP. Mr Cronwright has the appropriate relevant qualifications,
experience, competence and independence to act as a Competent Person as
defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australian Code for Reporting of
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves". Michael Cronwright
consents to the inclusion of the information in this announcement in the form
and context in which it appears.

 

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE UK
VERSION OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION NO 596/2014 WHICH IS PART OF ENGLISH
LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018, AS AMENDED.  ON
PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS
INFORMATION IS CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

 

 

*** ENDS ***

 

For further information and updates on Firering's exploration programme, visit
www.fireringplc.com or contact the following:

 

 Firering Strategic Minerals                     Tel: +44 20 7236 1177

 Yuval Cohen

 Vassilios Carellas

 SPARK Advisory Partners Limited                 Tel: +44 20 3368 3550

 Nominated Adviser

 Neil Baldwin / James Keeshan / Adam Dawes
 Optiva Securities Limited                       Tel: +44 20 3137 1903

 Broker

 Christian Dennis / Daniel Ingram
 St Brides Partners Limited                      T: +44 20 7236 1177

 Financial PR                                    E: firering (mailto:firering@stbridespartners.co.uk) @stbridespartners.co.uk

                                               (mailto:firering@stbridespartners.co.uk)
 Ana Ribeiro / Susie Geliher / Isabelle Morris

 

 

Notes to Editors:

 

Firering Strategic Minerals

Firering Strategic Minerals plc is an AIM-quoted mining company focused on
exploring and developing a portfolio of mines producing strategic minerals in
Côte d'Ivoire, specifically lithium and tantalum, to support the global
transition to net zero emissions. It operates the Atex Lithium-Tantalum
Project in northern Côte d'Ivoire, which is prospective for both lithium and
tantalum.  Firering's main focus is working together with Australian
diversified minerals company Ricca Resources to advance development at Atex
with a view to establishing a maiden lithium resource and then progressing a
Lithium project through to DFS.  Firering is also assessing pilot scale
production of ethically sourced tantalum and niobium to generate early
revenues and support further exploration work.  Should pilot production be
successful, a large-scale tantalum production facility may be developed, which
will be supported by a debt facility of FCFA 5,057,000,000 (approximately
€7,500,000) currently under negotiation to fund the entire scale-up plan to
develop a portfolio of ethically sourced mineral projects in the Côte
d'Ivoire, supplying EV batteries, high tech electronics and other fast-growing
end markets.  Firering also has an option to acquire up to 28.33% of Limeco
Resources Limited which is commissioning a lime plant in Zambia and is
expected to reach full production and first sales by the end of 2023.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement may contain some references to forecasts, estimates,
assumptions and other forward-looking statements. Although the Company
believes that its expectations, estimates and forecast outcomes are based on
reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that they will be achieved.
They may be affected by a variety of variables and changes in underlying
assumptions that are subject to risk factors associated with the nature of the
business, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed herein.

 

JORC TABLE 1

 

 Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

 (Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections)

 Sampling techniques                                      ·    Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or         ·    Soil samples weighing approximately 2-2.5kg were collected from a
                                                          specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the      25-30cm diameter hole. The surficial humus and debris cleared prior to
                                                          minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF    excavation of the shallow hole and the sample collected from the B-horizon and
                                                          instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad      placed into pre-numbered plastic bags. Oversize material was discarded.
                                                          meaning of sampling.

                                                                                ·    Sample tickets inserted into the bags which were then sealed with a
                                                          ·    Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity         cable-tie or taped shut.
                                                          and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.

                                                                                ·    Sample holes were backfilled and locations marked with a stick (peg)
                                                          ·    Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to         and flagging tape with the sample ID marked.
                                                          the Public Report.

