Jindalee Lithium (ASX:JLL) began a major phase one drilling program at its 100%-owned McDermitt lithium project in southeast Oregon following receipt of all major regulatory approvals, according to a Friday Australian bourse filing.

The program will target roughly one-third of the up to 100 approved drill sites, prioritizing infill drilling, hydrogeological and geotechnical studies, and metallurgical testwork to support the feasibility study and potential upgrades to the mineral resource, per the filing.

Drilling is expected to be completed by the end of November, with initial results anticipated in the first quarter of 2027, the filing added.

The company's shares rose 4% in recent Friday trade.