Galan Lithium advances pump testing in Argentina, readies for exploration in WA
Brine sampling during the initial well testing at Pata Pila within HMW confirmed the high-grade resource, which stabilised at 910mg/l of lithium during pumping.
The June quarter saw Galan Lithium (ASX: GLN) push ahead with its definitive feasibility study at the Hombre Muerto West (HMW) brine project in Argentina, while reaching final stages of its conservation management plan at the harf rock Greenbushes South lithium deposit in Western Australia.
Galan managing director Juan Pablo Vargas de la Vega said in the latest quarterly report that he is extremely pleased with the outcomes from the three-day constant rate pump test at the first Pata Pila well at HMW.
“High lithium grades, porosity and brine flow rates are a powerful combination for driving operational efficiency and economic performance,” he noted.
“These outstanding hydrological outcomes are paramount to the project DFS foundations and further validates the world-class nature of the lithium brine resource we hold at HMW.”
Current long term pumping tests show steady flow
The brine sampling confirmed the high grade of the Argentinian resource at lithium grading 910 milligrams per litre, while hydraulic testing demonstrated favourable conditions for high-volume bring production of between 15 and 20 litres per second.
At present, long term (30 day) pumping tests are underway and brine is flowing steadily.
Pumping tests are to be completed on three further wells: a second well at Pata Pila and two wells at Rana de Sal.
Meanwhile, key de-risking is proceeding at HMW.
“While we are focused on a substantially lower risk … we are ensuring that every aspect of our planned operation at HMW is comprehensively evaluated and proven, technically and commercially,” Mr Vargas de la Vega added.
Plans to begin exploration in state forest this quarter
At Greenbushes South, located just 3km from the world-class Greenbushes lithium mine in Western Australia, Galan has received the final revisions from the state’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for its conservation management plan.
Galan has provided the department with its planned soil sampling and ground geophysics program within the Hester state forest and proposed nature reserve.
These operations are planned to begin during the current quarter.
As at June 30, Galan Lithium had cash reserves of around $54 million.