{"success":true,"data":{"pressRelease":{"id":"156484","rtpr_id":"nNFCb75GJr-20260930","ticker":"LAF","exchange":"","all_tickers":["LAF"],"title":"Lithium Africa Reports High-Grade First Drill Results at Springbok, Intersecting 6.0 m at 2.27% Li2O with Individual Samples up to 4.11% Li2O","author":"Newsfile Corp","published_at":"2026-09-30T11:00:19.449Z","article_body":"Cape Town, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2026) - Lithium\nAfrica Corp. (TSXV: LAF) (FSE: 6MQ) (OTCQB: LTAFF) (\"Lithium Africa\" or the\n\"Company\") is pleased to report the first assay results from its inaugural\ndrill program (the \"Program\") at the Norrabees I prospect within the Springbok\nProject in the Northern Cape of South Africa (the \"Springbok Project\"). These\nare the Company's first drill results since becoming a publicly listed\ncompany, and they confirm high-grade spodumene mineralization from near\nsurface at Norrabees I. Based on these results, the Company has expanded the\nProgram with an additional 1,000 m of diamond drilling at Norrabees I and has\ncommenced a 1,000 m channel sampling program across 21 spodumene-bearing\npegmatites at Springbok.\n\nHighlights\n*\nFirst drill results since listing return high-grade spodumene mineralization\nat Norrabees I:\n*\nNB1DD26-003: 7.5 m at 1.97% Li(2)O from 18.5 m, including 6.0 m at 2.27%\nLi(2)O\n*\nNB1DD26-001: 4.0 m at 2.25% Li(2)O from 2.0 m\n*\nIndividual 1 m samples returned up to 4.11% Li(2)O (NB1DD26-004, 21.0-22.0 m;\nassays below 22.0 m pending re-analysis), 3.09% Li(2)O (NB1DD26-001) and 2.75%\nLi(2)O (NB1DD26-003).\n*\nMineralization starts near surface, from 2.0 m downhole in NB1DD26-001 and\nwithin approximately 20 m downhole in NB1DD26-003 and NB1DD26-004.\n*\nProgram expanded with an additional 1,000 m of diamond drilling at Norrabees I\nand a 1,000 m channel sampling program across 21 spodumene-bearing pegmatites\nto test grade continuity at surface and prove out the district-scale (>50 km\nwide) opportunity.\n\nThomas R. Benson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Director of Lithium\nAfrica, commented: \"Our first drill results as a public company have delivered\nmultiple meters above 2% Li(2)O and samples up to 4.11% Li(2)O, starting just\nmeters below surface. High-grade mineralization this close to surface is\nencouraging for our objective of evaluating a smaller-scale, high-grade\nstarter operation at Springbok. We're acting on it right away by expanding\ndrilling at Norrabees I and channel sampling 21 spodumene-bearing pegmatites\nacross the Springbok District, and we're just getting started.\"\n\nNorrabees I Drill Results\n\nThe Program is the Company's first drill campaign at the Springbok Project and\ncomprises approximately 3,500 m of combined diamond (1,500 m) and reverse\ncirculation (\"RC\") (2,000 m) drilling, targeting the Norrabees I and II\npegmatites, the newly identified spodumene-bearing extension between them, and\npriority targets along the Springbok trend (Figure 2).\n\nSignificant intercepts from holes NB1DD26-001 to NB1DD26-004 are presented in\nTable 1, collar details in Table 2 (Appendix) and hole locations in Figure 2.\nThree of the four holes include intervals grading above 2% Li(2)O. Assays from\nNB1DD26-004 below 22.0 m are pending re-analysis and will be reported once\nreceived and validated. Assays for NB1DD26-005 and NB1DD26-006 are pending.\n\nTable 1: Significant Intercepts - Norrabees I\n\n Hole ID        From (m)  To (m)  Interval (m)  Li₂O (%)    Max Li₂O (%)    \n NB1DD26-003    18.5      26.0    7.5           1.97        2.75            \n including      20.0      26.0    6.0           2.27        2.75            \n NB1DD26-001    2.0       6.0     4.0           2.25        3.09            \n NB1DD26-004 *  21.0      22.0    1.0           4.11        4.11            \n NB1DD26-002    1.0       1.78    0.78          0.95        0.95            \n\n \nNotes: Intervals are reported as downhole lengths; true widths are not yet\nestimated. Intercepts are length-weighted averages reported at a 0.4% Li(2)O\ncut-off with a maximum of 2 m of consecutive internal dilution; \"including\"\nintervals are reported at a 1.0% Li(2)O cut-off with no internal dilution. No\ntop cut has been applied. Max Li(2)O is the highest single-sample assay within\neach interval; each is a 1.0 m sample except NB1DD26-002, whose interval is a\nsingle 0.78 m sample. Where field duplicates were collected, only the original\nsample is used. Li(2)O = lithium oxide, calculated as Li (ppm) × 2.153.