Charger and Rio Tinto Launch Lithium Exploration in Western Australia

Published: Sep 22, 2025 07:00

Save

Charger Metals (ASX: CHR) has announced that it will partner with Rio Tinto Exploration to launch a large-scale reverse circulation drilling program at the Lake Johnston lithium and gold project in Western Australia. The program has received regulatory approval and will be managed by Charger, with full funding provided by Rio Tinto, underscoring the close collaboration between the two companies. The drilling campaign will comprise up to 29 holes, focusing on six high-priority lithium targets that have not previously been systematically drilled. This includes six holes at the Whitten lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite target within the Mt Day prospect, reaching depths of up to 1,080 metres, and up to 23 holes across five target areas at Mt Gordon, which have shown lithium, gold, and niobium potential based on soil anomalies and geophysical features. The initiative builds on Charger’s recent maiden inferred resource estimate for the Medcalf lithium deposit of 8.2 million tonnes at 1.0% Li₂O, further highlighting the project’s potential. Drilling is scheduled to commence in early October and is expected to run for four to six weeks.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

2 hours ago

[SMM Analysis] Anode Production in July Steadily Climbed, Driven by Dual Drivers of EV and ESS Demand

According to SMM data, artificial graphite anode material production in July maintained steady growth, up 6% MoM and a significant 70% YoY.

2 hours ago

[SMM Analysis] South Korea’s Cathode Industry Sees Improved 2Q Earnings, but Volume Recovery Remains Limited

Korea’s cathode and precursor sector showed improving 2Q26 earnings, but the recovery in actual shipments remained uneven. High-nickel demand was concentrated in selected projects, while higher ASPs, inventory valuation effects and non-battery businesses also supported profits. SMM expects Korea’s ternary cathode output to fall 4.8% YoY in 2026, with LFP-based ESS and overseas precursor sales emerging as key H2 growth drivers.

2 hours ago

3 hours ago

Huahong Technology: Currently Has Not Engaged in NEV Waste Battery Dismantling Business

[Huahong Technology: Currently Has Not Engaged in NEV Waste Battery Dismantling Business] Huahong Technology stated on its interactive platform on August 11 that the company currently has not ventured into the business of dismantling waste batteries from NEVs. However, the company will continue to monitor the development trends and policy directions of the industry, and will decide whether to carry out related business in the future based on the company's overall strategic planning and actual operating needs.

3 hours ago