Properties
Zoro Lithium Project
Foremost Lithium’s Zoro Lithium Project, is located in west-central Manitoba, 571 km north-northeast of Winnipeg, approximately 20 km east of the town historic mining friendly town of Snow Lake. The area long history of extractive industries with excellent infrastructure: surrounded by operational mines, rail, power, and access to a skilled workforce.
Figure 1: Zoro Property Location Map
Figure 2: Foremost Property Map with Zoro Property Claims
The Zoro1 claim, that hosts the primary source of lithium on the property in Dyke 1, and the Green Bay and Manitoba options are 100% percent owned. Foremost owns the rights to 100% of the lithium resources. The 30 km2 property consists of 16 claims on a 8,377-acre, 3,390-hectare land package hosting 16 lithium-bearing pegmatites.
The Li2O inferred mineral resource estimate for the Zoro Property is 1,074,567 tonnes in situ at a grade of 0.91% Li2O, with a cut-off of 0.3% Li2O and metallurgical recovery of 90%. The inferred resource on the Zoro Property is entirely from a single high-grade lithium bearing spodumene pegmatite dyke (Dyke-1) partially outcropping at surface on the Zoro Property. Dyke 1 mineralization has demonstrated a 6% Li2O concentrate can be developed from low-iron, white to light green spodumene using industry standard methods.
Foremost has subsequently discovered a total of sixteen (16) spodumene mineralized pegmatite dykes which remain open for further drilling to build additional compliant resources. To date, pegmatite dykes exhibit excellent grades and drill-indicated widths, up to 1.4% over 49.8 m.There has been a total of eight drill programs completed on the property, totaling 15,000 metres in 80 holes drilled for $8.0 million in exploration to date.
On August 16th, 2024, the Company announced results of the most recently completed drill program on the Zoro Property. To see full details and assay results below under Zoro Project 2024 Drill Program.
Access the link below to view the current NI 43-101 (known as the company’s previous name of Far Resources):
HIGH-QUALITY 6% BATTERY-GRADE LITHIUM HYDROXIDE
A preliminary metallurgical test was conducted to determine possible concentrate grade recoverable from the Zoro Dyke-1 deposit in 2020. In May 2022, Foremost Lithium contracted XPS Expert Process Solutions (a Glencore company) to develop a process to refine spodumene concentrate (SC6 technical specification) into a saleable battery-grade lithium hydroxide product. Foremost successfully completed its program to process an initial 500 kg mini bulk sample of spodumene-bearing pegmatite from Dyke-1 into a SP6 technical specification spodumene concentrate into battery-grade LiOH and Li2CO3.
Final test results confirmed in March of 2023 that Dense Media Separation (“DMS”) and flotation of DMS Middlings together, achieved a global lithium recovery of 81.6% at a spodumene concentrate grade of 5.88% Li2O. Pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical testing on the DMS spodumene concentrate have shown that the final product is amenable to a flowsheet, capable of producing both battery grade lithium products, Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3) and Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH).
The Zoro Dyke 1 metallurgical program investigated the feasibility of lithium beneficiation by dense media and dry magnetic separation with the goal of producing a 6% Li2O concentrate from a Master Composite, at a fairly coarse particle size of -12.7/+0.5 mm. Completed HLS, DMS, and dry magnetic separation test work confirms that heavy liquid separation (HLS) demonstrates excellent potential for the recovery of an on-spec lithium concentrate from the Master Composite by dense media separations.
Timelines of this project:
Phase One – The HLS (heavy liquid separation) and DMS (dense media separation) test work concluded Dyke 1 spodumene ore is amenable for production. The bulk sample produced a final spodumene concentrate assaying 5.93% Li2O, with a lithium recovery of 66.9% in 26.5% mass after magnetic separation.
Results Released December 2022
Phase Two – Our DMS and flotation of DMS Middlings together achieved a global lithium recover of 81.6% at a spodumene concentrate grade of 5.88%, demonstrating that our spodumene concentrate is capable of producing both battery grade lithium products, lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) or lithium hydroxide (LiOH), while returning an extremely favourable OPEX/CAPEX to our Company.
Results Released March 2023
EXPLORATION
Zoro Project 2024 Drill Program
On August 16, 2024 positive results from completed 5,826-metre drilling campaign at its Zoro Lithium Property. The drilling program targeted untested mineralization at depth, south-east of Dyke 1, the Company's maiden inferred resource.
