Mandrake Resources secures BLM permit for Utah lithium project

• Mandrake Resources (ASX:MAN) can begin sampling lithium-rich brines at its Utah lithium project after receiving a permit from the Bureau of Land Management
• After receiving a permit from the BLM, Mandrake will isolate lithium-rich reservoirs – crucial for high-grade lithium
• Mandrake imminently awaits its potential JORC results from direct lithium extraction (DLE), which will help to prioritise exploration targets for future field operations
• As of December 2023, Mandrake is fully funded up to $15.3 million and has detailed workplaces set out for each well that include engineering and sampling programs
• MAN shares last traded at 4.3 cents

Mandrake Resources (ASX:MAN) can begin sampling lithium-rich brines at its Utah lithium project after receiving a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The approval marks a step forward for exploration and development on the ground and allows perforation and isolation of individual lithium-rich reservoirs, which are crucial when targeting high-grade lithium.

According to the company, the use of existing oil and gas wellbores can be highly cost-effective when compared to the drilling of a new well.

Mandrake imminently awaits its potential JORC results from direct lithium extraction (DLE), which will help to prioritise exploration targets for future field operations.

As of December 2023, Mandrake is fully funded up to $15.3 million and has detailed workplaces set out for each well that include engineering and sampling programs.

Mandrake intends to begin its field operations following the imminent publication of a JORC-compliant lithium exploration target for its Utah project and the DLE results.

DLE testing results are pending from two independent DLE providers seeking to produce lithium hydroxide directly from brine derived from the Utah project.

MAN shares last traded at 4.3 cents.