Thick Continuous Lithium Mineralisation Confirmed at Alkali
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
8 April 2026
THICK CONTINUOUS LITHIUM MINERALISATION CONFIRMED AT ALKALI FLATS
The Directors of Fulcrum Lithium Ltd (ASX: FUL, Fulcrum or the Company) are pleased to provide
the following update on progress at the Company’s wholly owned Alkali Flats project in Esmeralda
County, Nevada, USA (Figure 1).
Phase 3 drill program comprised 34 reverse circulation (RC) holes and 5 diamond core holes.
Results from the first 19 RC holes include:
o Lithium (Li) mineralisation >300ppm Li intersected in 16 of the 19 holes.
o Hole AF3-3 returned 9.1m at 898ppm Li.
o Hole AF3-2 returned 15.2m at 834ppm Li.
o 6 holes returned more than 70m of continuous mineralisation >300ppm.
o Hole AF3-13 returned the thickest intersection of the Seibert Formation claystone
target to date at 148m and remains open at depth and with assay results pending.
525m of diamond core across 5 holes was acquired for geologic, metallurgical and
engineering studies.
Geological modelling and resource evaluation is underway which will underpin the upcoming
maiden mineral resource estimate (MRE).
Scott Keenan, COO, commented:
“Fulcrum has successfully completed the Phase 3 drill campaign at Alkali Flats, achieving the
program’s objectives of capturing the critical appraisal data required to rapidly mature our significant
scale discovery at Alkali Flats towards a maiden resource estimate. This was the Company’s largest
drill program to date, with 3 rigs running, representing a 5-fold increase in the amount of drilling over
the deposit.
Early indications from the first assay results and lithologies intersected confirm a continuous, wide
zone of mineralisation between the widely spaced Phase 2 drill holes, in line with our pre-drill
expectations.
Excitingly, the thickest intercepts of the Seibert Formation claystone target have been drilled in this
campaign are open at depth and with assay results currently pending.
We look forward to receiving the final assays to demonstrate the full scale of the deposit from
additional step-out holes.”
Alkali Flats Project
The Company owns a 100% interest in the Alkali Flats lithium project comprising 802 lode claims
(approximately 66km2
) located within the Esmeralda County on Federal public lands owned and
administered by the United States government. The project is situated approximately 15km south of
the Tonopah Flats (American Battery Technology Company) and TLC (American Lithium
Corporation) lithium projects and 10km east of the Silver Peak (Albemarle Corporation) lithium mine,
the only operating lithium mine in the USA (Figure 1).
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Figure 1. FULCRUM’S ALKALI FLATS PROJECT LOCATION
Phase 3 Drill Program
Completion of the Phase 3 drill program marks an important milestone in the appraisal of the Alkali
Flats lithium project following the successful significant discovery following the success of Phase 2
drilling1
, geophysical surveying2
and initial metallurgy work3
completed in 2025.
The Phase 3 drilling program comprises 39 holes (Figure 2) totalling 5784m, representing a 5-fold
increase in the amount of drilling over the deposit and reducing the hole spacing from a currently
wide spacing averaging 2,000m down to 600m in the core of the project which significantly increases
the data density, reduces uncertainty and increases confidence in modelling and resource
estimations.
The Alkali Flats Phase 3 drill program provides the increased drill hole density and crucial information
to enable Fulcrum’s maiden Mineral Resource Estimate following integration of all the geological,
geophysical and engineering data.
1. ASX: FUL 24 September 2025, ‘Alkali Flats Project Update – Lithium Discovery’.
2. ASX: FUL 17 November 2025, ‘Geophysical Survey Results Expand Alkali Flats Lithium Claystone Target’.
3. ASX: FUL 19 November 2025, ‘Alkali Flats Initial Metallurgy Results’.
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Table 1 is a list of the drill holes completed and their coordinates using NAD 83 Zone 11 datum.
