Jindalee Lithium Limited has received the required state-level permit from the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries for exploratory drilling at the McDermitt Lithium Project, securing all major approvals needed to start field work.

The permit covers the first phase of an Exploration Plan of Operations approved by the US Bureau of Land Management in December 2025. Phase 1 will include up to 100 drill sites out of an approved maximum of 168 sites across the project area.

Jindalee has contracted Forged Drilling Corp. to begin the program in September 2026, though start dates remain subject to the current high fire risk easing and the issuance of a fire waiver amid severe seasonal wildfires across Oregon. Mobilisation planning by the company's US subsidiary, HiTech Minerals Inc., is well underway, with site preparation works expected to commence ahead of the rigs. Risk management plans include stationing water trucks on site for dust suppression, drilling support, and emergency fire control.

“We are delighted to have received the final permits for Phase 1 of the EPO drilling program at McDermitt and look forward to commencing the program next month, subject to receipt of the fire waiver. This work will provide critical data for the McDermitt Feasibility Study, including upgrading confidence levels of the mineral resources at McDermitt, providing samples for metallurgical testwork designed to improve processing efficiencies and acquiring the environmental and geotechnical data essential to Project planning.”

— Ian Rodger, Managing Director and CEO

Phase 1 comprises high-priority reverse circulation and core infill drilling targeting the central portion of the deposit within the mine design outlined in the project's pre-feasibility study. The work aims to upgrade resource confidence levels, yield fresh samples for metallurgical testwork and geotechnical analysis, and collect environmental and hydrogeological data. First results from the program are anticipated in the December 2026 quarter.

Read the full announcement: Major Drilling Program Expected at McDermitt in Sep 2026