Pic 1. Spodumene Pegmatite from FL24-009. Approximately 1.15% Li2O over interval (199.00 m – 203.97 m)
Highlights
Drillholes FL24-009, FL24-010, and FL24-020 intercepted significant spodumene pegmatite intervals varying from 10-20% spodumene content. Confirmation of lithium mineralization extended Dyke 1 from a previous 265-meter strike length to greater than 400 meters. In the west, the body is comprised of multiple near surface lithium-bearing pegmatites that range up to an apparent 17.9 m thickness. Assay highlight results include from drill holes FL24-009 FL24-0010 & FL24-0020 include:
- DL FL24-009 confirmed 1.15% Li2O over 4.97 m and 1.52% Li2O over 5.02 m
- DL FL24-010 confirmed 1.10% Li2O over 9.88 m
- DL FL24-020 confirmed 0.80% Li2O over 9.05
Table 1 provides full assay results for lithium and related material; Table 2 lists drill hole collar information.
Table 1: Summary for NQ core assay results for lithium and related metals from the 2024 Winter drill campaign at Dyke 1. |
|||||||
Drill Hole ID |
NQ Core Sample |
Depth |
Width (m) |
Li (ppm) |
Li2O (%) |
Cs (ppm) |
Ta (ppm) |
FL24-009 |
FL009-029 |
199.00 – 199.96 |
0.96 |
10009 |
2.155 |
125 |
21.6 |
|
FL009-030 |
199.96 -201.00 |
1.04 |
6686 |
1.439 |
149 |
28.4 |
|
FL009-033 |
201.00 – 202.00 |
1.00 |
601 |
0.129 |
187 |
10.1 |
|
FL009-034 |
202.00 – 202.92 |
0.92 |
4690 |
1.01 |
141 |
22.5 |
|
FL009-035 |
202.92 – 203.97 |
1.05 |
4815 |
1.037 |
106 |
17.7 |
|
FL009-036 |
203.97 – 205.00 |
1.03 |
2341 |
0.504 |
170 |
19.4 |
FL24-009 |
FL009-061 |
235.98 – 237.00 |
1.02 |
2520 |
0.542 |
123 |
36.4 |
|
FL009-062 |
237.00 – 237.97 |
0.97 |
7262 |
1.563 |
366 |
46.4 |
|
FL009-064 |
237.97 – 238.99 |
1.02 |
11420 |
2.458 |
270 |
35.8 |
|
FL009-065 |
238.99 – 240.09 |
1.1 |
7493 |
1.613 |
303 |
39 |
|
FL009-066 |
240.09 – 241.00 |
0.91 |
6567 |
1.414 |
247 |
49.8 |
FL24-010 |
FL010-024 |
176.22 – 176.85 |
0.63 |
5036 |
1.084 |
375 |
70.5 |
|
FL010-026 |
176.85 – 177.48 |
0.63 |
166 |
0.036 |
460 |
41.7 |
|
FL010-027 |
177.48 – 178.11 |
0.63 |
2246 |
0.483 |
550 |
34.3 |
|
FL010-028 |
178.11 – 178.80 |
0.69 |
7664 |
1.65 |
419 |
34.5 |
|
FL010-029 |
178.80 – 179.48 |
0.68 |
9405 |
2.025 |
281 |
34.6 |
|
FL010-030 |
179.48 – 180.73 |
1.25 |
287 |
0.062 |
133 |
67.2 |
|
FL010-033 |
180.73 – 181.99 |
1.26 |
1758 |
0.378 |
253 |
39.9 |
|
FL010-034 |
181.99 – 183.05 |
1.06 |
6104 |
1.314 |
494 |
71.3 |
|
FL010-035 |
183.05 – 184.06 |
1.01 |
11270 |
2.426 |
305 |
87.6 |
|
FL010-036 |
184.06 – 185.08 |
1.02 |
8493 |
1.828 |
254 |
108 |
|
FL010-037 |
185.08 – 186.10 |
1.02 |
4687 |
1.009 |
520 |
102 |
FL24-020 |
FL020-029 |
232.00 – 233.00 |
1.00 |
4933 |
1.062 |
191 |
70.1 |
|
FL020-030 |
233.00 – 234.00 |
1.00 |
3397 |
0.731 |
283 |
52.6 |
|
FL020-033 |
234.00 – 235.00 |
1.00 |
4779 |
1.029 |
344 |
64.1 |
|
FL020-034 |
235.00 – 236.03 |
1.03 |
2642 |
0.569 |
325 |
70.9 |
|
FL020-035 |
236.03 – 237.00 |
0.97 |
458 |
0.099 |
147 |
35.5 |
|
FL020-036 |
237.00 – 238.00 |
1.00 |
5580 |
1.201 |
192 |
37.3 |
|
FL020-037 |
238.00 – 239.03 |
1.03 |
2400 |
0.517 |
285 |
40.9 |
|
FL020-039 |
239.03 – 240.00 |
0.97 |
3043 |
0.655 |
210 |
47.8 |
|
FL020-040 |
240.00 – 241.05 |
1.05 |
6215 |
1.338 |
215 |
34.1 |