                                                                                ·    Duplicate samples were collected from locations where pegmatite
                                                          ·    In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be         material was sampled.
                                                          relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m

                                                          samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire         ·    Areas of anthropogenic disturbances were avoided such as roads and
                                                          assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there    artisanal workings. However, cultivated fields were sampled. Streams,
                                                          is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or       riverbeds and swamps were also avoided.
                                                          mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of

                                                          detailed information.                                                            ·    QAQC samples comprising certified reference materials, blanks and
                                                                                                                                           field duplicates were inserted at regular intervals into the sample stream.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Samples were dried, hand crushed, sieved <160 microns and pressed
                                                                                                                                           into round pellet (~3cm diameter).

                                                                                                                                           ·    Sample analysis was done by LIBS for lithium and a multi-element
                                                                                                                                           suite, including LCT pegmatite pathfinder elements (such as Sn, Ta, Rb) by
                                                                                                                                           pXRF.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Uncased auger drilling was used to collect soil samples for Part 1 of
                                                                                                                                           Phase 2. All holes were drilled to the top saprolite, an extra 1-2m if
                                                                                                                                           lithology isn't recognisable.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Each site was cleared of debris and plant material prior to drilling
                                                                                                                                           and levelled.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Holes that failed to progress beyond 2m were redrilled to mitigate the
                                                                                                                                           eventuality a hole encountered a boulder and to ensure that the maximum depth
                                                                                                                                           could be reached to collect a suitable sample from as close to the top of
                                                                                                                                           saprolite as possible. A total of 1039 holes have been drilled to date.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Holes varied between 1m and 18m in depth. The samples were collected
                                                                                                                                           at 1m intervals, weighing approximately 10kg.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The samples were then riffle split to produce a nominal 3-5kg
                                                                                                                                           subsample. Any oversize material was coned and quartered and added to the
                                                                                                                                           primary sample and reject sample bags. Additional splitting was conducted on
                                                                                                                                           samples >5kg.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The primary focus of this sampling is to identify and confirm
                                                                                                                                           pegmatites within the target areas identified from the previously completed
                                                                                                                                           soil sampling.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The same methods and protocols are being used in Part 2 of Phase II of
                                                                                                                                           the auger drilling.
 Drilling techniques                                      ·    Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary        ·    Uncased auger drilling is used to collect samples at 1m intervals.
                                                          air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple

                                                          or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type,       ·    The drilling was conducted by Royal Mining, a company based in Abidjan
                                                          whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).                        using 2x Drilling Equipment Plant LTD manufactured rigs and towed by a Jiang
                                                                                                                                           Fa 2500 tractor. The rigs total depth capability was ~18m.

                                                                                                                                           ·    All holes were drilled vertically.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The same methods and protocols are being used in Part 2 of Phase II of
                                                                                                                                           the auger drilling.
 Drill sample recovery                                    ·    Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and       ·    1039 auger soil samples were collected during For Part 1 of Phase 2,
                                                          results assessed.                                                                 weighing between 2kg and 6.0kg, averaging 3.0kg.

                                                          ·    Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative        ·    Sample recoveries are considered suitably representative for the
                                                          nature of the samples.                                                           purposes of target generation.

                                                          ·    Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and
                                                          whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of
                                                          fine/coarse material.
 Logging                                                  ·    Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and                    ·    All the auger holes were geologically logged at 1m sample intervals.
                                                          geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral

                                                          Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.                   ·    All samples were photographed.

                                                          ·    Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or          ·    The same methods and protocols are being used in Part 2 of Phase II of
                                                          costean, channel, etc) photography.                                              the auger drilling.

                                                          ·    The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.
 Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation           ·    If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core          ·    The soil samples were processed at FSM's camp in Tounvré.
                                                          taken.

                                                                                ·    Samples were oven dried for up to 120 mins and then pulverised with a
                                                          ·    If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and           motor and pestle until all material passed through 0.16mm sieve.
                                                          whether sampled wet or dry.

                                                                                ·    2 pulp samples of 100-200g of the screened material was then
                                                          ·    For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the        collected, one bagged and labelled for despatch to Ricca Resources laboratory
                                                          sample preparation technique.                                                    in Ghana and the duplicate remained as reference pulp sample in Tounvré camp.

