Nemaska LithiumInc. said July 13 that it has started a C$1.5 million definition drillingcampaign at its Whabouchilithium project in Quebec.

The program is slated to comprise 44 drill holes spread over13,700 meters, aiming to convert the in-pit design's existing inferred resourceinto measured and indicated categories, to add near-surface resources in the eastzone of the pit design and to confirm continuity of further resources at depth belowthe 200-meter level.

Nemaska is targeting to drill 22 holes over a 5,900-meter surfacearea for the conversion of the in-pit design's 4.69 million tonnes of inferred resourcesinto indicated resources, translating to a potential 15% to 25% upgrade in resourcesthat could be converted to reserves.

Another phase of the program will comprise 17 drill holes overa 5,100-meter surface area to add near-surface resources in the east zone of thepit design. The remaining drilling will target to confirm the continuity of thelongitudinal zone of mineral resources down to 500 meters below surface.

According to Nemaska, the program will allow the company to increaseWhabouchi's open pit mine life, reduce the project's stripping ratio and lower productioncosts.

The drill program is expected to be completed in September.