\n\n* Interval open at depth. Samples from 22.0 m to 44.0 m in NB1DD26-004 were\nanalyzed in a laboratory batch in which a certified reference material\nreturned a value outside the Company's acceptance limits; that batch is being\nre-analyzed and those results will be reported once received and validated.\nThe sample reported here (21.0-22.0 m) with an assayed value of 4.11% Li(2)O\nwas analyzed in a separate batch in which all control samples passed. Assays\nfor NB1DD26-005 and NB1DD26-006 are pending.\n\nProgram Expanded and Channel Sampling Underway\n\nThree drill rigs are currently operating across the Springbok Project: two\ndiamond rigs and an RC rig (Figure 1). To date, 2,313 m have been completed\nover 69 drill holes; assay results for the remaining holes are pending or\nbeing compiled.\n\nFollowing the results reported today, the Company has expanded the Program\nwith an additional 1,000 m of diamond drilling along strike of Norrabees I to\nfollow up the high-grade mineralization intersected to date and advance\nresource definition at the prospect.\n\nThe Company has also commenced a 1,000 m channel sampling program across 21\nspodumene-bearing pegmatites at Springbok, designed to test grade continuity\nalong strike and across the width of the surface exposures and to prioritize\ntargets for drill testing. Regional mapping has identified spodumene-bearing\npegmatite occurrences over approximately 50 km of strike, with the current\nProgram testing pegmatites along a trend approximately 30 km long and 5 km\nwide. Results from the remaining drill holes are expected in Q4 2026 and Q1\n2027, and channel sampling results will be reported when received and\nvalidated.\n\n(https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11554/316723_8e30824c9432595b_001full.jpg)\n\nFigure 1: Drilling underway at the Springbok Project, September 2026: diamond\nrigs at Norrabees I (left) and a DD rig (center) and an RC rig (right)\nelsewhere in Springbok District.\n\nTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:\nhttps://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11554/316723_8e30824c9432595b_001full.jpg\n\n(https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11554/316723_lthmaf09302026fig2.jpg)\n\nFigure 2: Plan map of drilled and planned spodumene-bearing pegmatite targets\nin the Springbok District (top), and plan map of the Norrabees I and II\npegmatites showing completed and planned drill collars (bottom).\n\nTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:\nhttps://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11554/316723_lthmaf09302026fig2.jpg\n\nUpcoming Events\n\nLithium Africa will be attending the following conferences and events.\nInvestors may contact the Company at investors@li-africa.com to arrange a\nmeeting with Management.\n* Benchmark Summit 2026: October 20, 2026\n* New Orleans Investment Conference 2026: October 28-31, 2026\n* Benchmark Week 2026: November 10-11, 2026\n* 121 Mining Investment London: November 23-24, 2026\nQA/QC and Data Verification\n\nThe Company has implemented a rigorous QA/QC program for its 2026 drill\ncampaign to ensure industry best practices for sample preparation, security,\nand analysis.\n\nDiamond drill core (HQ/NQ) was logged and sampled at nominal 1 m intervals\nadjusted to lithological contacts, with half core submitted for analysis.\nSamples were analyzed by SGS South Africa (Randfontein), an independent\ncommercial laboratory with no relationship to the Company other than as a\nservice provider, which is accredited by SANAS to ISO/IEC 17025, using sodium\nperoxide fusion with ICP-OES (GE_ICP90A50) and ICP-MS (GE_IMS90A50) finishes.\nThe Company inserted certified reference materials (AMIS0565, AMIS0629 and\nAMIS0913), a certified silica blank (AMIS0865) and quarter-core field\nduplicates into the sample stream. In the laboratory batch containing the\nresults reported herein, CRMs, blanks and field duplicates made up\napproximately 4.7%, 2.3% and 9.3% of samples, respectively. Assay values were\nverified against the original laboratory certificates. The Qualified Person\nhas reviewed the internal laboratory QA/QC reports, verified the database\nagainst original assay certificates, and reviewed the results of the Company's\ncontrol samples. Control samples in the laboratory batch containing the\nresults reported herein fell within acceptable statistical tolerances. One\ncertified reference material in a separate batch, containing samples from\nNB1DD26-004 (22.0-44.0 m), returned one value outside acceptance limits; that\nbatch has been submitted for re-analysis and its results will be included in a\nsubsequent news release. There were no material factors or limitations that\nimpacted the reliability of the data disclosed in this news release.