                                                                                The remaining material was retained.
                                                          ·    Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to

                                                          maximise representivity of samples.                                              ·    In Ghana a pressed pellet was produced from the sample using a manual

                                                                                hydraulic press and the remaining sample retained.
                                                          ·    Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in

                                                          situ material collected, including for instance results for field                ·    The 1m auger samples were riffle split on site to obtain a nominal 5kg
                                                          duplicate/second-half sampling.                                                  subsample. A 5kg (or of similar mass) duplicate sample was also prepared for

                                                                                each sample from the reject material and has been retained on site. Wet clay
                                                          ·    Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material      samples are coned and split by hand and dried in the oven with other samples.
                                                          being sampled.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The sample captured from the drill string is placed in 50cm wide
                                                                                                                                           washing tubs hand mixed and spilt through a 50:50 splitter.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The auger samples are being processed at FSM's camp in Tounvré.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Samples were oven dried for up to 120 mins and then pulverised with a
                                                                                                                                           motor and pestle until sufficient material passed through 0.16mm sieve.

                                                                                                                                           ·    A subsample comprising a 100g scoop from each metre sample is taken
                                                                                                                                           and placed in plastic bag for air drying and pXRF and at Touvre base.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The ~3-5kg EOH field samples is split 50:50 at camp with this primary
                                                                                                                                           sample being prepped and the field duplicate stored at FSM's camp. The primary
                                                                                                                                           2.5kg sample is prepped and generates two 100g minus 160micron subsamples. One
                                                                                                                                           is bagged and labelled for despatch to Ricca Resources laboratory in Ghana and
                                                                                                                                           the duplicate remained as reference pulp sample in Tounvré camp. The coarse
                                                                                                                                           reject is discarded. The auger top of saprolite samples are considered
                                                                                                                                           suitable for identifying exploration targets.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The same methods and protocols are being used in Part 2 of Phase II of
                                                                                                                                           the auger drilling.
 Quality of assay data and laboratory tests               ·    The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory      ·    The soil samples were couriered to Ricca Resources Ghana laboratory
                                                          procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.        where they will be subject to industry accepted sample preparation and multi

                                                                                element analysis by pXRF for 34 elements including Rb, Sn, Nb and Zr and LIBS
                                                          ·    For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc,        for Li.
                                                          the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and

                                                          model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.    ·    Olympus Vanta XRF Analyzer model VMR series was used in reading

                                                                                multi-element suite and SciAps LIBS analyser for reading and Li and selected
                                                          ·    Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks,       elements.
                                                          duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of

                                                          accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established.                ·    Internal laboratory QAQC checks analysis on its own certified
                                                                                                                                           reference material of standards and blanks /inserted at regular interval into
                                                                                                                                           the sample stream are reported.

                                                                                                                                           ·    QAQC performance was monitored and reviewed by Ricca and demonstrated
                                                                                                                                           the results are acceptable for the reporting of the results.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The Competent Person is satisfied that the results of the QAQC are
                                                                                                                                           acceptable and that the assay data from are suitable for the reporting of
                                                                                                                                           exploration results.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Geophysical instruments were not used in assessing the mineralisation.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The same methods and protocols are being used in Part 2 of Phase II of
                                                                                                                                           the auger drilling.
 Verification of sampling and assaying                    ·    The verification of significant intersections by either independent or      ·    CSA Global (CSA) has not observed any of the sampling process executed
                                                          alternative company personnel.                                                   by Ricca Resources sampling team.

                                                          ·    The use of twinned holes.                                                   ·    No verification sampling was done.

                                                          ·    Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data                  ·    The auger logging and sampling data are captured on tablets that were
                                                          verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.                  imported into a SQL database managed by CSA Global.

