HiTech Minerals Started Drilling at McDermitt Project
Operators in the resource sector should monitor the project's development as it moves toward feasibility assessment.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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HiTech Minerals, a subsidiary of Jindalee Lithium Limited, has commenced a drilling program at the McDermitt Lithium Project in southeast Oregon. The initiative targets about one-third of the site's 168 approved drill locations to gather essential geological and metallurgical data.
Why it matters
This drilling activity is a critical step in finalizing the feasibility study for the McDermitt project, which could shift the regional supply outlook for lithium. The program is designed to provide the technical foundation required for the project's long-term commercial viability.
The program utilizes 100 drill sites out of a total approved universe of 168, focusing on data collection for the feasibility study. While this phase is underway, the business combination involving the project is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The players
HiTech Minerals
A wholly owned subsidiary of Jindalee Lithium Limited focused on lithium mineral exploration and site development.
Jindalee Lithium Limited
A publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on developing large-scale lithium assets.
The details
The program utilizes two distinct methods to prepare the site for future production: reverse-circulation drilling to extract hydrogeological data and diamond drilling to collect core samples. These samples are critical for geotechnical and metallurgical testwork that will underpin the final feasibility report. All operations are proceeding under an Exploration Plan of Operations that was formally approved in December 2025.
Timeline
December 2025: Exploration Plan of Operations approved.
June 2026: Jindalee shareholder approval obtained for the business combination.
October 5, 2026: Drilling program commenced.
November 2026: Target date for program completion.
Q4 2026: Expected completion of the business combination.
Market Landscape
The drilling program operates under the federal regulatory framework established by the Exploration Plan of Operations, which governs site activity on public lands. This marks a standard progression from the permitting phase to active site assessment in the lithium sector.
Operators in the minerals sector should track the expected feasibility results due in the first quarter of 2027 to gauge potential supply shifts. Ensure that current compliance filings are aligned with established Exploration Plan of Operations protocols for similar mineral projects.
The takeaway
The McDermitt project is moving from permitting to active geological assessment, a phase that often dictates the pace of subsequent capital allocation. Monitor the results expected in early 2027 to see if the metallurgical data meets commercial thresholds.
Further reading
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More information
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