\n\nQualified Person\n\nThe technical and scientific information in this news release was reviewed and\napproved by Benjamin Gelber, P.Geo., a Consultant of the Company and a\npracticing Professional Geologist registered with Engineers & Geoscientists\nBritish Columbia (EGBC, Licence No. 33258), who is a non-independent\n\"Qualified Person\" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of\nDisclosure for Mineral Projects.\n\nAbout Lithium Africa Corp.\n\nLithium Africa Corp. is a capital-efficient lithium exploration and\nconsolidation company assembling a portfolio of hard-rock lithium assets\nacross Africa. Through its 50/50 joint venture with GFL International Co.,\nLtd., a subsidiary of Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd., the Company holds an\nindirect 50% interest in lithium exploration projects in Côte d'Ivoire,\nGuinea, Zimbabwe, and Mali. The Company also holds a majority interest in the\nSpringbok Project in South Africa, which is held outside the joint venture.\nFor more information, please visit www.li-africa.com.\n\nON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LITHIUM AFRICA CORP.\n\nThomas R. Benson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer & Director\n\nFor further information regarding the Company contact:\n\nJeanne Liu, Corporate Communications at investors@li-africa.com,\n1.604.771.7125.\n\nCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements\n\nStatements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be\nforward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities\nlegislation. Forward-looking statements in this press release include\nstatements relating to the Company's planned exploration activities, including\nthe drill program at the Springbok Project and the timing of results from the\nremaining holes, the re-analysis of samples from NB1DD26-004, the additional\n1,000 m of diamond drilling at Norrabees I and its timing, the channel\nsampling program, the continuity of mineralization at the Springbok Project,\nand the Company's objective of evaluating a potential starter operation at the\nSpringbok Project. There is significant risk that the forward-looking\nstatements will not prove to be accurate, that the management's assumptions\nmay not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such\nforward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue\nreliance on the forward-looking statements. Generally forward-looking\nstatements can be identified by the use of terminology such as \"anticipate\",\n\"will\", \"expect\", \"may\", \"continue\", \"could\", \"estimate\", \"forecast\", \"plan\",\n\"potential\" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are\nbased on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect which,\nwithout limiting the generality of the following, include the ability to raise\nfunds through private or public equity financings; the timely receipt of assay\nresults; the outcome of laboratory re-analysis; the availability of drilling\ncontractors and equipment; general business, economic, competitive, political\nand social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals;\nrisks inherent in exploration activities; the impact of exploration\ncompetition; unexpected geological conditions; changes in government\nregulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; failure to obtain\nnecessary permits and approvals from government authorities; volatility and\nsensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market\nfluctuations; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory\nburdens; weather and other natural phenomena; and other exploration,\ndevelopment, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. The\nforward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the\ndate hereof or the dates specifically referenced in this press release, where\napplicable. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation,\nthe Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any\nforward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future\nevents or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. All\nforward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly\nqualified by this cautionary statement.\n\nNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that\nterm is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts\nresponsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.