Deep Sand unit in CAU19 averages 611 mg/l
lithium
30 day pumping test continuing in CAU07, averaging 647 mg/l
lithium
CAU11 pumping test completed averaging 512 mg/l
lithium
VANCOUVER, Jan. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Advantage Lithium
Corp. (the "Company" or "Advantage Lithium") (TSX Venture:
AAL) (OTCQX: AVLIF) is pleased to provide this update on the
completion of drilling and pumping test activities at the Cauchari
JV property located in Jujuy Province, Argentina.
Highlights:
- Phase III infill drilling and resource conversion program
completed at the end of 2018 with 26 holes drilled in Phase II and
III. An updated resource estimate in Q1 2019 is expected to bring
resources into the Measured and Indicated categories.
- Drilling in the Deep Sand Unit at CAU26 and deeper drilling on
the CAU12 and CAU13 platforms confirms a significant expansion in
the unit thickness. CAU12 has intersected more than 249 m of sand dominated material. Drilling
has also expanded the aerial extent of the unit. The Deep Sand
remains open at depth, where holes were terminated in sand and
interbedded sand units.
- Brine analyses from CAU19 in the SE Sector averaged 611 mg/l Li
and 4,483 mg/l K in the Deep Sand beneath the upper sequence of
evaporites and finer grained sediments which averaged 427 mg/l
Li. Brine sample results are awaited from holes CAU26, CAU12
and CAU13.
- The CAU11 30 day constant-rate pumping test was completed on
November 24. The test was carried out
at an average pumping rate of 18.4 l/s with the lower part of the
well screened in the Deep Sand unit. Brine samples collected
during the pumping test indicate that lithium and potassium
concentrations remained constant throughout the test and averaged
512 mg/l Li and 4,735 mg/l K.
- The CAU07 30 day constant rate pumping test is continuing in
the NW Sector of the Project at a rate of 22 l/s. Brine results
from the first 7 days average 647 mg/l Li and 4,980 mg/l K with
Mg/Li of 2.2:1, with final results expected around the end of
January.
President & CEO Mr. David
Sidoo commented: "We are very pleased to wrap up the
Phase III drilling program at Cauchari as we progress to the
Feasibility Study engineering for the project. The Phase III
program has successfully extended the footprint of the resource
area to the south and at depth with drilling of the deepest holes
in the Cauchari basin. Updating the resource estimate is expected
to bring resources into the Measured and Indicated categories in 1Q
2019."
"The definition of reserves for the Feasibility Study will
follow the updated resource and will incorporate information from
recent pumping tests. The second of our 30 day pumping tests will
be completed in mid-January, with this test underway at 22 l/s,
following the first test completed at 18.4 l/s – both excellent
outcomes for the company. We look forward to updating you on
advances with project engineering, process optimization and
permitting during 2019 as we progress with project
execution."
Drilling Update
The Phase III drilling program has been completed with some of
the deepest holes drilled in the Cauchari-Olaroz basin to date,
reaching a maximum depth of 617 m in
CAU26, with the Deep Sand unit present at the end of the hole.
Drill hole CAU19 (Figure 5) was completed in the southwest of the
SE Sector to a depth of 519.5 m. This
hole intersected the Deep Sand unit from 434
m to 519.5 m (a thickness of
>86 m), with sand continuing at
the end of the hole. This extent of the Deep Sand is further
defined by intersections in drill holes CAU11, CAU12, CAU13 and
CAU26. In CAU12 the Deep Sand unit extends over more than
249 m vertically, beginning at
360 m below surface and continuing to
the end of the hole at 609 m.
Brine samples from CAU19 in the Deep Sand unit averaged 611 mg/l
Li, and 4,483 mg/l K with a Mg/Li ratio of 2.1:1, while the lithium
concentration in the overlying evaporite and clay sequence averaged
427 mg/l over a 300 m interval.
Confirmation of the considerable thickness of the Deep Sand unit
and the elevated brine concentration in the sand unit in CAU19 is
an excellent result. Analyses are awaited from sampling of the Deep
Sand Unit in holes CAU12, CAU13 and CAU26. Drilling has further
confirmed the positive characteristics of the Deep Sand unit in
terms of both porosity and permeability for future extraction.
Hole CAU25 was drilled in the north of the SE Sector, to the
north of CAU22. CAU25 intersected a sequence of clay, halite and
interbedded fine sand units to a depth of 427 m. Brine sampling of the hole returned an
average concentration of 497 mg/l Li and 4,045 mg/l K from
169 m to 345
m depth with a low Mg/Li ratio of 2.6:1.
