Anson Resources corrals more brine ground in Utah near lithium rich wells
Anson Resources director on the proposed drill pad area Cloud-001 claim.
Lithium brine explorer Anson Resources (ASX: ASN) has pegged up more ground in Utah’s “Lithium Four Corners” with this latest ground surrounding lithium-rich wells on the Fidelity claim.
The new placer claims Cloud-001 and Cloud-002 will be incorporated into the company’s flagship Paradox lithium project and are 40m west of the Long Canyon No 1 well where historical lithium values of 500 parts per million were reported.
Additionally, the claims are 90m from the White Cloud No 2 well where historical samples returned up to 1,700ppm lithium.
“The staking of this highly prospective ground is part of Anson’s strategic plan to fast-track the lithium project and confirms Anson’s intent to continue its aggressive plan to fast-track towards lithium carbonate equivalent production,” Anson managing director Bruce Richardson said.
Mr Richardson added the Cloud-001 claim afforded the company an “excellent option” for exploration drilling and a production well.
A road, which is used for oil and water transportation from the Long Canyon well has been well-maintained and passes through the south-west corner of Cloud-001.
Anson expects the road will provide immediate exploration access once it receives its government approvals.
Paradox lithium brine project
Between July and December last year, Anson staked 201 claims across the basin, which boosted the Paradox project to 3,982 hectares.
The company also drilled the Gold Bar Unit 2 well which is part of Paradox. Drilling extracted brine from clastic zones 17,29 and 31, with samples sent off for analysis.
After a delay, assays revealed lithium concentrations “well-below historical assay results” from other parts of the Paradox Basin.
The highest lithium value was 27ppm and Anson stated it was still determining the reason for the low results.
Exploration has begun at the company’s Cane Creek 32-1 well which was acquired in February this year.
According to Anson, this well is 5km from Gold Bar Unit 2 and exploration is progressing to schedule. Assays from exploration at Cane Creek are due this month.
If assays return grades more in line with expectations, then Anson will send a bulk sample for bench-top test work to produce a lithium carbonate during the current quarter.
Following the bench-top pilot, Anson plans to develop an in-field pilot plant to validate bench-top processes.
In preparation for the plant, Anson lodged a lease application with the Utah Government to develop the plant on 15 acres of industrial land at Paradox.
Anson anticipates commissioning the in-field plant in June next year.
Shares in Anson rose more than 6% to reach A$0.052 by midday.