The three are jointly funding a major airborne geophysical survey across the emerging Bynoe/Finniss pegmatite field near Darwin.

The survey, which is being conducted by Thomson Aviation, will cover around 385sq.km of ground.

It is the first geophysical survey to be conducted in the area in more than 30 years, with previous aeromagnetic survey not as comprehensive.

The survey is underway and is expected to take around 20 days to complete.

While NT Geological Survey data has highlighted more than 60 pegmatites in the area, large parts of the field are under cover.

The companies believe the area – a historical tin and tantalum producer – is highly prospective for economic lithium deposits.

Core has already made good progress at its Finniss project, announcing a discovery at the BP33 prospect in late September and following it up with a hit of 49m at 1.78% lithium oxide from 71m at the Grants prospect.

Drilling at Liontown’s Sandras prospect has returned results including 27m at 1.1% lithium oxide from 94m.

The company has identified further targets for drilling in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Kingston has received positive results from soil sampling across several prospects and awaiting approval to drill, which will likely be after the wet season at the start of the June quarter.

Shares in Core fell by 8.2% to 7.8c, Liontown was down by 10.3% to 2.6c after a huge move yesterday, and Kingston rose by nearly 6% to 1.9c.

The news is another example of cooperation in the lithium sector with Pilgangoora neighbours Pilbara Minerals and Altura Mining signing a deal last year to collaborate on infrastructure.