Further High-Grade Assay Results Continue To Extend Mineralization At The Piedmont Lithium Project

Further High-Grade Assay Results Continue To Extend Mineralization At The Piedmont Lithium Project.

Further High-Grade Assay Results Continue To Extend Mineralization At The Piedmont Lithium Project

 
PRESS RELEASE  |  November 28, 2017  |  NASDAQ:PLL  |  ASX:PLL

NEW YORK, Nov. 28, 2017/PRNewswire/ —

  • Assay results from a further 26 drill holes of the Phase 2 program have been received and continue to confirm high grade lithium mineralization along the 4 kilometers of strike within the Project including:
    • 24.38m of cumulative thickness of mineralization across 3 pegmatites which includes high grade intercepts of 18.04m @ 1.01% Li2O and 1.99m @ 1.28% Li2O in Hole 17-BD-87
    • 23.64m of cumulative thickness of mineralization across 5 pegmatites which includes high grade intercepts of 11.60m @ 1.29% Li2O, and 5.97m @ 1.14% Li2O in Hole 17-BD-77
    • 22.82m of cumulative thickness of mineralization across 4 pegmatites which includes high grade intercepts of 9.74m @ 1.31% Li2O and 5.73m @ 1.36% Li2O in Hole 17-BD-98
    • 21.86m of cumulative thickness of mineralization across 4 pegmatites which includes high grade intercepts of 13.95m @ 1.34% Li2O and 2.93m @ 1.41% Li2O in Hole 17-BD-95
    • 15.69m of cumulative thickness of mineralization across 3 pegmatites which includes high grade intercepts of 11.09m @ 1.27% Li2O and 3.41m @ 1.20% Li2O in Hole 17-BD-90
    • 12.51m of cumulative thickness of mineralization across 2 pegmatites which includes a high grade intercept of 10.55m @ 1.46% Li2O in Hole 17-BD-102
  • The Company has now received assays for 76 of the 93 Phase 2 drill holes and anticipates receiving assay results for the remaining 17 drill holes over the next few weeks
  • A Schematic Long Section for the B and G corridors has been prepared based on drilling results to-date (Figure 1) and illustrates the continuity of mineralization along strike for 1400 meters
  • Preliminary geological modelling has, thus far, identified 38 pegmatite bodies within the 4+ kilometers of strike on the Project with the vast majority being intersected at depths less than 100 meters from surface
  • As a result of the work done to date the Company is confident in defining a shallow, open-pitable deposit within the Piedmont Lithium Project strategically located within the USA

Keith D. Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “These additional drill results are outstanding and confirm our belief in the Piedmont Lithium Project.  Our team has discovered a world-class mineral system with over 30 pegmatite bodies over a combined 4+ kilometers of strike length, virtually all within 100 meters of surface.  We look forward to receiving the remaining Phase 2 assay results over the coming weeks.”

For further information, contact:

Keith D. Phillips                

Anastasios (Taso) Arima

President & CEO                

Executive Director

T: +1 973 809 0505               

T: +1 347 899 1522

E: keith@piedmontlithium.com 

E: taso@piedmontlithium.com

 

Figure 1: Piedmont Lithium Project - Schematic Northeast-Southwest Long Section

Piedmont Lithium Limited (ASX: PLL, OTC: PLLLY) (“Piedmont” or “Company”) is pleased to report further high-grade mineralisation from the 93-hole Phase 2 drilling campaign on the Piedmont Lithium Project (“Project“) located within the world-class Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt (“TSB“).

Phase 2 Results and Discussion

In addition to the first 51 Phase 2 drill holes (reported September 26, 2017 and November 2, 2017), the current group of 26 drill holes reported in this release continue to define high grade mineralised trends totalling over 4 kilometers in strike.  The entire Pegmatite system remains open at depth and along strike.  Drill hole details and weighted-composite assay intercepts are attached as Table 1.

Geological modelling has begun on the results from the Phase 2 drill campaign with initial results indicating the presence of 38 pegmatite bodies across the 4+ kilometres of strike length on the Project. Importantly, the vast majority of the dykes have been intersected at shallow depths of less than 100 metres vertically. These initial results give the Company confidence in being able to define a shallow, open-pitable deposit which is strategically located within the historical lithium mining and processing region of the USA.