CAU26 was located in the southern portion of the SE Sector
(Figure 5) and successfully intersected the westward extension of
the Deep Sand unit. Results of CAU26 brine analyses are
awaited.
Drill holes CAU12 and CAU13 were deepened to determine the
thickness of the Deep Sand unit, as previous drilling at these
sites only intersected the upper part of this unit. This new
drilling has confirmed a thickness greater than 249 m in CAU12, and a thickness of greater than
100 m in CAU13 with both holes
terminated in the sand. The Deep Sand unit appears to have
favourable porosity and permeability characteristics (Figure 3).
Core samples are currently being analysed for drainable porosity
and other physical parameters in the GSA laboratory in the US. The
Deep Sand unit appears to constitute an important source for future
brine production in addition to the sands and gravels of the NW
Sector of the Project. The interpretation of the Deep Sand unit is
depicted in Figure 4, which illustrates the vertical extent of the
unit and continuity between drill holes.
Pumping Tests
The 30 day constant rate pumping test has been completed on test
production well CAU11 in the SE Sector (Figure 1). The test was
performed at a pumping rate of 18.4 l/s with a constant drawdown of
25 m in the pumping well. Water
levels were also measured in a network of surrounding observation
wells completed to different depths relative to the Deep Sand unit.
Brine concentrations were monitored throughout the test. The brine
concentration averaged 512 mg/l Li and 4,735 mg/l K throughout the
test with a Mg/Li ratio of 2.6:1, confirming the result of the 48
hour pumping test announced in February
2018.
The 30 day constant rate pumping test in CAU07 is underway in
the NW Sector (Figure 2) and will be completed in mid-January. The
pumping test is carried out at a rate of 22 l/s with a
drawdown of 40 m. Assays received for
the first 7 days of the test averaged 647 mg/l Li and 4,980 mg/l K,
with a Mg/Li ratio of 2.2:1. The CAU07 pumping rate is limited by
well construction constraints and higher pumping rates are expected
in future production wells based on the observed aquifer
conditions. Brine samples are collected at regular intervals during
the test and complete analyses will be available around the end of
January 2019.
The tests provide additional information on aquifer
characteristics as an input to the three-dimensional groundwater
model that is being developed to estimate lithium reserves and to
develop a production schedule for the project. The pumping tests
also confirm the minimum pumping rate to be expected for production
pumping wells, in line with the company's previous
expectations.
Gas Supply
The company is advancing with the engineering assessment for
future gas supply to the Project.
Cauchari Project - EIA Submission
The Project EIA and baseline monitoring reports for the proposed
20 ktpa lithium carbonate facility were submitted to Jujuy
government Authorities on 22 December. Prior to its submission,
Advantage was in a continuous consultation process with local
communities and presented the proposed development plans to these
stakeholders during November and December, as required by the
relevant Argentine laws.
Following review and feedback from communities we expect to
receive approvals to proceed (to the engineering construction
phase) by end Q2 2019.
*Note that CAU26 was drilled in a revised location compared to
that shown in previous announcements
The technical information in this news release has been reviewed
and approved on behalf of the company by Mr Frits Reidel a Certified Professional Geologist
and member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, a
"Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101.
ADVANTAGE LITHIUM CORP.
Per: "David Sidoo"
David
Sidoo, President
Tel: 604.423.4499 | Fax: 604.423.4499
Email: mailto:info@advantagelithium.com
About Advantage Lithium Corp.
Advantage Lithium Corp.
is a resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition,
exploration and development of lithium properties and is
headquartered in Vancouver, British
Columbia. The common shares of the company are listed on the
TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V:AAL), and the company is also traded on
the OTCQX Best Market in the U.S. (OTCQX: AVLIF). The company has
acquired a 100% interest in four exploration projects in
Argentina and has acquired a 75%
interest in a fifth, called Cauchari. The Cauchari project is
located just 20 km south of Orocobre's flagship Olaroz Lithium
Facility.
Further information about the Company can be found at
www.advantagelithium.com.
Cautionary Statement:
Certain information contained
in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information",
within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these
forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as "is expected", "intends", or
"has the potential to". Forward looking statements contained
in this press release may include statements regarding the future
operating or financial performance of Advantage that involve known
and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be
accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from
what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking
statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the
inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations.
The forward-looking statements included in this press release are
made as of the date of this press release and the Company disclaims
any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities
legislation.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
SOURCE Advantage Lithium Corp