Table 2: Attributes for drillholes reported herein at the Zoro Property. (Coordinates are presented in NAD83/UTM Zone 14N. Azimuth and dips presented are those “planned” and may vary off-collar/downholes)
Hole ID |
Core Diameter |
Easting (m) |
Northing (m) |
Elevation (m) |
Target Area |
Azimuth |
Dip |
FL24-010 |
NQ |
458380 |
6078940 |
285 |
Dyke 1 |
77 |
-45.0 |
FL24-020 |
NQ |
458323 |
6078873 |
288 |
Dyke 1 |
95 |
-52.0 |
FL24-020 | NQ | 458323 | 6078873 | 288 | Dyke 1 | 95 | -52.0 |
Dyke 1
Drilling was used to assess lateral continuity as well as to test the presence of mineralization at depth at Dyke1 which demonstrated the continuity of lithium mineralization along the Dyke, as well as infill areas along strike and at depth. Figure 3 (below) illustrates the drill hole locations, displaying multiple 50-meter step-outs perpendicular to the strike of Dyke 1.
Figure 3. Drill holes Completed at the Dyke 1 Spodumene Pegmatite
Future Potential
Dyke 1 is still open at depth and to the southeast with a continued presence of spodumene pegmatite intersected on 50-metre step-outs, which is indicative of potential for continued resource expansion. The company plans on using the data gathered from this drill campaign to integrate with geochemical survey data. This database will be combined with historic and current exploration data to refine the current targeting model that will provide key data for future drill targets.
Figure 4. Preliminary geological model of drill collars at Dyke 1 from Zoro 2024 drill program (denoted by teal markers)
Drilling Preparation – Sampling Program
Exploration has been rapidly advancing on the Zoro Lithium Property. A drone-assisted magnetic and Lidar survey was undertaken by EarthEx Geophysical Solutions Inc (“EarthEx”) between May 28 and June 15, 2022, and comprised 1,264.7-line km. The related geoscientific database demonstrates sufficient technical merit to continue the assessment of known pegmatite dykes and assists exploration for repetitions of this style of mineralization. The completed UAV-assisted magnetic and LiDAR surveys were visually integrated with MMI soil geochemical data, mapping, prospecting observations, and existing drill core data. Exploration data sets were then reviewed and compared to the historic and newly discovered lithium pegmatite dykes to determine best drill targets.
Figure 5. – Overview of the Zoro Property showing spodumene-bearing pegmatites and untested LCT pegmatites which are targets for future exploration.
Dahrouge Geological Consulting visited the mapped spodumene occurrence at Dyke 1 at the Zoro Property with a field crew during a summer 2023 exploration program for sampling and detailed structural mapping. Spodumene-mineralized pegmatite on surface at Dyke 1 was verified from 8 pegmatite samples, with 5 containing spodumene, returning values of up to 2.13% Li2O.
Table 1 – Assay highlights from grab samples taken on the Zoro property during the 2023 field program.
Sample ID |
Li (ppm) |
Li2O (%) |
Cs2O (ppm) |
Ta2O5 (ppm) |
153291 |
9883 |
2.13 |
161 |
44 |
153292 |
2627 |
0.57 |
178 |
44 |
153293 |
2979 |
0.64 |
147 |
60 |
153294 |
479 |
0.10 |
418 |
106 |
153295 |
5062 |
1.09 |
364 |
37 |
153296 |
6734 |
1.45 |
252 |
94 |
Photo 1 – Large spodumene crystals at Dyke 1 on the Zoro Property.