Logging, sampling and shipping of all Phase 2 drill core samples has been completed.  All assays from the Phase 2 program should be received from SGS Labs by early-December.

The Phase 2 drill holes reported in this release highlight the initial high grade intercepts with significant cumulative thickness within the Star Corridor (figure 3) and further defined the mineralization in the B, F & G corridors. Significant intercepts within the B, F & G corridors continued to display similar high grade results as have been previously reported.

Figure 2: Piedmont Lithium Phase 2 Drilling with Mineralized Trends

Significant intercepts from the Star Corridor include:

  • 22.82m of cumulative thickness of mineralization across 4 pegmatites which includes high grade intercepts of 9.74m @ 1.31% Li2O and 5.73m @ 1.36% Li2O in Hole 17-BD-98
  • 21.86m of cumulative thickness of mineralization across 4 pegmatites which includes high grade intercepts of 13.95m @ 1.34% Li2O and 2.93m @ 1.41% Li2O in Hole 17-BD-95
  • 21.30m of cumulative thickness of mineralization across 4 pegmatites which includes high grade intercepts of 4.23m @ 1.20% Li2O and 4.52m @ 1.31% Li2O in Hole 17-BD-91
  • 17.42m of cumulative thickness of mineralization across 3 pegmatites which includes high grade intercepts of 5.35m @ 1.23% Li2O and 4.00m @ 1.12% Li2O in Hole 17-BD-101

 

Figure 3: Piedmont Lithium Project - Star Corridor Cross Section

 

Figure 4: Piedmont Lithium Project -  Mineralized Trends and Drill Hole Locations

About Piedmont Lithium

Piedmont Lithium Limited (ASX: PLL; OTC-Nasdaq: PLLLY) holds a 100% interest in the Piedmont Lithium Project (“Project”) located within the world-class Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt (“TSB”) and along trend to the Hallman Beam and Kings Mountain mines, historically providing most of the western world’s lithium between 1950 and 1990. The TSB is one of the premier localities in the world to be exploring for lithium pegmatites given its history of lithium bearing spodumene mining, favorable geology and ideal location with easy access to infrastructure, power, R&D centers for lithium and battery storage, major high-tech population centers and downstream lithium processing facilities.

The TSB has previously been described as one of the largest lithium provinces in the world and is located approximately 40 kilometers west of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. The TSB was the most important lithium producing region in the western world prior to the establishment of the brine operations in Chile in the late 1990s. The TSB extends over approximately 60 kilometers in length and reaches a maximum width of approximately 1.6 kilometers.

The Project was originally explored by Lithium Corporation of America which eventually was acquired by FMC Corporation (“FMC”). FMC and Albemarle Corporation (“Albemarle“) both historically mined the lithium bearing spodumene pegmatites from the TSB with the historic Kings Mountain lithium mine being described as one of the richest spodumene deposits in the world by Albemarle. These two mines and their respective metallurgy also formed the basis for the design of the two lithium processing facilities in the region which were the first modern spodumene processing facilities in the western world.

Albemarle and FMC continue to operate these important lithium processing facilities with FMC’s Bessemer City lithium processing facility being approximately 14 kilometers from the Project whilst Albemarle’sKings Mountain lithium processing facility is approximately 17 kilometers from the Project.

The Company is in a unique position to leverage its position as a first mover in restarting exploration in this historic lithium producing region with the aim of developing a strategic, U.S. domestic source of lithium to supply the increasing electric vehicle and battery storage markets.

Forward Looking Statements

This announcement may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Piedmont’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Piedmont, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Piedmont makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this announcement, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that announcement.

