Lightning Minerals (ASX: L1M) has discovered spodumene within a lithium-bearing pegmatite at its Esperança project in Brazil’s Minas Gerais region.

The discovery was made during an aggressive early-stage exploration program that started in June and included project-scale geological mapping, ground reconnaissance and soil sampling.

Artisanal excavations revealed a lithium-bearing pegmatite with elongated spodumene crystals measuring up to 50 centimetres and returning grades of up to 18,800 parts per million lithium (or 4.04% lithium oxide).

‘Significant results’

The discovery is believed to support Lightning’s exploration approach in the Lithium Valley district and its positive assessment of the prospectivity across two other regional projects at Canabrava and Caraíbas.

“We are progressing our projects in Brazil quickly and cost-effectively and generating significant results for the business, which we feel will be transformational,” Managing director Alex Biggs said.

“This is a great first step for us and is testament to the prospectivity of this region—we look forward to drilling in the new year and reporting results from all three project areas.”

The discovery provides a walk-up drill target for Lightning’s fully funded drilling campaign, set to begin in the first quarter of 2025.

Follow-up mapping

Following the identification of lithium minerals at the site, Lightning’s team mapped the surrounding area to understand the orientation of any outcropping lithologies.

Early indicators have been positive, with the mineralised pegmatite outcrop displaying a shallow dip to the south-east.

The area will remain a focus for the company as it seeks to understand the outcrop’s presentation, orientation and structural setting for drill testing.

Regional agreement

Last month, Lightning signed an agreement with the Minas Gerais State Economic Development Department and the Integrated Development Institute – together known as Invest Minas – to mutually support the development of the company’s lithium projects in Brazil.

The agreement will also promote the battery materials sector and supply chain investment in the region through two-way introductions, investment partnerships and local employment opportunities.

Soil sampling and geological mapping continues across the Esperança, Canabrava and Caraíbas projects, with further results due over the coming weeks.