\n\nAppendix: Collar Table\n\nTable 2: Drill Collar Details - Norrabees I Diamond Drill Holes\n\n Hole ID          Easting (m)  Northing (m)  Elev. (m)  Az. (°)   Dip (°)   Depth (m)  Status              \n NB1DD26-001      790486       6794007       634.0      010       −42.0     40.16      Reported            \n NB1DD26-002      790485       6794006       634.0      010       −60.0     31.75      Reported            \n NB1DD26-003      790460       6794010       648.3      015       −40.5     52.61      Reported            \n NB1DD26-004 (1)  790459.5     6794009.5     648.3      015       −50.0     46.33      Partially Reported  \n NB1DD26-005 (2)  790459       6794009       648.3      015       −70.0     121.90     Assays Pending      \n NB1DD26-006 (2)  790484       6794012       634.0      289       −40.0     19.65      Assays Pending      \n\n  \nNotes: Coordinates are in WGS 84 / UTM Zone 33S and were located by handheld\nGPS. Azimuth and dip are collar orientations. Depth is the end-of-hole depth.\nAll holes are HQ/NQ diamond core drilled by Van Zyl Drilling.\n\n(1) Only one result reported in this press release; other samples from this\nhole (22m to 44 m) were analyzed in a batch of samples for which one reference\nstandard was outside acceptable limits so they have been submitted for\nre-analysis and its results are not included in this news release.\n\n(2) Assays from the other two DD holes drilled at Norrabees I have not yet\nreturned from the lab and will be disclosed in a subsequent news release when\navailable.\n\n\nTo view the source version of this press release, please visit\nhttps://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/316723","article_body_html":"","raw_payload":{"data":{"id":"nNFCb75GJr-20260930","title":"Lithium Africa Reports High-Grade First Drill Results at Springbok, Intersecting 6.0 m at 2.27% Li2O with Individual Samples up to 4.11% Li2O","author":"Newsfile Corp","ticker":"LAF","created":"2026-09-30T11:00:19.449Z","tickers":["LAF"],"exchange":"","article_body":"Cape Town, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2026) - Lithium\nAfrica Corp. (TSXV: LAF) (FSE: 6MQ) (OTCQB: LTAFF) (\"Lithium Africa\" or the\n\"Company\") is pleased to report the first assay results from its inaugural\ndrill program (the \"Program\") at the Norrabees I prospect within the Springbok\nProject in the Northern Cape of South Africa (the \"Springbok Project\"). These\nare the Company's first drill results since becoming a publicly listed\ncompany, and they confirm high-grade spodumene mineralization from near\nsurface at Norrabees I. Based on these results, the Company has expanded the\nProgram with an additional 1,000 m of diamond drilling at Norrabees I and has\ncommenced a 1,000 m channel sampling program across 21 spodumene-bearing\npegmatites at Springbok.\n\nHighlights\n*\nFirst drill results since listing return high-grade spodumene mineralization\nat Norrabees I:\n*\nNB1DD26-003: 7.5 m at 1.97% Li(2)O from 18.5 m, including 6.0 m at 2.27%\nLi(2)O\n*\nNB1DD26-001: 4.0 m at 2.25% Li(2)O from 2.0 m\n*\nIndividual 1 m samples returned up to 4.11% Li(2)O (NB1DD26-004, 21.0-22.0 m;\nassays below 22.0 m pending re-analysis), 3.09% Li(2)O (NB1DD26-001) and 2.75%\nLi(2)O (NB1DD26-003).\n*\nMineralization starts near surface, from 2.0 m downhole in NB1DD26-001 and\nwithin approximately 20 m downhole in NB1DD26-003 and NB1DD26-004.\n*\nProgram expanded with an additional 1,000 m of diamond drilling at Norrabees I\nand a 1,000 m channel sampling program across 21 spodumene-bearing pegmatites\nto test grade continuity at surface and prove out the district-scale (>50 km\nwide) opportunity.\n\nThomas R. Benson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Director of Lithium\nAfrica, commented: \"Our first drill results as a public company have delivered\nmultiple meters above 2% Li(2)O and samples up to 4.11% Li(2)O, starting just\nmeters below surface. High-grade mineralization this close to surface is\nencouraging for our objective of evaluating a smaller-scale, high-grade\nstarter operation at Springbok. We're acting on it right away by expanding\ndrilling at Norrabees I and channel sampling 21 spodumene-bearing pegmatites\nacross the Springbok District, and we're just getting started.\"\n\nNorrabees I Drill Results\n\nThe Program is the Company's first drill campaign at the Springbok Project and\ncomprises approximately 3,500 m of combined diamond (1,500 m) and reverse\ncirculation (\"RC\") (2,000 m) drilling, targeting the Norrabees I and II\npegmatites, the newly identified spodumene-bearing extension between them, and\npriority targets along the Springbok trend (Figure 2).