                                                          ·    Discuss any adjustment to assay data.                                       ·    The field programme is being managed by Ricca Resources

                                                                                                                                           ·    All hole locations are recorded on a handheld GPS on tablets.

                                                                                                                                           ·    All data is stored locally on a laptop computer and also backed-up
                                                                                                                                           onto the cloud.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The assay data presented has not been adjusted.
 Location of data points                                  ·    Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and      ·    All soil sampling locations were captured using a handheld GPS The
                                                          down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in          information was then transferred to the logging Excel spreadsheets.
                                                          Mineral Resource estimation.

                                                                                ·    Coordinates are relative to WGS84 UTM zone 29P.
                                                          ·    Specification of the grid system used.

                                                                                ·    The locations are considered suitably accurate for the purpose of
                                                          ·    Quality and adequacy of topographic control.                                reporting exploration results.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The auger hole locations were recorded using a handheld GPS device.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Coordinates are relative to WGS84 UTM zone 29P.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The locations are considered suitably accurate for the purpose of
                                                                                                                                           reporting exploration results.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The same methods and protocols are being used in Part 2 of Phase II of
                                                                                                                                           the auger drilling.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The results will not be used in any Mineral Resource estimation.
 Data spacing and distribution                            ·    Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.                          ·    Soil sampling was completed on east-west grid with lines spaced at

                                                                                100m apart and samples collected at 100m intervals along the lines to create a
                                                          ·    Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish        100x100m sample grid across the Atex licence.
                                                          the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral

                                                          Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.    ·    The spacing is considered suitable to determine targets associated

                                                                                with LCT pegmatites for follow-up exploration work.
                                                          ·    Whether sample compositing has been applied.

                                                                                                                                           ·    No sample compositing was done.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Auger lines for Part 1 of Phase II were laid out along a
                                                                                                                                           northeast-southwest pattern with lines spaced 150 m apart covering selected
                                                                                                                                           soil anomalies. Station spacing along the lines orientated in a
                                                                                                                                           northwest-southeast direction is 20m.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The auger lines for Part 2 of Phase II have been planned along a
                                                                                                                                           northeast-southwest orientation for areas 2 and 3, and a northeast-southwest
                                                                                                                                           orientation for area 4, with lines spaced 160 m apart covering selected soil
                                                                                                                                           anomalies. Station spacing along the lines orientated in a northwest-southeast
                                                                                                                                           direction is 20m.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The spacing is considered suitable to determine targets for follow-up
                                                                                                                                           work.

                                                                                                                                           ·    No sample compositing was done.
 Orientation of data in relation to geological structure  ·    Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of           ·    Soil sampling was completed on east-west grid with lines spaced at
                                                          possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the       100m apart and samples collected at 100m intervals along the lines to create a
                                                          deposit type.                                                                    100x100m sample grid across the Atex licence and was suitable to delineate a

                                                                                number of soil anomalies for targeted follow up in the subsequent auger
                                                          ·    If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the                programme
                                                          orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a

                                                          sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.                 ·    Individual auger lines are orientated northwest-southeast
                                                                                                                                           (perpendicular to the inferred orientation of the pegmatite at Spodumene
                                                                                                                                           Hill), and trend of the soil anomalies, and lines spaced at 150m along a
                                                                                                                                           northeast-southwest orientation. Orientation of the planned auger lines in
                                                                                                                                           Area 4 is northeast-southwest.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The grid was designed to determine potential strike extents to the
                                                                                                                                           northeast-southwest striking Spodumene Hill pegmatite (and east west
                                                                                                                                           orientation pegmatites in Area 4) and also test a number of the additional
                                                                                                                                           soil anomalies identified from the soil sampling programme

                                                                                                                                           ·    No relationship has been establishing between the interpreted
                                                                                                                                           pegmatite intercepts from the auger holes and true widths.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The results will not be used in any Mineral Resource estimation.
 Sample security                                          ·    The measures taken to ensure sample security.                               ·    All soil and auger samples were collected, labelled and bagged on site
                                                                                                                                           by the Ricca exploration team.

