Galan Lithium generates ‘outstanding’ initial test results at first Pata Pila pumping well
Brine sampling at the first Pata Pila pumping well confirmed the high-grade resource of more than 910mg/L for the licence.
Galan Lithium (ASX: GLN) has completed a 72-hour test of the first Pata Pila pumping well within its Hombre Muerto West (HMW) project in Argentina, with managing director JP Vargas de la Vega describing the initial results as “outstanding”.
A well testing program is underway at the flagship project to evaluate hydraulic properties of the target brine aquifers, with results to provide critical information such as hydraulic and chemical data for the definitive feasibility study in addition to the planned reserve model.
Testing will also determine the permeability, vertical anisotropy and storage coefficient of the brine reservoirs, along with verifying the maximum sustainable pumping rate for each well and register flow rate and brine level.
Initial flow test at Pata Pila
An initial 72-hour constant rate test was completed at the first Pata Pila well with brine sampling confirming lithium exceeding 910 milligrams per litre.
Additionally, hydraulic testing produced “favourable conditions” for high volume brine production.
A 30-day longer-term pumping test has now begun at the well and is flowing steadily.
“We are extremely pleased with the outcomes from the three-day constant rate pump test at the first Pata Pila well PPB-01-21,” Mr Vargas de la Vega said.
“High lithium grades, porosity and brine flow rates are a powerful combination for driving operational efficiency and economic performance,” he explained.
Mr Vargas de la Vega added the “outstanding” hydrological outcomes were paramount to the foundations of the definitive feasibility study and “further validates” the “world-class” nature of the HMW resource.
Advancing HMW
The current program comprises two pumping wells at the Pata Pila licence and another two at Rana de Sal within HMW.
Each pumping well will have two-to-three nearby monitoring wells. The well test pumping program is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Mr Vargas de la Vega said the latest results demonstrated the “steady progress” the company had made at HMW.
“They also represent key de-risking of the planning HMW development.”
“While we are focused on a substantially lower risk, conventional process route and project development at HMW, we are ensuring that every aspect of our planned operation at HMW is comprehensively evaluated and proven – both technically and commercially.”