\n\nSignificant intercepts from holes NB1DD26-001 to NB1DD26-004 are presented in\nTable 1, collar details in Table 2 (Appendix) and hole locations in Figure 2.\nThree of the four holes include intervals grading above 2% Li(2)O. Assays from\nNB1DD26-004 below 22.0 m are pending re-analysis and will be reported once\nreceived and validated. Assays for NB1DD26-005 and NB1DD26-006 are pending.\n\nTable 1: Significant Intercepts - Norrabees I\n\n Hole ID        From (m)  To (m)  Interval (m)  Li₂O (%)    Max Li₂O (%)    \n NB1DD26-003    18.5      26.0    7.5           1.97        2.75            \n including      20.0      26.0    6.0           2.27        2.75            \n NB1DD26-001    2.0       6.0     4.0           2.25        3.09            \n NB1DD26-004 *  21.0      22.0    1.0           4.11        4.11            \n NB1DD26-002    1.0       1.78    0.78          0.95        0.95            \n\n \nNotes: Intervals are reported as downhole lengths; true widths are not yet\nestimated. Intercepts are length-weighted averages reported at a 0.4% Li(2)O\ncut-off with a maximum of 2 m of consecutive internal dilution; \"including\"\nintervals are reported at a 1.0% Li(2)O cut-off with no internal dilution. No\ntop cut has been applied. Max Li(2)O is the highest single-sample assay within\neach interval; each is a 1.0 m sample except NB1DD26-002, whose interval is a\nsingle 0.78 m sample. Where field duplicates were collected, only the original\nsample is used. Li(2)O = lithium oxide, calculated as Li (ppm) × 2.153.\n\n* Interval open at depth. Samples from 22.0 m to 44.0 m in NB1DD26-004 were\nanalyzed in a laboratory batch in which a certified reference material\nreturned a value outside the Company's acceptance limits; that batch is being\nre-analyzed and those results will be reported once received and validated.\nThe sample reported here (21.0-22.0 m) with an assayed value of 4.11% Li(2)O\nwas analyzed in a separate batch in which all control samples passed. Assays\nfor NB1DD26-005 and NB1DD26-006 are pending.\n\nProgram Expanded and Channel Sampling Underway\n\nThree drill rigs are currently operating across the Springbok Project: two\ndiamond rigs and an RC rig (Figure 1). To date, 2,313 m have been completed\nover 69 drill holes; assay results for the remaining holes are pending or\nbeing compiled.\n\nFollowing the results reported today, the Company has expanded the Program\nwith an additional 1,000 m of diamond drilling along strike of Norrabees I to\nfollow up the high-grade mineralization intersected to date and advance\nresource definition at the prospect.\n\nThe Company has also commenced a 1,000 m channel sampling program across 21\nspodumene-bearing pegmatites at Springbok, designed to test grade continuity\nalong strike and across the width of the surface exposures and to prioritize\ntargets for drill testing. Regional mapping has identified spodumene-bearing\npegmatite occurrences over approximately 50 km of strike, with the current\nProgram testing pegmatites along a trend approximately 30 km long and 5 km\nwide. Results from the remaining drill holes are expected in Q4 2026 and Q1\n2027, and channel sampling results will be reported when received and\nvalidated.\n\n(https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11554/316723_8e30824c9432595b_001full.jpg)\n\nFigure 1: Drilling underway at the Springbok Project, September 2026: diamond\nrigs at Norrabees I (left) and a DD rig (center) and an RC rig (right)\nelsewhere in Springbok District.\n\nTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:\nhttps://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11554/316723_8e30824c9432595b_001full.jpg\n\n(https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11554/316723_lthmaf09302026fig2.jpg)\n\nFigure 2: Plan map of drilled and planned spodumene-bearing pegmatite targets\nin the Springbok District (top), and plan map of the Norrabees I and II\npegmatites showing completed and planned drill collars (bottom).\n\nTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:\nhttps://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11554/316723_lthmaf09302026fig2.jpg\n\nUpcoming Events\n\nLithium Africa will be attending the following conferences and events.\nInvestors may contact the Company at investors@li-africa.com to arrange a\nmeeting with Management.