Bradda Head Begins Whistlejacket Lithium Drilling Campaign in Arizona

Bradda Head Lithium is preparing to launch its 2026 exploration drilling programme at the Whistlejacket lithium project in Arizona after appointing a state-licensed drilling contractor. The campaign is expected to begin within the next few days, marking another key stage in the company's efforts to advance the hard-rock lithium asset toward commercial development.

The planned exploration programme includes 20 diamond drill holes covering approximately 3,657 metres. The objective is to expand and better define the lithium mineralisation previously identified by Kennecott Exploration during its 2023 drilling activities. The new drilling results will support Bradda Head's efforts to establish the project's maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), an important milestone that will provide a clearer assessment of the project's size and economic potential.

According to the company, all necessary permits have already been secured, while site infrastructure preparations are progressing as scheduled. The exploration team has also completed mobilisation planning, allowing drilling operations to commence before the end of July. By conducting a detailed infill drilling programme, Bradda Head aims to improve its understanding of the continuity, thickness, and extent of the mineralised zones within the Whistlejacket deposit.

Executive Chairperson Ian Stalker described the upcoming drilling campaign as a significant step in the company's broader strategy to unlock the value of one of the United States' promising hard-rock lithium projects. He stated that the programme has been specifically designed to enhance geological confidence and provide the technical data required for future resource estimation and project evaluation.

The drilling campaign follows Bradda Head's recent successful fundraising initiative, which has strengthened the company's financial position. The additional capital enables the company to accelerate exploration activities not only at Whistlejacket but also at its second Arizona-based lithium project, San Domingo. Advancing both projects simultaneously reflects Bradda Head's strategy of expanding its lithium resource base to benefit from growing global demand for battery materials.

Lithium continues to play a central role in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy storage systems, and other clean energy technologies. As governments and manufacturers worldwide seek secure domestic supplies of critical minerals, exploration projects within the United States have gained strategic importance. Successful drilling at Whistlejacket could improve the project's long-term development prospects and strengthen Arizona's position as an emerging lithium exploration region. The forthcoming drilling results will provide valuable geological information that may influence future investment decisions, resource expansion plans, and potential development pathways for the project.

Impact on Product:

The expanded drilling programme is expected to strengthen confidence in future domestic lithium supply if exploration results are positive. While no immediate impact on lithium availability is anticipated, successful resource expansion could support long-term production of lithium concentrates used in electric vehicle batteries, battery-grade lithium chemicals, and energy storage systems. This development also reinforces investment in the U.S. critical minerals sector and may encourage additional exploration activities across hard-rock lithium projects.