Lion One Metals Limited (OTCQX: LOMLF) is making significant strides in its exploration efforts at the Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji, particularly with a renewed focus on roscoelite, a mineral associated with high-grade gold deposits. The company has announced the return of Sergio Cattalani to lead its technical team, alongside the addition of experienced geologists Ivan Maldonado and Alexander Valencia. This strategic move aims to enhance the understanding and extraction of gold from newly identified mineralized structures at Tuvatu.
Recent underground workings at Tuvatu have revealed a new, highly mineralized structure that has consistently returned impressive gold grades since its discovery in September. Initial bulk sampling from this area yielded an average of 11.6 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold from 861 tonnes of material, indicating a promising opportunity for further exploration and mining. This structure, characterized by the presence of roscoelite, is reminiscent of other significant alkaline gold deposits such as Porgera and Cripple Creek, suggesting that Tuvatu may hold similar potential for high-grade mineralization.
The identification of this roscoelite-bearing lode array marks a pivotal moment for Lion One, as it is the first time such a structure has been continuously exposed over a significant distance underground. The current orientation of this mineralization—striking east-west and dipping at approximately 20 degrees north—was not previously anticipated in the geological model for Tuvatu. This new insight underscores the need for a dedicated effort to characterize these lode types further.
To spearhead these efforts, Lion One has brought back Sergio Cattalani, who previously served as Senior Vice President of Exploration until late 2023. With over 40 years of experience in the mining industry and an intimate knowledge of the Tuvatu deposit, Cattalani is well-positioned to lead the exploration team as they investigate the spatial characteristics of the newly identified roscoelite structure.
Cattalani’s immediate goals include understanding how gold grades and mineralization vary in relation to cross-cutting geological structures. This approach is informed by observations from similar deposits where high-grade zones tend to form at intersections of different structural orientations. By enhancing their understanding of these dynamics, Lion One aims to optimize its exploration strategy and expand its mining operations.
In addition to Cattalani’s return, Lion One has welcomed Ivan Maldonado as Mine Geology Manager and Alexander Valencia as Senior Mine Geologist. Both bring extensive experience in mine production and geological modeling from their previous roles at prominent mining companies.
With over 17 years in the industry, Maldonado has held various roles in mine production and resource estimation across multiple mines in Mexico and Canada. His expertise will be crucial as Lion One seeks to refine its geological strategies at Tuvatu.
A geoscientist with over 12 years of experience, Valencia specializes in resource modeling and has worked extensively in both open-pit and underground mining environments. His background will support the team’s efforts to enhance production geology at Tuvatu.
Lion One’s intensified focus on roscoelite-targeting represents a significant opportunity for growth within its operations at Tuvatu. By leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals like Cattalani, Maldonado, and Valencia, the company aims not only to enhance its understanding of existing resources but also to identify new high-grade structures that can contribute to long-term production goals.
