Independent Review Spurs Expanded Lithium Drilling Program at Dudley Project
Xenora Minerals has identified new high-priority lithium drilling targets at its Dudley Project following an independent geochemical review, with infill sampling set for October and an expanded drilling campaign planned for early 2026.
- Independent geochemical review confirms robust lithium targets
- New high-priority targets identified for infill sampling in October 2025
- Reverse Circulation drilling program to be redesigned and expanded
- Drilling expected to commence after Christmas 2025 holiday season
- Project located on Kangaroo Island with option to acquire up to 90% interest
Independent Review Boosts Confidence in Dudley Lithium Project
Xenora Minerals Limited (ASX, XRA) has announced a significant upgrade to the prospectivity of its Dudley Lithium Project on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. An independent geochemical review conducted by Streamline Geo has validated the company’s existing drilling targets and uncovered several new high-priority zones warranting further investigation. This external validation provides a strong endorsement of the technical team’s approach and the project’s potential.
Infill Sampling to Refine Drill Targets
Building on the review, Xenora plans to commence a focused infill and extension soil sampling program in mid-October 2025. This two-week campaign aims to sharpen the geological understanding and better define the extent of lithium mineralisation, particularly targeting the Dudley pegmatite and surrounding anomalous areas. The results will inform a redesign of the upcoming Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program, which is currently permitted but will be expanded to incorporate these new targets.
Drilling Scheduled for Early 2026
The RC drilling is expected to begin after the Christmas holiday season, with a focus on testing pegmatites beneath the weathered surface layer, typically 20-30 meters deep. These fresh rock zones are considered more likely to host economically viable lithium mineralisation. The initial drilling will target both strike extensions and the thickest parts of the pegmatite bodies, aiming to confirm the presence and continuity of lithium-bearing spodumene mineralisation.
Project Background and Strategic Positioning
The Dudley Lithium Project covers a strike length of over 6 kilometers of pegmatite systems, some up to 80 meters thick at surface. Historically, the area has seen limited exploration focused on surface samples, but recent geochemical data indicate highly fractionated pegmatites with strong lithium, cesium, and tantalum signatures typical of LCT (lithium-cesium-tantalum) mineralisation. Xenora holds an option to acquire up to 90% of the project, positioning it well to advance this critical minerals asset amid growing global demand for lithium in clean energy technologies.
Looking Ahead
Managing Director Will Dix expressed optimism about the project’s outlook, highlighting the value of the independent review in confirming the technical team’s targeting strategy. As Xenora prepares for the next phase of exploration, the market will be watching closely for the infill sampling results and subsequent drilling outcomes, which could materially enhance the project’s resource potential.
Bottom Line?
Xenora’s methodical approach to refining targets at Dudley sets the stage for a potentially transformative drilling campaign in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming drilling confirm significant lithium mineralisation beneath the weathered zone?
- How might the new high-priority targets impact the overall resource potential and project valuation?
- What are the implications of lateritic terrain on the accuracy of geochemical anomalies and exploration risk?