\n* Benchmark Summit 2026: October 20, 2026\n* New Orleans Investment Conference 2026: October 28-31, 2026\n* Benchmark Week 2026: November 10-11, 2026\n* 121 Mining Investment London: November 23-24, 2026\nQA/QC and Data Verification\n\nThe Company has implemented a rigorous QA/QC program for its 2026 drill\ncampaign to ensure industry best practices for sample preparation, security,\nand analysis.\n\nDiamond drill core (HQ/NQ) was logged and sampled at nominal 1 m intervals\nadjusted to lithological contacts, with half core submitted for analysis.\nSamples were analyzed by SGS South Africa (Randfontein), an independent\ncommercial laboratory with no relationship to the Company other than as a\nservice provider, which is accredited by SANAS to ISO/IEC 17025, using sodium\nperoxide fusion with ICP-OES (GE_ICP90A50) and ICP-MS (GE_IMS90A50) finishes.\nThe Company inserted certified reference materials (AMIS0565, AMIS0629 and\nAMIS0913), a certified silica blank (AMIS0865) and quarter-core field\nduplicates into the sample stream. In the laboratory batch containing the\nresults reported herein, CRMs, blanks and field duplicates made up\napproximately 4.7%, 2.3% and 9.3% of samples, respectively. Assay values were\nverified against the original laboratory certificates. The Qualified Person\nhas reviewed the internal laboratory QA/QC reports, verified the database\nagainst original assay certificates, and reviewed the results of the Company's\ncontrol samples. Control samples in the laboratory batch containing the\nresults reported herein fell within acceptable statistical tolerances. One\ncertified reference material in a separate batch, containing samples from\nNB1DD26-004 (22.0-44.0 m), returned one value outside acceptance limits; that\nbatch has been submitted for re-analysis and its results will be included in a\nsubsequent news release. There were no material factors or limitations that\nimpacted the reliability of the data disclosed in this news release.\n\nQualified Person\n\nThe technical and scientific information in this news release was reviewed and\napproved by Benjamin Gelber, P.Geo., a Consultant of the Company and a\npracticing Professional Geologist registered with Engineers & Geoscientists\nBritish Columbia (EGBC, Licence No. 33258), who is a non-independent\n\"Qualified Person\" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of\nDisclosure for Mineral Projects.\n\nAbout Lithium Africa Corp.\n\nLithium Africa Corp. is a capital-efficient lithium exploration and\nconsolidation company assembling a portfolio of hard-rock lithium assets\nacross Africa. Through its 50/50 joint venture with GFL International Co.,\nLtd., a subsidiary of Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd., the Company holds an\nindirect 50% interest in lithium exploration projects in Côte d'Ivoire,\nGuinea, Zimbabwe, and Mali. The Company also holds a majority interest in the\nSpringbok Project in South Africa, which is held outside the joint venture.\nFor more information, please visit www.li-africa.com.\n\nON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LITHIUM AFRICA CORP.\n\nThomas R. Benson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer & Director\n\nFor further information regarding the Company contact:\n\nJeanne Liu, Corporate Communications at investors@li-africa.com,\n1.604.771.7125.\n\nCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements\n\nStatements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be\nforward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities\nlegislation. Forward-looking statements in this press release include\nstatements relating to the Company's planned exploration activities, including\nthe drill program at the Springbok Project and the timing of results from the\nremaining holes, the re-analysis of samples from NB1DD26-004, the additional\n1,000 m of diamond drilling at Norrabees I and its timing, the channel\nsampling program, the continuity of mineralization at the Springbok Project,\nand the Company's objective of evaluating a potential starter operation at the\nSpringbok Project. There is significant risk that the forward-looking\nstatements will not prove to be accurate, that the management's assumptions\nmay not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such\nforward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue\nreliance on the forward-looking statements. Generally forward-looking\nstatements can be identified by the use of terminology such as \"anticipate\",\n\"will\", \"expect\", \"may\", \"continue\", \"could\", \"estimate\", \"forecast\", \"plan\",\n\"potential\" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are\nbased