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled or reviewed by Mr Lamont Leatherman, a Competent Person who is a Registered Member of the ‘Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration’, a ‘Recognised Professional Organisation’ (RPO). Mr Leatherman is a consultant to the Company. Mr Leatherman has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’. Mr Leatherman consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

 

APPENDIX 1: SUMMARY OF CORE DRILL HOLE INTERSECTIONS

Hole ID

Easting

Northing

Elev.
(m)

Az.
(o)

Dip
(o)

Depth
(m)

From
(m)

To
(m)

Intercept
(m)

Li2O

(%)

17-BD-59

473573.61

3916192.82

247.91

300

-55

180

19.34

21.19

1.85

1.79

and

44.57

46.90

2.33

1.07

and

106.86

113..20

6.34

0.73

including

106.86

108.84

1.98

1.35

and

122.76

126.49

3.73

1.46

17-BD-77

474291.29

3915729.42

263.27

300

-55

185.9

53.56

59.53

5.97

1.14

and

64.34

66.41

2.07

1.10

and

68.50

70.77

2.27

1.44

and

116.22

127.82

11.6

1.29

including

116.22

118.90

2.86

1.81

including

120.69

127.82

7.13

1.41

and

179.36

181.09

1.73

1.17

17-BD-78

473345.13

3916178.02

255.00

300

-55

126.8

76.73

85.33

8.60

1.19

including

79.70

84.17

4.47

1.64

and

100.25

102.71

2.46

0.97

17-BD-79

474162.90

3916566.70

232.50

310

-55

146.5

30.12

39.60

9.48

0.67

including

30.12

33.12

3.00

1.36

17-BD-83

assays pending

17-BD_85

assays pending

17-BD-86

assays pending

17-BD-87

473332.30

3915980.97

241.32

300

-55

117.4

7.85

12.20

4.35

0.96

and

57.81

75.85

18.04

1.01

including

57.81

67.52

9.71

1.41

including

71.82

75.85

4.03

1.12

and

83.90

85.89

1.99

1.28

17-BD-88

474056.50

3916333.16

238.03

300

-55

128

No significant results

17-BD-89

473871.96

3915279.45

265.01

300

-55

155.45

38.11

42.86

4.75

0.94

and

111.60

118.92

7.32

1.25

including

111.60

113.86

2.26

1.91

17-BD-90

473372.29

3915995.85

232.93

300

-55

111.25

16.74

17.93

1.19

1.43

and

37.52

40.93

3.41

1.20

and

71.23

82.32

11.09

1.27

including

71.23

76.23

5.00

1.71

17-BD-91

473519.90

3915830.77

266.58

300

-55

111.25

36.19

40.42

4.23

1.20

and

52.08

56.60

4.52

1.31

and

84.66

86.10

1.44

1.21

and

93.04

104.95

11.11

0.86

including

98.86

102.74

3.88

1.13

17-BD-92

474389.81

3916644.49

241.94

300

-55

113

No significant results

17-BD-93

473745.13

3916513.93

267.21

300

-55

93

36.29

39.25

2.96

0.72

and

40.56

42.83

2.27

0.96

and

50.30

52.16

1.86

1.02

17-BD-94

assays pending

17-BD-95

473508.14

3915794.01

264.82

300

-55

108.2

47.36

50.29

2.93

1.41

and

60.90

62.20

1.30

1.11

and

67.02

70.70

3.68

1.27

and

90.35

104.30

13.95

1.34

including

93.23

102.38

9.15

1.60

17-BD-96

assays pending

17-BD-97

473502.93

3916269.98

250.08

300

-55

104

39.46

48.52

9.06

0.98

including

39.46

44.46

6.15

1.20

and

52.39

59.84

7.45

0.99

including

52.39

54.92

2.53

1.43

17-BD-98

473468.27

3915816.06

258.63

300

-55

92.96

44.66

54.40

9.74

1.31

including

45.12

51.9

6.78

1.60

and

63.49

68.20

4.71

1.26

and

71.03

76.76

5.73

1.36

and

82.06

84.70

2.64

1.52

17-BD-99

473446.86

3916391.01

262.32

300

-55

94.5

31.65

38.14

6.49

1.33

and

45.79

46.79

1.00

1.06

17-BD-100

473422.90

3916309.56

258.59

300

-55

131.5

72.64

79.68

7.04

1.08

including

72.64

75.86

3.22

1.44

including

78.15

79.68

1,53

1.94

17-BD-101

473472.77

3915727.52

267.51

300

-55

126.49

58.66

61.01

2.35

0.75

and

78.35

83.70

5.35

1.23

including

78.35

80.95

2.60

1.56

and

93.10

102.62

9.52

0.90

including

93.10

97.10

4.00

1.12

17-BD-102

473513.92

3916451.01

261.57

300

-55

100.58

52.39

62.94

10.55

1.46

including

54.08

61.64

7.56

1.93

and

72.64

74.60

1.96

1.52

17-BD-103

473535.81

3916476.52

266.73

300

-55

91.44

48.79

58.60

9.81

1.22

including

49.19

54.00

4.81

1.53