Table 1. ALKALI FLATS PHASE 3 DRILL HOLE LOCATIONS AND DEPTH
Drill Hole ID Easting Northing
Elevation
(M)
Total Depth
(M)
AF3-E1 471980 4185032 1582 102
AF3-E2 474332 4183094 1655 102
AF3-E3 473872 4183470 1639 142
AF3-E4 473833 4182753 1656 87
AF3-E5 472953 4184241 1576 145
AF3-E6 473207 4182589 1673 47
AF3-E7 473307 4183270 1668 78
AF3-E8 472812 4183694 1634 47
AF3-E9 472476 4184628 1601 169
AF3-E10 471210 4184757 1591 125
AF3-E11 471624 4185733 1559 209
AF3-E12 472252 4185397 1571 261
AF3-E13 472696 4185158 1591 261
AF3-E14 473333 4184818 1603 197
AF3-E15 473529 4184337 1610 288
AF3-E16 473911 4184109 1628 136
AF3-E17 473915 4184553 1609 264
AF3-E18 474333 4183808 1633 183
AF3-E19 470750 4188796 1493 122
AF3-E20 470346 4187827 1502 148
AF3-E21 471253 4187052 1520 122
AF3-E22 471604 4187732 1510 148
AF3-E23 471657 4186273 1575 221
AF3-E24 471051 4186074 1739 122
AF3-E25 473535 4185404 1693 203
AF3-E26 473380 4186107 1741 244
AF3-W1 467736 4187642 1505 38
AF3-W2 466323 4187007 1476 73
AF3-W3 464844 4186776 1482 133
AF3-W4 463983 4187100 1472 111
AF3-W5 465813 4186047 1489 75
AF3-W6 464747 4185604 1479 139
AF3-W7 463536 4184808 1473 123
AF3-W8 464120 4183742 1475 183
AF3-C01 474329 4183099 1645 94
AF3-C02 472947 4184243 1603 140
AF3-C03 471629 4185732 1534 217
AF3-C04 464746 4185603 1499 152
AF3-C05 463982 4187106 1479 136
TOTAL 5,784
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Figure 2. ALKALI FLATS PHASE 3 DRILL PROGRAM
Assay results for the 19 holes that have been received to date confirm that 16 holes intersected
zones of elevated lithium mineralisation, above 300ppm Li.
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The full table of significant lithium assay results can be found in Table 2. The thickest zones
intersected are highlighted as:
AF3-E5: 86.9m @ 587ppm Li with internal values up to 953ppm Li
AF3-W3: 91.5m @ 569ppm Li with internal values up to 1021ppm Li
AF3-W6: 71.6m @ 520ppm Li with internal values up to 1099ppm Li
AF3-W4: 74.7m @ 511ppm Li with internal values up to 1014ppm Li
AF3-E9: 86.9m @ 500ppm Li with internal values up to 933ppm Li
AF3-E11: 93.0m @ 433ppm Li with internal values up to 711ppm Li
Table 2. PHASE 3 ASSAY RESULTS RECEIVED SHOWING ZONES ABOVE 300PPM Li
HOLE FROM (m) TO (m) LENGTH (m) Li (ppm)
AF3-E1 35.1 79.3 44.2 530
AF3-E2 38.1 86.9 48.8 722
including 41.2 56.4 15.2 834
AF3-E3 82.3 128.0 45.7 713
including 93.0 102.1 9.1 898
AF3-E4 39.6 73.2 33.5 668
including 44.2 50.3 6.1 801
AF3-E5 44.2 131.1 86.9 587
including 80.8 93.0 12.2 802
AF3-E6 7.6 32.0 24.4 577
including 39.6 42.7 3.0 482
AF3-E7 44.2 61.0 16.8 546
AF3-E8 29.0 30.5 1.5 430
also 41.2 42.7 1.5 764
AF3-E9 64.0 150.9 86.9 500
including 114.3 117.4 3.0 845
AF3-E10 No mineralisation >300ppm
AF3-E11 70.1 163.1 93.0 433
also 170.7 172.3 1.5 419
AF3-W1 No mineralisation >300ppm
AF3-W2 3.0 9.1 6.1 318
also 70.1 71.6 1.5 315
AF3-W3 25.9 117.4 91.5 569
including 38.1 41.2 3.0 833
AF3-W4 35.1 109.8 74.7 511
including 42.7 47.3 4.6 816
AF3-W5 7.6 35.1 27.4 520
also 56.4 59.5 3.0 521
AF3-W6 39.6 111.3 71.6 520
also 115.9 122.0 6.1 599
AF3-W7 No mineralisation >300ppm
AF3-W8 137.2 138.7 1.5 376
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Figure 3. ALKALI FLATS PHASE 3 DRILL PROGRAM ASSAY RESULTS
Figure 4. RC DRILL RIG ONSITE AT ALKALI FLATS
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Figure 5. CORE OF SEIBERT FORMATION CLAYSTONE (AF3-CO2, 330ft - 440ft)
About Fulcrum Lithium Ltd
Fulcrum Lithium Ltd (ASX: FUL) is a lithium exploration company focused in Nevada, the leading
lithium mining and exploration state in the USA.
Fulcrum’s Alkali Flats discovery is proximate to, and on trend with, significant lithium projects at
various stages of exploration and development in a geologic setting with demonstrated success and
a mining friendly jurisdiction.
For further information, please contact:
Scott Keenan
Chief Operating Officer
Fulcrum Lithium Ltd
+61 2 9300 3377
This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors.
Competent Person’s Statement
The information in this Report that relates to Exploration Results is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting
documentation prepared by Mr Bill R. Fleshman of Global Geological Services, LLC, a geologist who is a Fellow and Chartered
Professional of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and (FAusIMM CP Geology #107342) and has sufficient experience
which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activities which are being undertaken to
qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves’. Mr Fleshman is an independent consulting geologist and consents to the inclusion of the Exploration
Results and Exploration Targets and supporting information in the form and context in which it appears.
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JORC Code, 2012 Edition – Table 1
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data – Alkali Flats Phase 3
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Sampling
techniques
Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels,
random chips, or specific specialised industry standard
measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under
investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or
handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should
not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.
Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample
representivity and the appropriate calibration of any
measurement tools or systems used.
Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are
Material to the Public Report.
In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done
this would be relatively simple (eg ‘reverse circulation
drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg
was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay’).
In other cases more explanation may be required, such
as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling
problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types
(eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of
detailed information.
The RC drill cuttings samples were acquired every five feet
(1.524 meters) collected from fluid and cuttings passed through
a cyclone sample collector. Buckets were lined with pre-labelled
bags. Sample bags and chip trays were pre-labelled for field
staff. A Fulcrum geologist collected the samples or trained the
rig sampler in methods. Field personnel monitored the drilled
depth, and drilling was briefly paused at the end of each sample
run to circulate the cuttings to surface. Each sample interval was
logged at the rig by the supervising geologist. Samples were
stored at the drill sites until pickup.
Drilling techniques Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole
hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and
details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth
of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type,
whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).
Reverse circulation (RC) drilling. The RC drilling was performed
by a 1500MPD track rig with a 5 3/4" (14.61 cm) hammer drill
bit.
Drill sample
recovery
Method of recording and assessing core and chip
sample recoveries and results assessed.
Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and
ensure representative nature of the samples.
Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery
and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred
due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.
Drill cuttings samples were collected every five feet in a cloth
bag inside a 5-gallon bucket from fluid and cuttings passed
through a cyclone sample collector.
Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically
and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support
appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining
studies and metallurgical studies.
Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature.
Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography.
The total length and percentage of the relevant
intersections logged.
Cuttings samples were qualitatively logged and photographed
by drill site geologists.
Sub-sampling
techniques and
sample
preparation
If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half
or all core taken.