                                                                                                                                           ·    At the end of each day the samples were placed in large plastic bags
                                                                                                                                           and large plastic labelled bags. Each bag usually contained samples from one
                                                                                                                                           hole.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Samples were secured and stored in FSMs core yard facility in Tounvré
                                                                                                                                           where the sample preparation was also done.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Sample batches of the prepared sample material were then dispatched to
                                                                                                                                           Ricca Resources' laboratory in Ghana for assay by LIBS and pXRF.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Sample transport to Ghana was managed by Ricca Resources and
                                                                                                                                           facilitated by Intertek Yamoussoukro Prep lab, which delivered the samples to
                                                                                                                                           Ghana on behalf of Ricca Resources

                                                                                                                                           ·    A chain of custody sheet was verified and signed off at each stage in
                                                                                                                                           transit before in get to the Laboratory in Ghana and finally checked and
                                                                                                                                           signed by the recipient.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The sample lists were submitted to the Ricca Resources laboratory in
                                                                                                                                           Ghana electronically and checked by the recipient against what was received.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Batch tracking file is updated regularly, considering the status of
                                                                                                                                           samples dispatched and results received.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The same methods and protocols are being used in Part 2 of Phase II of
                                                                                                                                           the auger drilling.
 Audits or reviews                                        ·    The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.       ·    The soil sampling and auger sampling technique was reviewed by Ricca
                                                                                                                                           Resources and the Competent person.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Regular reviews of the data and assay results have been conducted to
                                                                                                                                           ensure the data are suitable for target generation purposes.

                                                                                                                                           ·    Discussions were also held with key technical staff from Ricca
                                                                                                                                           Resources regarding the geology, sampling and data capture they conducted.

                                                                                                                                           ·    The Competent Person considers that the exploration work conducted to
                                                                                                                                           date is using appropriate techniques for the style of mineralisation and is
                                                                                                                                           suitable for the reporting of the exploration results.

 

 

 Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

 (Criteria listed in the previous section also apply to this section.)

 

 Mineral tenement and land tenure status                           ·    Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including               ·    The Atex exploration permit was issued as PR-777 on 6 December 2017 to
                                                                   agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures,         Atex Mining Resources and was valid for 4 years, expiring in December 2021. In
                                                                   partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites,    March 2021, Firering Holdings acquired 51% of Atex Mining and has an option to
                                                                   wilderness or national park and environmental settings.                          acquire an additional 39%.

                                                                   ·    The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with         ·    PR-777 has been renewed for an additional three years for Li, expiring
                                                                   any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.             on 5 December 2024. The Mining Code of Ivory Coast allows for the adding of
                                                                                                                                                    other commodities, e.g. Ta and Au when found during exploration activities.
 Exploration done by other parties                                 ·    Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.               ·    Within PR-777 limited exploration work comprising geological mapping
                                                                                                                                                    and prospecting focussed on the eluvial, alluvial and pegmatite hosted
                                                                                                                                                    columbo-tantalite mineralisation was done between 1953 and 1963. This work
                                                                                                                                                    identified the area to have "good" potential for columbo-tantalite
                                                                                                                                                    mineralisation as well some evidence of placer gold mineralisation around
                                                                                                                                                    Touvre.

                                                                                                                                                    ·    Adam (1966) conducted the systematic exploration in the area on behalf
                                                                                                                                                    of SODEMI from 1965-1966. His work comprised non-systematic and systematic
                                                                                                                                                    pitting, mapping, rock chip and mineral concentrate sampling. The work
                                                                                                                                                    identified a number of areas with potentially economic columbo-tantalite
                                                                                                                                                    mineralisation as well as the spodumene-lepidolite bearing pegmatite(s) around
                                                                                                                                                    Spodumene Hill. His mapping also recognised 5 types of pegmatites in the area,
                                                                                                                                                    namely:

                                                                                                                                                    ·      lepidolite, muscovite, spodumene, columbo-tantalite type;

                                                                                                                                                    ·      green muscovite, columbo-tantalite type;

                                                                                                                                                    ·      green muscovite and beryl type;

                                                                                                                                                    ·      muscovite, beryl type; and

                                                                                                                                                    ·      biotite, magnetite type.

