Lithium Brine Concentration Studies 85% Complete
Galan Lithium Limited (ASX: GLN) reports that chemical laboratory work for its flagship Hombre Muerto West (HMW) project in Argentina is now 85% complete
The studies are evaluating Galan’s low use energy and lithium carbon footprint solution in the South American Lithium Triangle.
The work is being performed by lithium experts Ad-Infinitum in Antofagasta, Chile. The brine concentration model prediction shows a sound correlation between actual laboratory results and the predictive brine evaporation model. Furthermore, these results can be seen across the prediction of the concentration of lithium and impurities.
In parallel, Ad-Infinitum has been optimising the evaporation route options during the PEA/Scoping Study by testing different reagents in the evaporation process to produce high grade lithium chloride concentrate.
Managing Director, Juan Pablo (JP) Vargas de la Vega, said Galan took a solutions-based approach to deal with the closure of the various engaged Universities in Antofagasta whilst other local labs have not been taking further samples due to heavy restrictions implemented in the region to contain the spread of COVID-19.
As a result, delays were encountered due to the logistical challenges to send brine to the lab in Santiago, some 1,400km away. Nevertheless, testing continues to advance with final lab results expected by the end of this month.
Meanwhile at site at HMW, the preparation for future Study activities continues. A new site for the HMW camp and pilot areas has been located. The new camp will provide better support to the crew while also reducing travelling time that is currently 40km east of Candelas.
“We continue to advance our HMW lab testing with interim results showing great progress despite the COVID challenges in South America. Our priority remains to keep our team safe whilst the Study advances. Our team has done a fantastic job to provide solutions in this current environment,” Mr de la Vega said.
“Galan has a unique setting of high grade and low impurities (with one of the lowest studied OPEX in the industry) that gives us significant more flexibility to test many ideas.
“Last year we took a 20 cubic metre sample of brine to Chile with the objective of continuing our testing and to provide enough samples to assay several evaporation trains to look beyond our initial PEA/Scoping Study plan.
“2021 it is an exciting year for Galan, and we remain fully funded to execute all studies required at HMW.
“We look forward to receiving the final results during course.”
