Astute Metals Advances Red Mountain Lithium Project Through Metallurgical Testwork

Highlights:

• Astute Metals completes initial beneficiation testwork at Red Mountain Lithium Project in Nevada

• Lithium grade upgraded with over one-fifth increase in concentrate samples

• Second diamond drilling campaign underway with multiple holes planned

Astute Metals (ASX:ASE), listed on the ASX under the code ASE, has reported an upgrade in mineralisation estimates at its Red Mountain Lithium Project. This development follows an early-phase metallurgical testwork program completed in Nevada. The company operates within the critical minerals sector, focusing on elements necessary for electrification and the broader global energy transition.

Beneficiation Aims to Improve Lithium Concentration

The metallurgical testwork, carried out by Sepro Laboratories, involved a beneficiation process intended to improve the concentration of lithium-bearing clay. The process aimed to separate lighter mineralised material from heavier waste material. This early-stage effort sought to demonstrate a method of enhancing lithium content while reducing overall mass.

According to Astute Metals, the beneficiation approach led to a notable increase in lithium grade. The process achieved a mass reduction while enhancing the lithium concentration of the samples tested. These outcomes support the broader objectives of improving material quality and validating the process as a viable component of the project’s workflow.

Increase in Lithium Grade Demonstrated

Test results indicated an increase in lithium grade from the baseline measurement to the final concentrate samples. The recovery process achieved a marked improvement in lithium content, with the upgraded material showing a significant rise in parts per million values. In addition, the overall recovery rate demonstrated effective extraction from the initial sample.

Company representatives described the outcome as a meaningful development in the broader Red Mountain program. The beneficiation approach is viewed as a practical step in the ongoing progression of the site’s mineral resources. Further work will assess additional beneficiation methods and the results of samples with higher clay concentration.

Expansion of Drilling Program Continues

Astute Metals has commenced its second phase of diamond drilling at the Red Mountain site. Two drill holes have been completed as part of a broader campaign that includes multiple planned drill locations. The program spans a targeted drilling length, focusing on geological areas previously identified for further exploration.

The ongoing drilling work is designed to complement the findings from the beneficiation testwork. As the campaign advances, the company is aiming to refine its understanding of the deposit’s structure and further define the extent of lithium mineralisation in the region.

Geological Context and Project Overview

The Red Mountain Lithium Project is located in central-eastern Nevada, an area known for its sedimentary rock formations. Specifically, the Horse Camp Formation, which consists of broad tertiary lake sedimentary rocks, serves as the geological foundation of the project. These formations are associated with lithium-bearing clays that are the subject of Astute Metals’ current exploration and testwork activities.

The project aligns with the company’s broader focus on critical minerals, including lithium and copper. Astute Metals maintains a diversified exploration approach aimed at identifying and developing resources linked to the global shift toward clean energy and electrification.

Future Testwork to Explore Alternative Techniques

In addition to the initial beneficiation phase, further testwork is planned to assess other techniques, including Falcon C tests and Attrition Scrubbing. These processes will be conducted on samples containing different clay compositions and lithium concentrations. The objective is to compare beneficiation methods and determine the most effective processes for enhancing lithium recovery and grade at Red Mountain.