Business
Rwanda Exploration Update
Rwanda Exploration Update.
About this update from Aterian Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n19 August 2024\n \nRwanda Exploration Update\n \nAterian Plc\n(\"Aterian\" or the \"Company\")\n \nAterian plc (LSE: ATN), the critical metal-focused exploration and development company, is pleased to provide an update on recent work on the Rio Tinto Joint Venture in Southern Rwanda.\n \nHighlights:\n· 2,274 auger soil sample results received\n· Key pathfinder elements vector into areas of potential sub-surface pegmatite occurrences\n· Geological model upgraded with structural interpretation of pegmatites\n· Drill planning on the licence is well advanced, with the commencement of drilling currently anticipated next month\n \nResults\nDuring Q1/2024, 2,274 auger soil samples were collected from 200 x 20 m and 200 x 40m grids over anomalous areas identified in an earlier, coarser-spaced geochemical sampling programme. The samples were shipped to ALS in Ireland for multi-element analysis. The results from this work have allowed for an interpretation of relevant geochemical ratios that determine the key pathfinder elements that vector into areas of potential sub-surface pegmatite occurrences.\n \nMr. Charles Bray, Chairman of Aterian plc, commented:\n\"Completing the ground soil sampling program marks an exciting step forward in our partnership with Rio Tinto. An extension of the comprehensive ground soil sampling program was completed in Q1 and covered key target zones within the HCK project area. The survey has identified several anomalies consistent with the possible presence of lithium-bearing minerals. The initial indications of lithium potential are encouraging, and we are eager to continue our exploration activities to fully understand the project's potential. These preliminary results represent a crucial milestone in our ongoing exploration efforts and provide a strong basis and analytical framework for the next phase of exploration, the drill programme.\n \nWe will now focus on conducting drilling to establish the presence, extent, and grade of any spodumene-bearing lithium mineralization. Our goal is to maximize the project's potential and contribute to the global supply of this critical battery metal.\"\n \nProject Geology\nBased on recent detailed surface pros...