Cane Creek flows supersaturated brine for Anson Resources
Supersaturated brine free flowing from the tubing of the workover rig at Cane Creek.
Anson Resources (ASX: ASN) has struck supersaturated brine in an artesian flow during sampling at depth within its Cane Creek 32-1 well, part of the company’s Paradox lithium project in Utah.
This is the second exploration stage at the project, with the artesian flow discovered at 7170 feet below surface at a flow rate of 25 gallons per minute. The brine weighted 10.55 pounds per gallon.
According to Anson, the pressure to bring the supersaturated brine to surface was comparable to the Long Canyon No 1 well which historically returned lithium brine grading 500 parts per million.
The flow continued for six hours until Anson plugged the well.
Supersaturated Brine "Coming Up" at Cane Creek 31-1. Flowed continuously for 6 hours until plugged to move to next clastic horizon. pic.twitter.com/yMb1sXqRGz
— Anson Resources Ltd (@anson_ir) April 6, 2018
Anson claims the flow of supersaturated brine to the surface with this weight from the 7170ft depth indicates there is enough pressure in the clastic zone that, if maintained during production, could shave operating costs.
“The artesian flow sustained from the clastic zone supports the model that the brines are under pressure in the project area, and when intersected, will flow to the surface,” Anson managing director Bruce Richardson said.
Despite time-constraints preventing accurate pressure testing of the Cane Creek artesian flow, flow rates at nearby wells have been tested, with Long Canyon 1 and White Cloud No 2 recording up to 4,953psi at 6015ft below surface.
“The flow to surface of the supersaturated brine from a depth similar to that identified at Long Canyon is an indicator that the two areas may be linked,” Mr Richardson said.
Samples of the supersaturated brine were collected for metallurgical testing.
Anson increases brine ground at Paradox
Earlier this week, Anson reported it had pegged up more lithium brine ground in the region, with the latest claims surrounding lithium-rich wells on the Fidelity tenement.
The new claims are only 40m from the Long Canyon 1 well and 90m from White Cloud No 2 where historical lithium brine samples assayed up to 1,700ppm lithium.
Before these latest acquisitions, the Paradox project covered 3,982 hectares.
Investors reacted positively to today’s news with Anson’s share price shooting up 38% to reach A$0.069 by late morning trade.