News of a new drill permit sent Bradda Head Lithium (LSE:BHL) shares soaring on Tuesday, for 38.2% gain to 3.94p, thanks to the Arizona State Land Department approval.
The Arizona authorities gave the greenlight to Bradda's Geologic Field Operations Plan for the Whistlejacket project.
The permit allows rock sampling and up to 24 drill pads at Whistlejacket and complements Bureau of Land Management permits already secured for the company’s San Domingo project, supporting plans to advance both assets towards NI 43-101 technical reports and potential maiden Mineral Resource Estimates by the end of 2027.
"This is an important development for Bradda Head Lithium that supports the rapid advancement of its Arizona lithium exploration portfolio," said Ian Stalker, Executive Chair.
The combined 2026 programme is expected to comprise roughly 14,000 ft of drilling in total, including 24 drill holes for approximately 11,500 ft at Whistlejacket and approximately 20 holes for 2,500 ft across selected San Domingo targets.
Contractor selection for the drilling campaign is entering its final stages despite tight industry-wide rig availability, and the company expects to finalise appointments in the near term before confirming schedules.
Whistlejacket is subject to an option-to-joint-venture with Kennecott Exploration Company, whose earlier drilling at the project returned intercepts including 51.0 metres at 1.11% Li₂O and 19.47 metres at 1.66% Li₂O.
Bradda Head said it will provide updates as contractor appointments are confirmed and drilling logistics are finalised.
