Galan Lithium identifies ‘extensive brine potential’ at Western Basin assets
Galan Lithium claims a recent geophysics survey indicates “extensive brine potential” at its Western Basin leases adjacent to Livent’s Fenix lithium brine operation.
Geophysics surveys across Galan Lithium’s (ASX: GLN) Western Basin assets in Argentina have identified “highly conductive horizons”, which Galan claims confirm “extensive brine potential”.
Recent drilling at the company’s Pata Pila and Rana del Sal licences had uncovered multiple intersections of high grade lithium exceeding 900 milligrams per litre with low impurities.
Following the positive drill results, Galan carried out further controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric surveys (CSAMT) surveys at the licences, and has now mapped extensive zones of high conductivity.
Galan noted that given that lithium bearing brines were encountered during drilling, the anomalies identified in the surveys are believed consistent with geological units saturated with brine.
Additionally, the anomalies are on leases adjacent to Livent Corporation’s Fenix lithium brine operation.
It is expected the survey results will assist Galan with developing its maiden resource for the Western Basin projects.
Candelas lithium brine project
Galan’s Western Basin assets complement its flagship Candelas lithium brine project, which lies on Argentina’s Hombre Muerto salar along with the Western Basin assets.
A maiden indicated resource was unveiled for Candelas in October this year, which Galan managing director Juan Pablo Vargas de la Vega said had exceeded the company’s expectations and confirmed the asset’s high-grade nature.
The initial indicated resource for Candelas’ North Zone totalled 684,850 tonnes of contained lithium carbonate equivalent with an average grade of 672mg/l.
In recent months, Galan has bolstered its team with the appointment of former Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile’s (SQM) vice president of sales Daniel Jiménez Schuster to its board.
Mr Jiménez Schuster had been with SQM in a variety of leadership roles since 1991 has gained a wealth of experience in lithium brine assets in the region.
In addition to Mr Jiménez Schuster, Galan has gained experienced lithium brine veteran Boris Caro to oversee the Candelas pre-feasibility study.