The updated measured and indicated resource totalled 1.35 million gold ounces, representing a 20% increase over the previous estimate.

The open-pit indicated mineral resource shows 33.1 million tonnes grading 2.6 g/t for 2.7 million oz. contained metal, Kinross said in a news release.

The property covers part of the Salinas formation, where Brazil's only lithium producer CBL has been mining spodumene for almost 30 years.

The objective for the Phase XII drill program was focused on converting the inferred resource within the Spark deposit to the indicated category.

The company announced the deposit now hosts an indicated resource of 157.3 million tonnes grading 0.52 grams gold per tonne for 2.61 million oz. of metal.

Assays returned the best result so far of 31.85 metres grading 1.6% lithium oxide (Li2O), including 3.21 metres at 3.74% Li2O.

Patriot said the drill campaign’s main goals are to further define the CV5 pegmatite and improve the geological model for an indicated mineral resource.

The mining permitting process in the province is known for its lengthy delays.