ZORO PROJECT EXPLORATORY 2022 DRILL PROGRAM
Figure 6. Zoro Property Displaying 16 Lithium Dykes
In April 2022, completed a 10-hole, 1,509 m drill program to test geological targets and Mobile Metal Ion soil geochemical anomalies. The Company announced newly discovered spodumene-bearing pegmatite dyke 16 on its Zoro property. The sixteenth dyke was intersected by two drill holes with intervals of up to 5 meters of 15% light green spodumene. A total of 8.28 m of spodumene-bearing pegmatite was intersected by two drill holes with highlight intercept of 1 m of 1.33% Li2O.
Dyke 16
Foremost Lithium announced newly discovered spodumene-bearing pegmatite dyke 16 on its Zoro property. The sixteenth dyke was intersected by two drill holes with intervals of up to 5 meters of 15% light green spodumene. A total of 8.28 m of spodumene-bearing pegmatite was intersected by two drill holes with highlight intercept of 1 m of 1.33% Li2O
Assay Samples
Samples were collected from drill core, photographs were recorded of core, both wet and dry and logged, and core samples were sawn in half, with one half of the core shipped to Activation Laboratories (Ancaster, Ontario) for assay.
Summary of 2022 Drill Results
Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Width (m) | Li (ppm) | Li2O (%) | Cs (ppm) | Nb (ppm) | Ta (ppm) |
Dyke 16 | ||||||||
DDHFM22-070 | 32.44 | 33.24 | 0.80 | 203 | 0.04 | 296 | 137 | 86.6 |
33.24 | 34.00 | 0.76 | 1,040 | 0.22 | 226 | 116.2 | 89.7 | |
34.00 | 35.00 | 1.00 | 6,220 | 1.33 | 260 | 84.3 | 58.8 | |
35.00 | 35.80 | 0.80 | 4,000 | 0.86 | 253 | 97.1 | 47.4 | |
DDHFM22-070B | 43.21 | 44.00 | 0.79 | 200 | 0.04 | 395 | 107.9 | 65.3 |
44.00 | 45.00 | 1.00 | 3,030 | 0.65 | 225 | 74.9 | 28.3 | |
45.00 | 46.00 | 1.00 | 4,890 | 1.05 | 319 | 113.3 | 35.7 | |
46.00 | 47.00 | 1.00 | 4,460 | 0.96 | 301 | 111.5 | 35.7 | |
47.00 | 48.13 | 1.13 | 4,030 | 0.86 | 476 | 106.5 | 61.9 | |
Dyke 8 | ||||||||
DDHFM22-071 | 70.45 | 71.30 | 0.85 | 563 | 0.12 | 328 | 99.9 | 63.1 |
71.30 | 72.30 | 1.00 | 4,030 | 0.86 | 384 | 57.1 | 30.2 | |
73.30 | 74.27 | 0.97 | 1,170 | 0.25 | 362 | 92.6 | 52.8 | |
75.20 | 75.89 | 0.69 | 659 | 0.14 | 565 | 135 | 55.2 | |
84.40 | 85.50 | 1.10 | 275 | 0.05 | 330 | 49.6 | 31.6 | |
85.5 | 86.65 | 1.15 | 246 | 0.05 | 414 | 62.8 | 34.3 | |
148.74 | 149.40 | 0.65 | 1,000 | 0.21 | 1,440 | 137.9 | 88.5 | |
150.76 | 151.70 | 0.94 | 440 | 0.09 | 777 | 67.3 | 32.8 | |
151.70 | 152.65 | 0.95 | 429 | 0.09 | 539 | 90.4 | 59.3 |
MINERALOGICAL AND CHARACTERIZATION
Light green to white spodumene mineralization occurs within laterally and vertically extensive pegmatite dykes hosted by mafic volcanic rocks and felsic sedimentary rocks indicating there are no preferred host rocks for the dykes The spodumene-bearing pegmatite dykes on the property strike northwest with steep dips and crosscut the regional foliation at a low angle. They are up to 800 m in length and 40 m in drill intersection. The dykes tend to be concentric in internal structure and constituent minerals include potassium feldspar, albite, muscovite, quartz, spodumene and black tourmaline.