17-BD-104

473571.48

3916457.54

263.93

300

-55

128.02

87.97

93.63

5.66

1.15

and

103,10

105.08

1.98

0.73

17-BD-105

473641.00

3915867.59

254.67

300

-55

178.92

34.36

36.66

2.30

0.94

and

92.20

96.10

3.90

1.72

17-BD-106

473550.52

3916526.96

267.95

300

-55

91.44

34.91

41.35

6.44

1.48

and

57.22

59.62

2.4

1.09

17-BD-107

473680.96

3916313.65

259.51

298

-55

231.04

6.07

8.20

2.13

1.09

and

128.51

141.26

12.75

1.03

including

128.51

137.18

7.55

1.55

17-BD-108

473466.14

3915688.90

262.06

300

-55

114.3

65.17

67.04

1.87

1.02

and

79.52

85.89

6.37

0.59

including

79.52

81.00

1.48

0.94

17-BD-109

assays pending

 

17-BD-110

473649.49

3916213.14

241.34

294

-67

234.7

41.27

42.76

1.49

1.52

and

91.00

97.97

6.97

0.53

including

92.00

94.00

2

1.14

17-BD-111

473344.39

3915575.81

264.85

300

-55

136.25

No significant results

 

 

APPENDIX 2 – JORC TABLE 1 CHECKLIST OF ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING CRITERIA

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria

JORC Code explanation

Commentary

Sampling techniques

Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as downhole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.

Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.

Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay’). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.

All results reported are from diamond core samples. The core was sawn at an orientation not influenced by the distribution of mineralization within the drill core (i.e. bisecting mineralized veins, or cut perpendicular to a fabric in the rock that is independent of mineralization, such as foliation). Diamond drilling provided continuous core which allowed continuous sampling of mineralized zones.  The core sample intervals were a minimum of 0.35m and a maximum of 1.5m for HQ or NQ drill core (except in saprolitic areas of poor recovery where sample intervals may exceed 1.5m in length), and took into account lithological boundaries (i.e. sample was to, and not across, major contacts).

Standards and blanks were inserted into the sample stream to assess the accuracy, precision and methodology of the external laboratories used. In addition, field duplicate samples were inserted to assess the variability of the mineralisation., The laboratories undertake their own duplicate sampling as part of their internal QA/QC processes. Examination of the QA/QC sample data indicates satisfactory performance of field sampling protocols and assay laboratories providing acceptable levels of precision and accuracy.

 

Drilling techniques

Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.).

All diamond drill holes were collared with HQ and were transitioned to NQ once non-weathered and unoxidized bedrock was encountered.  Drill core was recovered from surface.

Oriented core was collected on select drill holes using the REFLEX ACT III tool by a qualified geologist at the drill rig. The orientation data is currently being evaluated.

Drill sample recovery

Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.

Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.

Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.

The core was transported from the drill site to the logging facility in covered boxes with the utmost care. Once at the logging facility, the following procedures were carried out on the core:

1. Re-aligning the broken core in its original position as closely as possible.

2. The length of recovered core was measured and meter marks clearly placed on the core to indicate depth to the nearest centimetre.

3. The length of core recovered was used to determine the core recovery, which is the length of core recovered divided by the interval drilled (as indicated by the footage marks which was converted to meter marks), expressed as a percentage. This data was recorded in the database. The core was photographed wet before logged.

