Green Technology Metals looks to boost Root lithium resource after deep drilling

Deep drilling at Green Technology Metals’ Root Bay lithium deposit has defined more stacked pegmatites, raising the likelihood of a resource upgrade.

A resource upgrade is looking likely at Green Technology Metals’ Root project. Pic: Getty Images

Special Report: Green Technology Metals has strengthened the expansion potential of its Root Bay lithium deposit in Ontario after deep drilling defined additional stacked pegmatites and thick pegmatite extensions below the current resource.

• Green Technology Metals’ deep drilling finds more stacked pegmatites, extends existing pegmatites at Root Bay
• Pegmatites demonstrate strong continuity over 1200m downdip from surface and over 700m below the open pit design
• Assays such as 17.3m at 1.43% Li2O highlight potential to expand Root project resources

The 14-hole diamond drilling program totalling 9132m, which targeted underground resource growth potential, returned thick, high-grade results such as 17.3m grading 1.43% Li2O from 410.7m and 17.3m at 1.18% Li2O from 671m below the current open pit design.

This has increased the number of pegmatites at Root Bay to 20.

Importantly for Green Technology Metals (ASX:GT1), the results confirm strong potential to add to the current resource of 14.6Mt at 1.21% Li2O at Root.

Adding interest, the deposit remains open at depth and strike with the southern edge considered highly prospective for increased strike length from recent thick, high-grade pegmatite intercepts.

Pegmatites demonstrate strong continuity over 1200m downdip from surface and over 700m below the open pit design.

“These results reinforce the project's significance as a key component of the company’s strategy to establish a reliable long-term feed source for our proposed lithium conversion facility in Thunder Bay,” said managing director Cameron Henry.

“The latest assays have also confirmed pegmatite extensions extending 450m below the existing mineral resource, strengthening our confidence in delivering more tonnes in an updated mineral resource estimate. 

“Additionally, we see significant exploration upside at Root Bay, with further drill testing planned for the future.”

Oblique view looking northwest showing concept underground development and open pit designs at Root Bay. Pic: Green Technology Metals

Deep extension drilling

The deep extension drilling program at Root Bay was completed in December 2024 and successfully intersected multiple wide zones of lithium-caesium-tantalum pegmatites and newly discovered pegmatites at depth, reinforcing the potential for deeper resource extensions.

These results are critical for enhancing the geological understanding of the deposit and advancing studies for potential future underground mining operations.

GT1 noted the drilling extended the main pegmatites RB006 and RB007 by a further 450m below the existing resources and identified significant mineralised pegmatite drill intercepts, over 17m thick, in the southern portion of the deposit and extending to the north over a 150-200m strike length.

The pegmatites strike North-North Easterly and dip moderately to the south-east, with the strike rotating further northeasterly with depth along with a steeper dip. 

Notably, the thicker intervals and encouraging assay results on the south edge of the deposit to date are in line with the characteristics required to support an underground mining study.

The company plans to update the Root resource to incorporate these deeper drill holes and initiate further integrated open pit and underground mining study work to optimise the mineral resource further.

This article was developed in collaboration with Green Technology Metals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. 

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.