VANCOUVER, British Columbia,
Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/
-- International Lithium Corp. ("ILC" or the
"Company") (TSXV: ILC) is pleased to announce the
successful completion of the Phase 1 resource delineation reverse
circulation drill program at the Company's 100% Mariana
lithium-potash brine project in the province of Salta, northwestern
Argentina.
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Key Highlights:
- Phase 1 resource delineation drilling completed at the Mariana
lithium-potash brine project;
- Extensive, brine hosting sand rich layers intersected below
halite horizon;
- Brine flow measurements recorded during drilling increased
markedly below halite horizon;
- Brine densities ranging from 1,190 to 1,298 g/L reflect
persistent, significant salt content; and
- Analytical results pending.
"We are very encouraged by the granular stratigraphic units
intersected, which in conjunction with the brine density
measurements and flow observations, indicate the potential for a
significant brine aquifer at the Mariana lithium-potash project,"
states Mike Sieb, President of the
Company.
Mariana Drill Program
The Company has successfully completed reverse circulation
drilling on the Phase 1 Resource Delineation program at the
Company's 100% Mariana lithium-potash brine project. Four (4)
widely spaced drill holes (totaling 444 metres), were positioned
approximately 5 km apart to characterize the subsurface strata and
brine across several previously identified geological and
geochemical domains within the 10 x 15 km salar (salt lake)
basin. In addition, the objective was to add to the
geological model of the salar and determine the aquifer potential
of the stratigraphy encountered.
As expected, the upper stratigraphic interval was primarily
halite varying in depth from 18 to 32 metres in the peripheral
areas (hole MA12-04 in the south, MA12-05 in the north and MA12-06
in the western region of the salar) and 66 metres depth in hole
MA12-07 proximal to the center of the salar. Below this
predominantly halite layer an extensive mixed evaporite layer
approximately 32-52 meters thick, consisting of greater than 60%
fine to coarse sand, was encountered in the three peripheral
holes. Below the evaporite sequences in all holes an
extensive medium to coarse grained, dark coloured, basaltic sand
interval was encountered. Brine flow measurements
recorded during drilling increased markedly below the halite
sequence throughout the sand rich layers.
Unconsolidated stratigraphic units with a significant granular
or sand component possess physical characteristics that allow them
to maintain a higher degree of permeability and porosity at greater
depths than halite (salt) units. Consequently, they represent
a potential aquifer for hosting brine at depth and are an important
target in the lithium-potash brine exploration model. The
measured brine densities, ranging from 1,190 to 1,298 g/L, reflect
a considerable quantity of dissolved salts, approximately 10 times
the salinity of seawater. All brine samples have been
delivered for analysis. Results are pending and when received
and reviewed will be released in entirety.
Drilling to competent basement rock was not achieved with all
drill holes remaining in unconsolidated basin material to
depth. Hole MA12-07 in the central region of the salar
intersected a predominantly halite unit, similar to evaporite
sequences observed near surface, at 118 metres depth and to
end-of-hole at 122 metres.
Subsequent to completion and analysis of results, a more
extensive Phase 2 drill program will be planned that will focus on
the priority areas of the salar identified through the current
program. The objective of the Phase 2 drill program will be
to continue to delineate and characterize both the geochemistry and
hydrogeology of the salar in support of an Inferred Resource
estimate targeted for late 2012.
Reverse circulation drilling services were provided by Compania
Argentina de Perforaciones S.A (CAPSA) of Salta, Argentina.
About the Mariana Project
The Mariana lithium brine project in Argentina, covering an expansive 160 square
kilometres, revealed highly compelling geochemistry from a
preliminary investigation that returned average grades of 440 mg/L
lithium and 12,700 mg/L potassium. The potassium levels were
unexpected and represent one of the highest grades comparative to
any of the neighbouring salars outside of the world class operation
on the Atacama salar in Chile.
John Harrop, P.Geo, is the
company's Qualified Person on the project as required under NI
43-101 and has reviewed the technical information contained in this
press release.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL LITHIUM CORP.
International Lithium Corp. is an international rare element metals
("REM") exploration company with an outstanding portfolio of
projects, strong management ownership, robust financial support and
a strategic partner, Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., a leading
China based lithium product
manufacturer, as a keystone investor.
ILC currently has 9 active REM projects, well balanced between
lithium brines in Argentina and
Nevada and hard-rock pegmatites in
Canada and Ireland. The
Company's primary focus is the Mariana lithium brine project, a
salar or 'salt lake', covering 160 square kilometres and
strategically encompassing the entire basin. Mariana is
located in the renowned South American 'Lithium Belt' centred on
the junction of Argentina,
Bolivia and Chile that is host to the vast majority of
global lithium resources, reserves and production. The
Mariana lithium brine project ranks as one of the more prospective
salars in the region.
Complementing the Company's lithium brine projects are the REM
pegmatite properties. The key characteristics shared by the
hard-rock REM projects are their limited past exploration,
excellent accessibility, limited assaying for rare metals, clear
potential for additional exploration to add project value and
development potential to meet the global technological growth in
demand for the REM suite of elements.
International Lithium Corp.'s mandate is to increase shareholder
value through aggressive advancement of its core projects and to
source joint venture partners to expand the scope and diversify
risk of its exploration effort.
For further information on this press release, on the Company or
other Company projects, please visit our website at
www.internationallithium.com.
On behalf of the Board,
Mike Sieb
President – International Lithium Corp.
Neither the 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. Statements in this press release other
than purely historical information, historical estimates should not
be relied upon, including statements relating to the Company's
future plans and objectives or expected results, are
forward-looking statements. News release contains certain
"Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of
the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and
are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the
Company's business, including risks inherent in resource
exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary
materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements.
Stock Symbol: ILC:TSXV
Shares CUSIP: #459820 10 6
Warrants Symbol: ILC.WT
Warrant CUSIP: #459820 11 4
620 - 650 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 4N9, Canada
Voice: (604) 687-7551
Fax: (604) 687-4670
1-800-667-4470
E-mail: info@internationallithium.com
Website: http://www.internationallithium.com
SOURCE International Lithium Corp.