on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect which,\nwithout limiting the generality of the following, include the ability to raise\nfunds through private or public equity financings; the timely receipt of assay\nresults; the outcome of laboratory re-analysis; the availability of drilling\ncontractors and equipment; general business, economic, competitive, political\nand social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals;\nrisks inherent in exploration activities; the impact of exploration\ncompetition; unexpected geological conditions; changes in government\nregulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; failure to obtain\nnecessary permits and approvals from government authorities; volatility and\nsensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market\nfluctuations; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory\nburdens; weather and other natural phenomena; and other exploration,\ndevelopment, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. The\nforward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the\ndate hereof or the dates specifically referenced in this press release, where\napplicable. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation,\nthe Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any\nforward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future\nevents or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. All\nforward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly\nqualified by this cautionary statement.\n\nNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that\nterm is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts\nresponsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.\n\nAppendix: Collar Table\n\nTable 2: Drill Collar Details - Norrabees I Diamond Drill Holes\n\n Hole ID          Easting (m)  Northing (m)  Elev. (m)  Az. (°)   Dip (°)   Depth (m)  Status              \n NB1DD26-001      790486       6794007       634.0      010       −42.0     40.16      Reported            \n NB1DD26-002      790485       6794006       634.0      010       −60.0     31.75      Reported            \n NB1DD26-003      790460       6794010       648.3      015       −40.5     52.61      Reported            \n NB1DD26-004 (1)  790459.5     6794009.5     648.3      015       −50.0     46.33      Partially Reported  \n NB1DD26-005 (2)  790459       6794009       648.3      015       −70.0     121.90     Assays Pending      \n NB1DD26-006 (2)  790484       6794012       634.0      289       −40.0     19.65      Assays Pending      \n\n  \nNotes: Coordinates are in WGS 84 / UTM Zone 33S and were located by handheld\nGPS. Azimuth and dip are collar orientations. Depth is the end-of-hole depth.\nAll holes are HQ/NQ diamond core drilled by Van Zyl Drilling.\n\n(1) Only one result reported in this press release; other samples from this\nhole (22m to 44 m) were analyzed in a batch of samples for which one reference\nstandard was outside acceptable limits so they have been submitted for\nre-analysis and its results are not included in this news release.\n\n(2) Assays from the other two DD holes drilled at Norrabees I have not yet\nreturned from the lab and will be disclosed in a subsequent news release when\navailable.\n\n\nTo view the source version of this press release, please visit\nhttps://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/316723"},"type":"article","timestamp":"2026-09-30T11:00:19.530360133Z","server_sent_at_ms":1790766019530},"received_at":"2026-09-30T11:00:19.679Z","source_url":"https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/316723"},"analysis":{"id":"145177","press_release_id":"156484","analysis_json":{"industry":{"label":"Metals & Mining","sector":"Materials"},"redFlags":["Samples from 22.0-44.0 m in NB1DD26-004 are being re-analyzed after a certified reference material in that lab batch failed acceptance limits","Intervals are downhole lengths; true widths not yet estimated","Early-stage exploration — no resource estimate yet; ability to raise funds is a stated risk"],"eventType":"operations_update","narrative":"Lithium Africa reported its first drill results since listing, with hole NB1DD26-003 returning 7.5 m at 1.97% Li2O including 6.0 m at 2.27% Li2O and individual samples up to 4.11% Li2O.\n\nMineralization starts near surface (from 2.0 m downhole), which management says supports its objective of evaluating a smaller-scale, high-grade starter operation at Springbok.