If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split,
etc and whether sampled wet or dry.
For all sample types, the nature, quality and
appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.
Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling
stages to maximise representivity of samples.
Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is
representative of the in situ material collected, including
for instance results for field duplicate/second-half
sampling.
Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size
of the material being sampled.
Drill cutting samples were initially collected wet and
subsequently partially dried out under natural conditions on-
site. QA/QC samples (blanks, standards, field duplicates) were
submitted to monitor laboratory performance. Sample size is
appropriate for the planned analyses.
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Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Quality of assay
data and
laboratory tests
The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying
and laboratory procedures used and whether the
technique is considered partial or total.
For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF
instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining
the analysis including instrument make and model,
reading times, calibrations factors applied and their
derivation, etc.
Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg
standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory
checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie
lack of bias) and precision have been established.
Samples were analysed by American Assays Laboratories Inc. of
Sparks, Nevada by method 4AB DIGESTION: IO-4AB28 which is
an ICP-OES method employing a 4 acid + boric acid digestion.
Assay quality was monitored using pulp blanks, as well as
certified reference materials (CRMs). CRMs were purchased
from Shea Clark Smith/MEG, Inc. The “MEG” standards are
produced form Esmeralda County claystones. CRMs are
submitted by the site geologist at a rate of 1 in 40 samples. Pulp
blank results indicated no material contamination of samples
from sample preparation or during the analytical process. CRM
results were within 3 standard deviations of certified values. No
systematic bias or other accuracy related issues were identified.
Fulcrum’s QAQC procedure in addition to submitting CRM’s,
Blanks were submitted at a rate of 1 in 40 samples. Duplicate
splits were also submitted at a rate of 1 in 40 samples.
Verification of
sampling and
assaying
The verification of significant intersections by either
independent or alternative company personnel.
The use of twinned holes.
Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures,
data verification, data storage (physical and electronic)
protocols.
Discuss any adjustment to assay data.
Sample intervals were assigned a unique sample identification
number prior to sample dispatch.
Lithium-mineralised claystone CRMs, duplicates and blanks were
inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals to monitor
lab accuracy and potential contamination during sample prep
and analytical processes.
Location of data
points
Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes
(collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings
and other locations used in Mineral Resource
estimation.
Specification of the grid system used.
Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
Fulcrum geologists used handheld Garmin GPS units to record
sample location sites and as QC. Fulcrum geologists have
recorded the sample sites using NAD 83 Zone 11 datum.
Location of data points is considered to be at acceptable levels
of accuracy and precision.
Data spacing and
distribution
Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.
Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient
to establish the degree of geological and grade
continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore
Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications
applied.
Whether sample compositing has been applied.
Drill holes were spaced 600m apart in the core of the deposit.
The spacing is considered adequate for this stage of exploration
given the flat to moderately dipping sedimentary layers.
Orientation of
data in relation to
geological
structure
Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased
sampling of possible structures and the extent to which
this is known, considering the deposit type.
If the relationship between the drilling orientation and
the orientation of key mineralised structures is
considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this
should be assessed and reported if material.
Drill holes were drilled vertical achieving unbiased sampling of
the underlying structure. The stratigraphy comprises flat,
bedded, mostly sedimentary layers.
Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. RC samples remained in the custody of Fulcrum onsite at the
drill rig until collected by American Assay Laboratory personnel
and transported securely to their laboratory. Samples were
accompanied by submittal sheets. No security issues are
suspected.
Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling
techniques and data.
No audits or reviews of the data management system have been
carried out.
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Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Mineral tenement
and land tenure
status
Type, reference name/number, location and ownership
including agreements or material issues with third
parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding
royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness
or national park and environmental settings.
The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting
along with any known impediments to obtaining a
license to operate in the area.
The Fulcrum Projects are 100% owned by Fulcrum and are in the
form of 802 unpatented US lode claims located on Federal Land
administered by the US Bureau of Land management (BLM).
