Galan Lithium’s DFS and pilot plant making ‘strong progress’
Galan Lithium says a resource update for HMW is on track for delivery in the September quarter.
Argentine brine developer Galan Lithium (ASX: GLN) reports that the definitive feasibility study for its flagship Hombre Muerto West (HMW) project is proceeding on budget and remains due for completion this year.
Meanwhile, construction of the pilot plant is progressing well, the company reports.
The main pond has been completed with brine filling imminent, and the evaporation piloting to follow.
HMW is located in the Salar de Hombre Muerto — itself within what is known as the lithium triangle in South America that includes sections of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
It lies within the Catamarca province.
MD on ground in Chile, Argentina
Galan managing director Juan Pablo Vargas de la Vega said he has spent the past few months on the ground in Argentina and Chile working with the company’s teams, government authorities and local communities on both HMW and the neighbouring Candelas projects.
“My meetings with local Catamarca authorities saw evidence of excellent governmental and community support for the HMW and Candelas projects.”
“We are proud to be rapidly advancing projects that offer such economic and social benefits to the broader regions in which they are located,” Mr Vargas de la Vega added.
He said that, in spite of the logistical challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, key activities at HMW remain on track and on budget.
Groundwork making progress
Two pumping boreholes are now finished with short-term pumping tests having been performed successfully.
One borehole is located at Pata Pila (of 225m depth) and the other at Rana de Sal, which is 200m deep.
A third bore hole will be added soon.
Long-term bore hole hydraulic pumping tests are scheduled to begin in May.
Meanwhile, an exploration diamond drill hole is under way at Pata Pila which will provide what the company describes as key information on expanding the resource definition beyond the limits of the salar.
Starting in the June quarter Galan will begin drilling exploration holes at new target zones.