\n\nThe company expanded the program with an additional 1,000 m of diamond drilling at Norrabees I and began a 1,000 m channel sampling program across 21 pegmatites, with remaining assays due in Q4 2026 and Q1 2027.","sentiment":"bullish","agentHooks":{"shouldPost":true,"suggestedAngle":"First drill results confirm high-grade, near-surface spodumene at Springbok with program expansion underway — but note the QA/QC re-analysis on NB1DD26-004's deeper zone."},"keyFigures":{"drugName":"","customDimensions":{"best_interval":"7.5 m at 1.97% Li2O from 18.5 m, including 6.0 m at 2.27% Li2O","max_sample_grade":"4.11% Li2O","shallow_interval":"4.0 m at 2.25% Li2O from 2.0 m","drilled_to_date_m":2313,"channel_sampling_m":1000,"district_strike_km":50,"program_expansion_m":1000,"drill_holes_completed":69,"channel_sampling_pegmatites":21}},"quotedText":"Our first drill results as a public company have delivered multiple meters above 2% Li(2)O and samples up to 4.11% Li(2)O, starting just meters below surface.","namedEntities":{"people":[{"name":"Thomas R. Benson, Ph.D.","role":"CEO and Director"},{"name":"Benjamin Gelber, P.Geo.","role":"Qualified Person / Consultant"},{"name":"Jeanne Liu","role":"Corporate Communications"}],"products":["Springbok Project","Norrabees I prospect"],"companies":[{"name":"Lithium Africa Corp.","ticker":"LAF","relationship":"filer"},{"name":"GFL International Co., Ltd. (Ganfeng Lithium Group subsidiary)","relationship":"joint venture partner"},{"name":"SGS South Africa (Randfontein)","relationship":"assay laboratory"},{"name":"Van Zyl Drilling","relationship":"drilling contractor"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"materialImpact":{"score":3,"reasoning":"First-ever drill results confirm high-grade near-surface spodumene (up to 6.0 m at 2.27% Li2O, samples to 4.11%), prompting program expansion. Positive de-risking step but early-stage exploration with pending assays and a QA/QC re-analysis issue."},"tickerRelevance":{"others":[{"ticker":"6MQ","relevance":"subsidiary listing (FSE)"},{"ticker":"LTAFF","relevance":"subsidiary listing (OTCQB)"}],"primary":"LAF"},"globalImportance":22,"audienceRelevance":15,"eventTypeSecondary":["clinical_trial"],"importanceComponents":{"tickerTier":"micro-cap TSXV junior explorer","eventGravity":"positive inaugural drill results, no resource yet","sectorWeight":"lithium — cyclical retail interest","commodityTailwind":"lithium thematic appeal"}},"event_type":"operations_update","event_type_secondary":["clinical_trial"],"sentiment":"bullish","material_impact_score":3,"narrative":"Lithium Africa reported its first drill results since listing, with hole NB1DD26-003 returning 7.5 m at 1.97% Li2O including 6.0 m at 2.27% Li2O and individual samples up to 4.11% Li2O.\n\nMineralization starts near surface (from 2.0 m downhole), which management says supports its objective of evaluating a smaller-scale, high-grade starter operation at Springbok.\n\nThe company expanded the program with an additional 1,000 m of diamond drilling at Norrabees I and began a 1,000 m channel sampling program across 21 pegmatites, with remaining assays due in Q4 2026 and Q1 2027.","key_figures":{"drugName":"","customDimensions":{"best_interval":"7.5 m at 1.97% Li2O from 18.5 m, including 6.0 m at 2.27% Li2O","max_sample_grade":"4.11% Li2O","shallow_interval":"4.0 m at 2.25% Li2O from 2.0 m","drilled_to_date_m":2313,"channel_sampling_m":1000,"district_strike_km":50,"program_expansion_m":1000,"drill_holes_completed":69,"channel_sampling_pegmatites":21}},"named_entities":{"people":[{"name":"Thomas R. Benson, Ph.D.","role":"CEO and Director"},{"name":"Benjamin Gelber, P.Geo.","role":"Qualified Person / Consultant"},{"name":"Jeanne Liu","role":"Corporate Communications"}],"products":["Springbok Project","Norrabees I prospect"],"companies":[{"name":"Lithium Africa Corp.","ticker":"LAF","relationship":"filer"},{"name":"GFL International Co., Ltd. (Ganfeng Lithium Group subsidiary)","relationship":"joint venture partner"},{"name":"SGS South Africa (Randfontein)","relationship":"assay laboratory"},{"name":"Van Zyl Drilling","relationship":"drilling contractor"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"model_name":"glm-5.3-flashx","prompt_hash":"sha256:727b4b9429a443af","schema_hash":"sha256:05005c02d9cffac9","created_at":"2026-09-30T11:00:28.703Z","global_importance":22,"audience_relevance":15,"importance_components":{"tickerTier":"micro-cap TSXV junior explorer","eventGravity":"positive inaugural drill results, no resource yet","sectorWeight":"lithium — cyclical retail interest","commodityTailwind":"lithium thematic appeal"}},"durationMs":9003,"modelName":"glm-5.3-flashx"}}