Beryllium Intersections Expand Strategic Potential of Arunta Lithium Projects
Lithium Plus Minerals Limited (ASX: LPM) has announced the identification of high-grade beryllium mineralisation at its Spotted Wonder Project. The discovery enhances the company’s Arunta Lithium Projects in the Northern Territory, adding strategic depth to its polymetallic portfolio.
Significant Beryllium Zones Identified
Lithium Plus confirmed that a detailed reassessment of drill core from Spotted Wonder revealed several shallow, high-grade beryllium intersections. Mineralisation starts near surface, with notable intervals including:
− 7m at 0.12% BeO from 24m (SWRC001)
− 12m at 0.10% BeO from surface (SWRC002)
− 11m at 0.11% BeO from 43m and 5m at 0.11% BeO from 75m (SWRC008)
− 1m at 0.28% BeO from 20m and 7m at 0.09% BeO from 26m (SWRC011)
These beryllium zones align with previously identified lithium intersections. Reverse circulation drilling returned up to 0.29% Li₂O over 4m, reinforcing the polymetallic nature of the Delmore pegmatite system.
Executive Commentary Highlights Discovery
Executive Chairman Dr Bin Guo stated, “The identification of high-grade beryllium mineralisation within the Delmore pegmatite marks a significant discovery for Lithium Plus. This not only confirms the polymetallic potential of the Spotted Wonder Project but also enhances the strategic importance of our Northern Arunta tenure in hosting critical minerals beyond lithium. With beryllium now recognised globally as a high-value critical commodity, these results significantly add to our exploration optionality. The shallow nature of the mineralisation and its strong association with lithium mineralisation present multiple future development pathways. We look forward to our planned exploration activities in the upcoming field season to begin to unlock the full potential of this emerging district.”
Beryllium’s Strategic Role and Market Context
Beryllium is classified as a critical mineral by several countries, including Australia, the United States, the EU, Japan, India and Indonesia. The Northern Territory Government added beryllium to its emerging critical minerals list in February 2025.
Although global demand remains modest at 300 tonnes annually, it continues to grow steadily. Approximately 85% of world supply comes from Utah’s Spor Mountain, with refining concentrated at a single Ohio facility. This centralisation contributes to supply risks and price volatility.
Prices increased from US$660/kg in 2022 to US$1,400/kg in 2023. Current open market estimates suggest an average price of US$1,050/kg. At that rate, a 500ppm beryllium deposit carries an in-situ value of US$525 per tonne.
Project Geology and Location
The Spotted Wonder Project lies within the Alcoota region of the Mesoproterozoic Aileron Province. The broader region contains pegmatites associated with Jinka Suite granites. The Delmore, Spotted Wonder and Utopia prospects all display evolved LCT-type pegmatites enriched in beryllium.
Fieldwork has confirmed the presence of coarse beryl crystals and strong beryllium grades from rock chip sampling. Notable assays include up to 4.6% Be at Delmore, 2.0% Be at Polonis and 1.23% Be at Saunders.
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Reverse Circulation Drilling Outcomes
Initial drilling by Lithium Plus in 2018 at Delmore targeted lithium-bearing pegmatites. The company recently reassessed this drill core, which resulted in several significant beryllium findings.
Drill hole SWRC001 returned 7m at 0.12% BeO from 4m. SWRC002 returned 12m at 0.10% BeO from surface, including 6m at 0.15% BeO. SWRC011 intersected 1m at 0.28% BeO from 20m and 7m at 0.09% BeO from 26m. SWRC008 showed two zones of 11m at 0.11% BeO from 43m and 5m at 0.11% BeO from 75m.
Further Exploration Scheduled
Lithium Plus plans to advance exploration during Q3 2025. The company will test for higher-grade beryllium closer to granite contacts and assess additional pegmatite-hosted mineralisation. It will also focus on newly identified targets at Polonis, Costean and Saunders.
The exploration will follow LCT pegmatite fractionation models and include broader assessments of the Northern Arunta’s critical minerals potential.
Company Overview
Lithium Plus Minerals Limited holds 23 tenements in the Northern Territory across three projects – Bynoe, Wingate and Arunta. Spotted Wonder, within the Arunta group, continues to emerge as a significant source of both lithium and beryllium.
The company also holds a 44.7% interest in Moonlight Resources, which includes uranium and REE assets in the NT and NSW.
Conclusion
Lithium Plus has expanded the critical minerals scope of its Arunta assets through confirmation of high-grade beryllium. The Spotted Wonder Project is positioned to become a key contributor to Australia’s strategic minerals future. Further drilling and field programs are expected to drive discovery momentum in 2025.