Abundant overburden cover characterizes much of the property and the pegmatite dykes do not have a consistent recognizable geophysical signature although some dykes show an association with magnetic lows based on limited historic magnetic surveys . Many past spodumene-bearing pegmatite dykes have been discovered by drilling Mobile Metal Ions (MMI) soil geochemical anomalies on the property. The Zoro Lithium Project is underlain by ocean floor volcanic rocks of the Roberts Lake allochthon and lesser amounts of Missi Group sedimentary rocks. The Ocean Floor rocks comprise mafic volcanic and related intrusions and the Missi Group consists of sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, and quartzo-feldspathic gneiss and migmatite. The Ocean Floor mafic volcanic rocks adjacent to the pegmatite dykes consist of a fine to medium-grained strongly foliated dark green lithology. These andesitic to basaltic lithologies are locally interbedded with volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks and all are intruded by a quartz-phyric granite intrusion (Figure 7).
Pegmatite dykes generally strike northwest to north-northwest with steep dips and crosscut the regional foliation at a low angle. The dykes tend to be concentric in internal structure and the grain size of the constituent minerals (potassium feldspar, quartz, spodumene and black tourmaline) coarsens towards the center of the dykes. This pattern may be locally interrupted by patches of saccharoidal albite, large muscovite aggregates and coarse albite stringers with garnet and beryl. Spodumene may be concentrated in the cores of the dykes or homogenously distributed. Some of the dykes have been split into sub-parallel veins by post-emplacement tectonic activity.
You can read about the Mineralogical Characterization and Preliminary Beneficiation of the Zoro Lithium Project here: (known as Company’s previous name Far Resources):
Mineralogical Characterization and Preliminary Beneficiation of the Zoro Lithium Project
Figure 7. Geological setting of the Zoro Lithium Project with claim boundaries.
MINERAL DEVELOPMENT IN MANITOBA
Zoro is well situated in Manitoba with the potential for development. Manitoba is home to the world-class Tanco lithium-cesium-rare metal pegmatite at Bernic Lake. This mining-friendly province has a supportive, pro-business climate, mineral exploration assistance programs, and excellent access to geoscience and exploration data that will assist the company to advance its projects.
More than 98% of electricity in Manitoba is generated using hydroelectricity and wind, and access to abundant renewable power is sourced from the provincial grid. Additionally, the province has stable and well-developed mining and transportation infrastructure. The hydro line to Snow Lake is 5 km south of the property and the small historic gold mining community of Herb Lake is located about 10 km southwest of the property. A railway line is located at Wekusko, approximately 20 km south of Herb Lake. Electricity rates in Manitoba are reasonably priced and comparable to Québec.
Foremost Lithium is strategically located with proximity to North American electric vehicle and battery manufacturers, with robust existing infrastructure including the Arctic Gateway railway that runs to the south connecting via Winnipeg to the U.S. rail network for operational synergies and refining requirements
TANTALUM + NIOBIUM — INCREASING THE POTENTIAL VALUE OF ZORO
A high-grade drill intercept of tantalum (0.117 % Ta2O5 or 927 ppm tantalum; see November 1, 2017, news release [link]) was accompanied by elevated niobium in samples of drill core.
Currently, the significance of the elevated tantalum and niobium is unknown, but it will be closely assessed as Foremost Lithium exploration continues.
Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-gray, corrosion-resistant metal that is widely used as a minor component in alloys. Tantalum is inert, making it a valuable substance for sensitive laboratory equipment and a substitute to platinum.
Tantalum exists alongside niobium, a chemically similar metal, which is also valuable. It is mainly used in alloys and is the largest metal in special steel, often used in gas pipelines. The stability of niobium-containing super alloys at high temperatures makes such alloys an important component in jet and rocket engines. Niobium is also used in various superconducting materials including the superconducting magnets of MRI scanners. Other applications of niobium include welding, nuclear industries, electronics, optics, numismatics, and jewelry.
The renewable energy sector “metals-rich” green infrastructure is likely to spur investment and will boost the lithium market. Foremost Lithium’s Zoro Property is focused on expanding exploration and proving up high-grade lithium to address the current and future domestic lithium battery demand.
QP STATEMENT
Technical information relating to information contained on this property’s page has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Mark Fedikow, P.Geo. who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.