Rio Tinto Launches Lithium and Rare Earth Metals Exploration in East Kazakhstan
Rio Tinto Exploration Kazakhstan, a division of the major Australian-British mining firm Rio Tinto, has embarked on an ambitious geological exploration project in the Kalba South-West area of Ulan district, East Kazakhstan region. The focus of this extensive exploration is the identification and delineation of areas promising for the discovery of a substantial lithium deposit, which is critical for the burgeoning electric vehicle battery market.
The exploration project, covered under a six-year solid minerals exploration license that began on December 29, 2023, encompasses 24 exploration blocks over 51.3 square kilometers. The project is strategically positioned within the Kalba-Narym rare-metal belt, known for its deposits of tin, tungsten, tantalum, niobium, and lithium. However, the majority of these ore occurrences have historically not been commercial.
Rio Tinto's exploration efforts will initially involve comprehensive lithochemical sampling and geophysical surveying across the entire area. This includes airborne geophysical work and area magnetic surveys, with the aim to drill prospective zones identified in the first three years. If successful, the discovery of a new orebody that meets Rio Tinto's criteria could significantly expand the scope of work and budget, transitioning into more detailed reserve estimation phases under the KAZRC or JORC codes.
The field work will involve a variety of geological exploration activities, including geological traverses and selective geochemical sampling of bedrock sediments in both known and newly identified prospective areas. The aim is to detect signs of mineralisation and associated rock alteration. Approximately 2,500 samples are planned to be taken, documented meticulously using matrix cards specifically developed for lithium prospecting.
Furthermore, Rio Tinto plans to conduct an aeromagnetic survey using helicopters and drones due to the hilly terrain of the area, covering 300 linear kilometers. Drilling efforts will potentially include boreholes up to one kilometer deep, exploring 5-6 areas with an average of five wells drilled to a depth of 320 meters each.