                                                                                                                                                    ·    More recently, the permit was covered by a larger licence held by
                                                                                                                                                    Perseus Mining Limited who were exploring for gold within the region. The
                                                                                                                                                    results of this exploration are unknown.

                                                                                                                                                    ·    It is understood that they conducted airborne geophysical (magnetic
                                                                                                                                                    and radiometric) surveys over the area.

                                                                                                                                                    ·    The most recent exploration conducted has been by Atex Mining
                                                                                                                                                    Resources who conducted mapping, rock chip sampling, limited drilling and
                                                                                                                                                    licence wide soil sampling and focused auger drilling targeting the lithium
                                                                                                                                                    potential of the licence and confirmed the presence of spodumene and
                                                                                                                                                    lepidolite mineralisation in the area around Spodumene Hill.
 Geology                                                           ·    Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation.               ·   The Atex Project occurs in the western limit of the Bagoé Basin within
                                                                                                                                                    Baoulé-Mossi domain of the West African Craton (WAC).  The WAC comprises
                                                                                                                                                    Archaean basement material and the surrounding Proterozoic granite-greenstone
                                                                                                                                                    terranes (termed the Birimian or Birimian Supergroup). The Birimian rocks are
                                                                                                                                                    synchronous with the Eburnean orogeny. The Baoulé-Mossi domain comprises a
                                                                                                                                                    number of north-northeast to south-southwest to north-south arcuate belts that
                                                                                                                                                    stretch hundreds of kilometres and are host to multiple gold, base metal, and
                                                                                                                                                    pegmatite-hosted columbo-tantalite and lithium deposits that are spatially and
                                                                                                                                                    temporally related to the Eburnean orogeny that took place between 2,250 and
                                                                                                                                                    1,980 Ma.

                                                                                                                                                    ·   The geology of the Project area is underlain by Birimian metavolcanics
                                                                                                                                                    and Eburnian-aged granitoid intrusions, including undeformed, late stage
                                                                                                                                                    potassic granites considered to be genetically related to the pegmatites.

                                                                                                                                                    ·   Historical work within the permit area has identified a number of
                                                                                                                                                    pegmatite types within the licence area, including pegmatites that are
                                                                                                                                                    prospective for lithium and columbo-tantalite mineralisation. The exploration
                                                                                                                                                    work by Adam (1966) also identified surficial columbo-tantalite mineralisation
                                                                                                                                                    associated with the pegmatites and weathering thereof.

                                                                                                                                                    ·   Recently, several companies have demonstrated the potential for
                                                                                                                                                    pegmatite-hosted lithium mineralisation in the region. These include Atlantic
                                                                                                                                                    Lithium (previously IronRidge Resources) who have developed the Ewoyaa Lithium
                                                                                                                                                    Project in Ghana, Firefinch (previously Mali Lithium) and their Goulamina
                                                                                                                                                    project and Kodal Minerals with their Bougouni project bothin southern Mali.

                                                                                                                                                    ·   The pegmatites within the Atex permit belong to the LCT-Rare Element
                                                                                                                                                    group of pegmatites and includes the LCT spodumene-lepidolite bearing
                                                                                                                                                    pegmatite at Spodumene Hill and muscovite-columbo-tantalite type pegmatites.

                                                                                                                                                    ·   The pegmatites within the Atex Proiect are hosted in mafic schists,
                                                                                                                                                    although some minor mica schist is also present, and comprise a series of
                                                                                                                                                    steeply dipping north-northeast striking bodies. Less common are smaller
                                                                                                                                                    east-west orientated pegmatites Current work by Firering Strategic Minerals
                                                                                                                                                    has identified a number of pegmatite bodies around Spodumene Hill, which have
                                                                                                                                                    been the focus of the current drilling campaign.

