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Montero Mining Reports Mineralogical Results from Soris Lithium Project Samples
TORONTO, Dec. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSX-V:MON) has received positive mineralogical results from surface samples take
About this update from Montero Mining And Exploration Ltd.
[{"type":"text","content":"TORONTO, Dec. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSX-V:MON) has received positive mineralogical results from surface samples taken during an initial grab sampling program on its Soris Lithium Project in central Namibia. Results confirm that spodumene is the dominant lithium mineral. The mineralogical samples were collected from three main workings from the Soris pegmatites. Three hand specimen samples were submitted for mineralogical analysis, which included XRD and petrography, to SGS Laboratories in Johannesburg, South Africa. The mineralogical results confirm spodumene (LiAl (SiO3)2) is the main lithium bearing mineral in the samples provided. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that lithium is dominantly hosted in primary spodumene and possibly some minor lepidolite (K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2). Alteration minerals such as amblygonite (Li,Na)AlPO4(F,OH), cookeite LiAl5Si3O10(OH)8 and eucryptite (LiAlSiO4) also occur in minor to trace amounts. The tin mineral cassiterite (SnO2) is also observed in one of the samples but no tantalum is observed. The pegmatite samples also show dominant quartz, albite feldspar and mica as the major minerals followed by spodumene. The samples may not necessarily be representative of the overall mineralization hosted in the pegmatites on the property. According to the report spodumene is the dominant Li-bearing mineral and the coarse nature of the spodumene should allow for pre-concentration of this mineral by Densimetric Mineral Separation (DMS) prior to possible further concentration by other gravity separation methods such as spirals and then flotation. The partial alteration of the spodumene in places may affect efficient recoveries of the mineral. Dr. Tony Harwood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montero commented, “Montero’s mineralogical testing has confirmed that spodumene is the main lithium bearing mineral in the pegmatites at the Soris Lithium Project. Spodumene is the most desirable target mineral for beneficiation, concentrate production and sale of lithium from hard rock lithium deposits. Montero has submitted the remainder of spodumene bearing RC chips from prior operators drill program where lithium was not analyzed.” The ratio of the element rubidium (Rb as ppm) against lithium (Li as ppm) has been used as a vector to differentiate betwee...