Detailed testwork to begin on Galan Lithium’s Hombre Muerto West lithium brine
The Universidad Catolica del Norte in Antofagasta (UA) and Galan’s consultants Ad-Infinitum will undertake testwork on the sample with battery grade lithium carbonate expected to be produced within 18 weeks.
Detailed laboratory testwork on Galan Lithium’s (ASX: GLN) Hombre Muerto West (HMW) brine is about to begin after a sample arrived at the renowned Universidad Catolica del Norte in Antofagasta (UA) in Chile.
UA and Galan’s specialised lithium consultants Ad-Infinitum will begin testwork on the 3 cubic metre brine sample to generate a battery grade lithium carbonate product.
The university’s facilities, equipment and technical personal will work with Ad-Infinitum’s team with testing anticipated to take up to 18 weeks to complete.
Galan noted UA has a “sound track record” in previously undertaking this testwork for major lithium companies.
In parallel with testwork at the university, Galan is continuing advance the design of its proposed evaporation pond system along with preferred production capacity.
Galan expects to complete the process design and pond layout next month, with a preliminary economic assessment/scoping study due to be released before the end of December.
“We are pleased to announce that the brines have arrived at the famous Universidad Catolica del Norte in Antofagasta with the HMW project continuing to advance with brine testing being conducted in more realistic conditions,” Galan managing director Juan Pablo Vargas de la Vega said.
“Galan has transported excess brine to test what the predictive model has indicated and to test other potential avenues for intermediate commercial product solutions,” he added.
Hombre Muerto West lithium brine project
Only last month, Galan revealed the HMW project had toppled its Candelas asset as the company’s flagship project.
The decision was made after conceptual modelling of HMW revealed its “exceptional” potential with lithium grading 4.8% compared to Candelas’ 3.1%.
Galan pointed out that both projects show “excellent” capabilities but the board and team have now honed in on advancing HMW.
The modelling also showed HMW could potentially have smaller pond and processing plant footprints that would reduce capital and operating costs.
Both assets are located in Argentina within South America’s Lithium Triangle.