Askari Metals (AS2) has completed field mapping and sampling on the Barrow Creek lithium project in the Northern Territory.

Exploration targeted an area in the south-central part of the project and aimed to test pegmatites that were never explored for lithium mineralisation.

Work was successful and identified a significant pegmatite field that measures two by one kilometre with 139 rock samples collected to test and validate the fertility of the pegmatites.

The pegmatites vary in width from five metres at surface and are expected to swell at depth.

A fertile LCT pegmatite area has been identified in the northeast area of Barrow Creek with up to 380 parts per million (ppm) lithium as well as in the southeast with up to 212 ppm lithium identified.

“The company is excited by the identification of this large pegmatite field in the south-central portion of our project and eagerly awaits the results of the 139 samples collected from the multiple visible pegmatite outcrops,” Vice President of Exploration and Geology Johan Lambrechts commented.

“The pegmatites are the most continuous and extensive we’ve uncovered so far and so warrants the enthusiasm we feel for the project.”

Once the rock samples have been analysed the results will be used to determine areas that will be subject to gridded rock and soil sampling.

Additionally, Askari has submitted the required permits to undertake an inaugural soil auger, aircore and reverse circulation drilling program.

Askari was up 4.35 per cent on the market with shares trading at 36 cents at 2:22 pm AEST.