4. The core was photographed again immediately before sampling with the sample numbers visible.

Sample recovery was consistently good except for zones within the oxidized clay and saprolite zones.  These zones were generally within the top 20m of the hole.  No relationship is recognized between recovery and grade.  The drill holes were designed to intersect the targeted pegmatite below the oxidized zone.

Logging

Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.

Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography.

The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.

Geologically, data was collected in detail, sufficient to aid in Mineral Resource estimation.

Core logging consisted of marking the core, describing lithologies, geologic features, percentage of spodumene and structural features measured to core axis.

The core was photographed wet before logging and again immediately before sampling with the sample numbers visible.

All the core from the twenty-six holes reported was logged.

Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation

If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.

If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry.

For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.

Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.

Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.

Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.

Core was cut in half with a diamond saw.

Standard sample intervals were a minimum of 0.35m and a maximum of 1.5m for HQ or NQ drill core, taking into account lithological boundaries (i.e. sample to, and not across, major contacts).

The preparation code is CRU21 (crush to 75% of sample <2mm) and PUL45 (pulverize 250g to 85% <75 microns).

A CRM or coarse blank was included at the rate of one for every 20 drill core samples (i.e. 5%).

Sampling precision is monitored by selecting a sample interval likely to be mineralized and splitting the sample into two ¼ core duplicate samples over the same sample interval. These samples are consecutively numbered after the primary sample and recorded in the sample database as “field duplicates” and the primary sample number recorded. Field duplicates were collected at the rate of 1 in 20 samples when sampling mineralized drill core intervals

Samples were numbered sequentially with no duplicates and no missing numbers. Triple tag books using 9-digit numbers were used, with one tag inserted into the sample bag and one tag stapled or otherwise affixed into the core tray at the interval the sample was collected. Samples were placed inside pre-numbered sample bags with numbers coinciding to the sample tag. Quality control (QC) samples, consisting of certified reference materials (CRMs), were given sample numbers within the sample stream so that they are masked from the laboratory after sample preparation and to avoid any duplication of sample numbers.

Quality of assay data and laboratory tests

 

 

 

The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.

For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.

Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established.

 

 

 

All samples from the Phase II drilling were shipped to the SGS laboratory in Lakefield, Ontario.

The preparation code was CRU21 (crush to 75% of sample <2mm) and PUL45 (pulverize 250g to 85% <75 microns).

The analyses code was GE ICM40B (multi-acid digestion with either an ICP-ES or ICP-MS finish), which has a range for Li of 1 to 10,000 (1%) ppm Li.

The over-range method code for Li >5,000 ppm is GE ICP90A, which uses a peroxide fusion with an ICP finish, and has lower and upper detection limits of 0.001 and 5% respectively.

Starting in August, samples were switched to being analysed using GE ICP90A Li only and then to GE ICP91A Li only.

Bulk Densities are collected from each drill hole (one host rock and one mineralized rock) using analyses code GPHY04V.

Phase I samples were shipped to the Bureau Veritas minerals laboratory in Reno, Nevada.

The preparation code was PRP70-250 (crush to 70% of sample <2mm, pulverize 250g to 85% <75 microns).

The analysis code was MA270 (multi-acid digestion with either an ICP-ES or ICP-MS finish), which has a range for Li of 0.5 to 10,000 ppm (1%) Li. This digestion provides only partial analyses for many elements in refractory minerals, including Ta and Nb. It does not include analyses for Cs.

The over-range method code for Li>10,000 ppm is PF370, which uses a peroxide fusion with an ICP-ES finish, and has lower and upper detection limits of 0.001 and 50%, respectively. The laboratory was instructed to implement the over-range method in all samples that exceed 5,000 ppm Li to allow for poor data precision near the upper limit of detection using MA270.

Historical samples (holes 09-BD-01 through 10-BD-19) were submitted to ALS Vancouver for analysis.

Accuracy monitoring was achieved through submission and monitoring of certified reference materials (CRMs).

Sample numbering and the inclusion of CRMs was the responsibility of the project geologist submitting the samples. A CRM or coarse blank was included at the rate of one for every 20 drill core samples (i.e. 5%).