Alkali Flats Project – 802 lode claims centred near 469,342 metres
East, 4,187,705 metres North, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
NAD 83, Zone 11 datum in Esmeralda County, Nevada.
The lode claims require an annual filing of an Intent to Hold
declaration and are subject to annual Maintenance Fee payments to
the BLM and Esmeralda County totalling US$200 per claim. Surface
rights sufficient to explore, develop and mine minerals on the
unpatented lode claims are inherent to the claims provided the
claims are maintained in good standing. The surface rights are
subject to all applicable State and Federal environmental
regulations.
Exploration done
by other parties
Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other
parties.
Not applicable as no exploration done by other parties is reported.
Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of
mineralisation.
The Fulcrum Projects are in areas favourable for claystone hosted
lithium deposits. Project areas were selected based on the presence
of favourable host lithologies within hydrogeological closed basins
that also exhibited high geothermal activity. Fulcrum’s Projects are
geologically similar to other nearby lithium projects in the Tonopah
area with advanced exploration programs. Several of those projects
are currently being investigated at various exploration or
development stages all based primarily on the United States
Geological Survey (USGS) lithium depositional model as presented
by Asher-Bolinder (1991) in which three diagenetic models are
proposed for formation of enriched lithium clays in closed basins:
Alteration of volcanic glass to lithium-rich smectite.
Precipitation from lacustrine waters.
Incorporation of lithium into existing smectites.
Drill hole
Information
A summary of all information material to the
understanding of the exploration results including a
tabulation of the following information for all Material
drill holes:
easting and northing of the drill hole collar
elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea
level in metres) of the drill hole collar
dip and azimuth of the hole
down hole length and interception depth
hole length.
If the exclusion of this information is justified on the
basis that the information is not Material and this
exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the
report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why
this is the case.
A total of 39 holes planned at the Alkali Flats project were
completed for a total of approximately 5304 metres.
All holes were drilled vertically and drill hole coordinates and the
depth of each hole are detailed in the report above.
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Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Data aggregation
methods
In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging
techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade
truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off
grades are usually material and should be stated.
Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of
high grade results and longer lengths of low grade
results, the procedure used for such aggregation should
be stated and some typical examples of such
aggregations should be shown in detail.
The assumptions used for any reporting of metal
equivalent values should be clearly stated.
Intersections, where quoted are weighted by length.
A 300 ppm Li cut-off was used to quote headline intersections.
Where appropriate, an allowance for 10ft of internal dilution by
lower grade material within contiguous intervals.
Spot grades also quoted for single drill sample intervals of the
highest values within quoted zones.
Relationship
between
mineralisation
widths and
intercept lengths
These relationships are particularly important in the
reporting of Exploration Results.
If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the
drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.
If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are
reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect
(eg ‘down hole length, true width not known’).
The Siebert Formation is generally flat (<5 degrees) in the drilled
target. All holes are vertical, therefore all reported mineralisation
widths will be very similar to the interception lengths quoted and
the difference will be negligible.
Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and
tabulations of intercepts should be included for any
significant discovery being reported. These should
include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole
collar locations and appropriate sectional views.
Appropriate diagrams are included in the ASX announcement.
Balanced
reporting
Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration
Results is not practicable, representative reporting of
both low and high grades and/or widths should be
practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration
Results.
The intersection lengths of zones over the 300 ppm Li cut-off was
published for all holes in the 19 hole which assays are currently
available.
Other substantive
exploration data
Other exploration data, if meaningful and material,
should be reported including (but not limited to):
geological observations; geophysical survey results;
geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and
method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk
density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock
characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating
substances.
N/A – no other material exploration data was gathered in this
period.
Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests
for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale
step-out drilling).
Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible
extensions, including the main geological interpretations
and future drilling areas, provided this information is not
commercially sensitive.
Further work for the Alkali Flats project is described in the
announcement.
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