Site mobilisation is underway at the McDermitt lithium project in southeast Oregon after the US Bureau of Land Management eased seasonal fire restrictions, clearing the way for a Phase 1 drilling program to begin in late September 2026.

Jindalee Lithium Limited reported that the high-priority infill and environmental drilling will comprise up to 100 drill sites under an Exploration Plan of Operations approved in December 2025. The work is designed to upgrade resource confidence, provide fresh samples for metallurgical and geotechnical studies, and collect hydrogeological data. Drilling is scheduled for completion by November, with first assay results expected in early Q1 2027.

The McDermitt deposit previously formed the subject of a November 2024 Pre-Feasibility Study confirming a 63-year mine life producing 1.8 million tonnes of lithium carbonate.

“We are very pleased to advise that site mobilisation activities have commenced at McDermitt, ahead of a significant drilling program commencing later this month.”

— Ian Rodger, Managing Director and CEO

Parallel workstreams advancing the proposed Nasdaq listing through US Elemental Inc. remain on track for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026. The transaction contemplates a capital raise of US$20 million to US$30 million via a PIPE, backed by a binding cornerstone commitment of US$4 million from Antarctica Capital. US Elemental has received term sheets from several US funds, while the US registration statement is estimated to be declared effective in late September or October 2026.

Read the full announcement: McDermitt Drilling Program to Commence & US Elemental Update