The CRMs used for this program were supplied by Geostats Pty Ltd of Perth, Western Australia.  Details of the CRMs are provided below. A sequence of these CRMs covering a range in Li values and, including blanks, were submitted to the laboratory along with all dispatched samples so as to ensure each run of 100 samples contains the full range of control materials. The CRMs were submitted as “blind” control samples not identifiable by the laboratory.

Sampling precision was monitored by selecting a sample interval likely to be mineralized and splitting the sample into two ¼ core duplicate samples over the same sample interval. These samples were consecutively numbered after the primary sample and recorded in the sample database as “field duplicates” and the primary sample number recorded. Field duplicates were collected at the rate of 1 in 20 samples when sampling mineralized drill core intervals. Random sampling precision was monitored by splitting samples at the sample crushing stage (coarse crush duplicate) and at the final sub-sampling stage for analysis (pulp duplicates).  The coarse, jaw-crushed, reject material was split into two preparation duplicates, sometimes referred to as second cuts, crusher or preparation duplicates, which were then pulverized and analysed separately. These duplicate samples were selected randomly by the laboratory. Analytical precision was also monitored using pulp duplicates, sometimes referred to as replicates or repeats. Data from all three types of duplicate analyses was used to constrain sampling variance at different stages of the sampling and preparation process.

Examination of the QA/QC sample data indicates satisfactory performance of field sampling protocols and assay laboratories providing acceptable levels of precision and accuracy.

Verification of sampling and assaying

The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.

The use of twinned holes.

Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.

Discuss any adjustment to assay data.

Multiple representatives of Piedmont Lithium, Inc. have inspected and verified the results.

CSA has conducted two site visits. Dennis Arne (Managing Director -Principal Consultant) toured the site, facilities and reviewed core logging and sampling workflow as well as Leon McGarry (Senior Resource Geologist). Each provided comments on how to improve our methods and have been addressed. Verification core samples were collected by Leon McGarry with assays pending.

No holes were twinned.

Ten-foot rods and core barrels were used, the core was converted from feet to meters.  Li% was converted to Li2O by multiplying Li% by 2.153.

Location of data points

Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.

Specification of the grid system used.

Quality and adequacy of topographic control.

Drill collars were located with the Trimble Geo 7 which resulted in accuracies <1m.

All coordinates were collected in State Plane and re-projected to Nad83 zone17 in which they are reported.

Drill hole surveying was performed on each hole using a REFLEX EZ-Trac multi-shot instrument. Readings were taken approx. every 15 meters (50 feet) and recorded depth, azimuth, and inclination.

Data spacing and distribution

Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.

Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.

Whether sample compositing has been applied.

For selected areas, the drill spacing is approximately 40 to 80 m along strike and down dip.  This spacing is sufficient to establish continuity in geology and grade for this pegmatite system.

Composite samples are reported in Li2O%, this is calculated by multiplying drill length by Li2O for each sample; then the weighted averages for multiple samples are totalled and divided by the total drill length for the selected samples

 

Orientation of data in relation to geological structure

Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.

If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.

The pegmatite dikes targeted trend northeast and dip to the southeast, drillholes were designed, oriented to the northwest with inclinations ranging from -45 to -80 degrees, to best intersect the tabular pegmatite bodies as close to perpendicularly as possible.

Sample security

The measures taken to ensure sample security.

Drill core samples were shipped directly from the field by the project geologist in sealed rice bags or similar containers using a reputable transport company with shipment tracking capability so that a chain of custody can be maintained.  Each bag was sealed with a security strap with a unique security number. The containers were locked in a shed if they were stored overnight at any point during transit, including at the drill site prior to shipping. The laboratory confirmed the integrity of the rice bag seals upon receipt

Audits or reviews

The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.

CSA Global developed a “Standard Operating Procedures” manual in preparation for the drilling program.  CSA global reviews all logging and assay data, as well as merges all data in to database that is held off site.

CSA has conducted two site visits. Dennis Arne (Managing Director -Principal Consultant) toured the site and facilities as well as Leon McGarry (Senior Resource Geologist). Each provided comments on how to improve our methods and have been addressed. Verification core samples were collected by Leon McGarry with assays pending.

