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Raiden Resources (ASX:RDN) has identified a total of seven target zones within its Andover South project, with the latest addition being Target Zone 7. This new zone is distinguished by a high degree of fractionation and is located in the north-western section of exploration license E47/4062. It is believed to contain a swarm of north-west trending pegmatites, extending approximately 650 meters along the strike.
Recent collaborative efforts between Raiden and CSA Global geologists have involved follow-up mapping and pegmatite analysis across the project’s tenements. This mapping initiative is part of the preparation for a much-anticipated drilling campaign, which will take place adjacent to the notable Andover discovery, currently owned by prominent figures Mark Creasy, Gina Rinehart, and SQM. This adjacent project has generated significant interest in the sector, particularly after SQM's recent $1.7 billion acquisition of a 60% stake from Azure Minerals.
The decision to include the newly identified Target Zone 7 in the initial drilling program remains pending and will be determined following additional detailed mapping efforts. During a recent fieldwork program, 91 sample locations were assessed, resulting in the identification and mapping of new pegmatite outcrops. The overall Andover South pegmatite field shows a potential strike of 4.2 kilometers across key target zones.
Raiden’s Managing Director, Dusko Ljubojevic, emphasized the importance of the mapping exercise, stating that it aimed to ascertain the extent of Target Area 1, which is prioritized for the upcoming maiden drilling program. This area is known for pegmatites characterized by high fractionation and elevated lithium oxide (Li2O) mineralization. Ljubojevic noted that the mapping work has revealed that the highly fractionated pegmatites on the western edge of Target Area 1 may have experienced structural offsets, contributing to a north-western strike extension.
As the drilling at Andover South approaches, preparations are in full swing. Contracts have recently been awarded to experienced contractors Topdrill and JB Contracting & Quarries for the drilling program. Diamond drilling is slated to commence in the first week of October, initially utilizing a single rig, with plans to mobilize a second rig shortly thereafter. The initial contract allows for drilling between 5,000 meters and potentially extending up to 10,000 meters, depending on ongoing assessments by Raiden.
In conjunction with the drilling preparations, Raiden has made several new technical appointments to bolster its operational capacity. Sean Halpin has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, while Aaron Hawley will serve as the acting project manager for the Andover South lithium campaign. Additionally, Mike Roche has been brought on board as a geologist, further enhancing the team's expertise ahead of the critical drilling phase.
