Kingsland (ASX:KNG) sets 50-90Mt contained graphite target for Leliyn
June 19, 2024Kingsland Minerals has set an upgraded exploration target for as much as 90 million new tonnes of contained graphite at its Leliyn project in the Northern Territory.
The target is not inclusive of an existing 194.6 million tonne at 7.3 per cent total graphitic carbon inferred resource in place at Leliyn, figures which already has it standing as the nation’s largest deposit.
The 700 million to 1.1 billion tonne target at 7-8% TGC is instead directed at the 12 kilometres of graphitic schist strike north of the established resource.
Kingsland Minerals Managing Director Richard Maddocks said the new tonnage estimation came after confirming the deposit’s ability to produce a fine-flake commercial grade concentrate.
“This exploration target confirms the exceptional scope of Leliyn to become one of the world’s largest graphite deposits,” Maddocks said.
“We will continue to undertake metallurgical test work to optimise graphite concentrate properties and have commenced discussions with strategic end users and potential customers.”
The Perth-based explorer will need more drilling success to re-classify the target into mineral resources but stands confident given the continuous along-strike nature and consistent width within the resource area so far.
Historic copper-focused work in the target area by Aztec Mining and Thundelarra Exploration indicated flake graphite in all three analysed holes, showing especially coarse, abundant graphite, and rich beds containing around 15%.
Flotation optimisation studies are continuing over producing fine-flake concentrate, with future work set to assess production of a spherical product as a precursor for battery anode material.
The 14.2 million tonnes of contained graphite at Leliyn already has it among the top few undeveloped graphite projects in the world, and even the lowest end of the upgraded target would likely place Kingsland in the top spot.
Raw tonnage is certainly handy, but just part of the graphite game, and while the geology is relatively simple, producing an end product and finding a buyer is a crux.
Work will continue at that end after recent success producing a 94% plus TGC product, a result strong enough for Kingsland to begin early discussions around processing and offtake.
Leliyn’s access to Port Darwin would make for a fine gateway into the large Asian graphite markets, and Kingsland suspects once an indicated resource and some more metallurgy is in place, end users may start making inquiries in earnest.
Read more on Kingsland and the Leliyn discovery: The journey to unveiling an unexpected graphite monster
Please note the following valuable information before using this website.
Independent Research
Market Open Australia is intended to be used only for educational and informative purposes, and any information on this website should not be taken as investment advice or guidance. It is important to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions, which should be based on your own investment needs and personal circumstances. Any investment decisions based on information contained on this website should be taken in line with independent financial advice from a qualified professional or should be independently researched and verified.