                                                                                                                                                    ·   Several of these pegmatites have been identified to be potentially
                                                                                                                                                    lithium bearing, with the lithium hosted in spodumene and lepidolite.

                                                                                                                                                    ·   The area is also considered moderately prospective for orogenic Birimian
                                                                                                                                                    gold mineralisation based on the local geology and proximity to a number of
                                                                                                                                                    gold deposits in the broader region. Historical exploration in the 1960s also
                                                                                                                                                    noted a small "placer" gold deposit close to Tounvré.
 Drill hole Information                                            ·    A summary of all information material to the understanding of the           ·   All relevant maps showing the sample locations results have been
                                                                   exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for      included in the announcement.
                                                                   all Material drill holes:

                                                                                ·   Geological results have been reported
                                                                   o  easting and northing of the drill hole collar

                                                                                ·   Only lithium results have been reported for the soils as this data best
                                                                   o  elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of      summarises and highlights the potential target areas identified.
                                                                   the drill hole collar

                                                                   o  dip and azimuth of the hole

                                                                   o  down hole length and interception depth

                                                                   o  hole length.

                                                                   ·    If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that
                                                                   the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the
                                                                   understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why
                                                                   this is the case.
 Data aggregation methods                                          ·    In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques,           ·   Results plotted and interpreted are based on the geology encountered in
                                                                   maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and       the end of hole auger sample.
                                                                   cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.

                                                                                ·   No data aggregation or metal equivalents have been reported.
                                                                   ·    Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade
                                                                   results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such
                                                                   aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations
                                                                   should be shown in detail.

                                                                   ·    The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values
                                                                   should be clearly stated.
 Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths  ·    These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of          ·   There is no relationship between the lithium results in the soil samples
                                                                   Exploration Results.                                                             and possible pegmatite hosted lithium mineralisation.

                                                                   ·    If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole        ·   There is no relationship between the geological results from the auger
                                                                   angle is known, its nature should be reported.                                   samples and possible pegmatite hosted lithium mineralisation.

                                                                   ·    If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there       ·   No relationship has been established with respect to the target sizes
                                                                   should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true width   and the size of potential pegmatite hosted lithium mineralisation. However,
                                                                   not known').                                                                     the auger results do provide a more accurate delineation of the pegmatites for
                                                                                                                                                    follow up drill targeting
 Diagrams                                                          ·    Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of              ·   Relevant maps are presented in the accompanying documentation.
                                                                   intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported
                                                                   These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar
                                                                   locations and appropriate sectional views.
 Balanced reporting                                                ·    Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not             ·   The reported exploration results from the Atex project are related to
                                                                   practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or         the logged geology and assays from the soil sampling and logged geology from
                                                                   widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration          the auger drilling completed to date and have been previously reported.
                                                                   Results.
 Other substantive exploration data                                ·    Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported      ·   Not applicable.
                                                                   including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey
                                                                   results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of
                                                                   treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical
                                                                   and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
 Further work                                                      ·    The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral        ·   Additional exploration is planned, namely the planned RC drilling
                                                                   extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).                campaign, and summarised in the accompanying documentation. This drilling has

                                                                                been planned to test the targets identified and establish whether the targets
                                                                   ·    Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions,             are associated with mineralised pegmatites.
                                                                   including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas,

                                                                   provided this information is not commercially sensitive.                         ·   Maps are included in the Report.

 

 

 

 

 

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact
rns@lseg.com (mailto:rns@lseg.com)
 or visit
www.rns.com (http://www.rns.com/)
.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our
Privacy Policy (https://www.lseg.com/privacy-and-cookie-policy)
.   END  DRLZZMZGGDVGFZZ

Recent news on Firering Strategic Minerals

See all news