 

 

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria

JORC Code explanation

Commentary

Mineral tenement and land tenure status

>       Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings.

>       The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.

Piedmont, through its 100% owned subsidiary, Piedmont Lithium, Inc., has entered into exclusive option agreements with local landowners, which upon exercise, allows the Company to purchase (or long term lease) approximately 715 acres of surface property and the associated mineral rights from the local landowners.

There are no known historical sites, wilderness or national parks located within the Project area and there are no known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in this area.

Exploration done by other parties

>       Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.

The Project is focused over an area that has been explored for lithium dating back to the 1950’s where it was originally explored by Lithium Corporation of America which was subsequently acquired by FMC Corporation. Most recently, North Arrow explored the Project in 2009 and 2010.  North Arrow conducted surface sampling, field mapping, a ground magnetic survey and two diamond drilling programs for a total of 19 holes. Piedmont Lithium, Inc. has obtained North Arrow’s exploration data.

Geology

>       Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation.

Spodumene pegmatites, located near the litho tectonic boundary between the inner Piedmont and Kings Mountain belt.  The mineralization is thought to be concurrent and cross-cutting dike swarms extending from the Cherryville granite, as the dikes progressed further from their sources, they became increasingly enriched in incompatible elements such as Li, tin (Sn).  The dikes are considered to be unzoned.

 

Drill hole Information

>       A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes:

>       easting and northing of the drill hole collar

>       elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar

>       dip and azimuth of the hole

>       down hole length and interception depth

>       hole length.

>       If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case.

Details of all reported drill holes are provided in Appendix 1 of this report.

 

Data aggregation methods

>       In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.

>       Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.

>       The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.

Weighted averaging was used in preparing the drill composites reported.  Composites were reported for entire pegmatites, with additional high grade sub intervals reported from the same pegmatite.  In the case where thin wall rock intervals were included, a value of 0% Li2O was used in the weighted averaging.

Li% was converted to Li2O% by multiplying Li% by 2.153.

Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths

>       These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.

>       If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.

>       If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. ‘down hole length, true width not known’).

Drill intercepts are reported as Li2O% over the drill length, not true thickness.  The pegmatites targeted strike northeast-southwest and dip moderately to the southeast.  All holes were drilled to the northwest and with inclinations ranging between -45 and -80

Diagrams

>       Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.

Appropriate diagrams, including a drill plan map and cross-section, are included in the main body of this report.

Balanced reporting

>       Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.

All of the relevant exploration data for the Exploration Results and available at this time has been provided in this report.

Other substantive exploration data

>       Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.

Eleven thin section samples were collected and submitted to Vancouver Petrographic for preparation, mineral identification and description.  The Petrographic report identifies the primary mineralogy as quartz, plagioclase (albite), clinopyroxene (spodumene), K-spar and white mica.  Variable amounts of alteration were identified in the pegmatite samples.  One sample of the host rock was submitted and identified as a metadiorite.

Thirteen samples from the Phase 1 drilling have been analysed by Semi Quantitative XRD (ME-LR-MIN-MET-MN-DO3) by SGS Mineral Services.  Within all thirteen samples, spodumene was identified.  Spodumene ranged between 5 and 38.6 wt%.  The primary mineralogy of the pegmatite was identified as quartz, albite, spodumene, microcline and muscovite.

Bulk Densities are collected from each of the Phase II drill holes (one host rock and one mineralized rock) using analyses code GPHY04V.

Composite samples of ore intercepts from the Phase 1 drilling have been submitted to North Carolina State Minerals Research Lab for bench scale spodumene concentrate testing.   Results pending.

Further work

>       The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).

>       Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.

The Phase 2 drilling program of 93 holes totalling 12,262m has been completed.  After evaluation of all of the Phase 2 data Piedmont may decide to conduct additional drilling to define the Company’s maiden Mineral Resource estimate in early-2018.

 

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SOURCE Piedmont Lithium Limited


For further information, contact:

Erin Sanders
SVP, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
T: +1 704 575 2549
E: esanders@piedmontlithium.com