Galan Lithium delivers positive results from maiden hole at Santa Barbara concession
Galan’s exploration well at Santa Barbara had an average grade of 829mg/l of lithium.
Galan Lithium (ASX: GLN) has completed a maiden diamond drill hole at the Santa Barbara concession within its wholly-owned Hombre Muerto West project in Argentina.
The hole hit a depth of 455 metres through alluvial sediments and underlying fractured breccia and delivered an extracted high average lithium brine grade of 829 milligrams per litre, with observed lithium brine grade ranges up to 839mg/L.
New geophysical survey work over the Santa Barbara tenure has also evidenced brine continuity over the entire area.
Two surveys were carried out over the Santa Barbara X, Santa Barbara XXIV and Don Martín tenements and included controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSMAT) profiles and transient electromagnetic (TEM) exploration.
The latter was processed and interpreted in December, giving Galan an improved resolution of the brine reservoir and confidence in defining drilling targets in the area.
The TEM work also confirmed the presence of a low resistivity zone in the direction of the salt flat and its continuity throughout the alluvial fan.
Progressed to plan
Exploration manager Álvaro Henriquez said the maiden hole had progressed to plan.
“Drilling and geophysical results from Santa Barbara have exceeded our expectations in terms of brine chemistry, sedimentary thickness and permeable lithologies brine continuity has also been readily demonstrated,” he said.
“The overall results deliver further strong growth potential in previously unexplored areas of our Hombre Muerto West brine deposit.”
Production wells
Drilling has now commenced for three new production wells in the current Hombre Muerto West resource area, starting with a well to 380m depth at the Rana de Sal I concession.
They are set to complement existing wells to ensure full brine flexibility for extended pilot plant activities and are expected to be part of the long-term Hombre Muerto West production infrastructure.
New infill holes
Mr Henriquez said the current exploration program at Hombre Muerto West would include several new diamond infill holes in the next quarter, in parallel to the planned production wells.
SRK Australia is on track to complete the project reserve model and updated resource estimate during the current quarter.
Galan is also advancing a project definitive feasibility study, due for completion this quarter.