Nov 15 2018
LSC Lithium Corporation is pleased to announce that it has received the remainder of the results from two exploration holes completed at the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (“PPG”) Project.
HIGHLIGHTS
Pozuelos - Hole PZ-18-02
- Lithium values show minimum of 434.4mg/l and maximum of 621.5mg/l, with an average of 582.2mg/l
- Confirmed the salar extends to a depth of 329.45m below surface in the north east section, more than twice the depth previously estimated in current Pozuelos resource 1
- Average RBRC 2 values of 4.2% with a maximum value of 17.7% compared to previous average of 3.8% estimated in the current Pozuelos resource 1
Pozuelos - Hole PZ-18-01
- Lithium values from two bailer samples of 697.6mg/l and 619.2mg/l, higher than previously reported average lithium estimate of 314.3 mg/l in the current Pozuelos resource 1
- Average RBRC values of 5.6% and a maximum value of 16.0% compared to previous average of 6.2% estimated in the current Pozuelos resource 1
LSC’s President and CEO Ian Stalker, noted, “These are excellent exploration results and continue to increase our confidence in the PPG Project. It underscores the robustness of the Project and our decision to take this Project towards a PEA.
These results will be incorporated into an updated resource estimate for the Salar de Pozuelos, which is expected to be released before the end of November. These new holes and pump tests recently completed at Pozuelos reflect the potential of high grade lithium brine in the central section of the salar. They also open up a new zone of higher grade lithium brine with excellent porosities in the north east of the salar.”
Pozuelos Hole PZ-18-02
Hole PZ-18-02 was drilled down to a depth of 358m below surface. The aim of this hole was to explore the north east section of the salar, where previously only limited information was available. This hole was sited using the previously obtained seismic data and was aimed to explore for brine as well as to determine the actual depth of the basin in the north east sector. The intersected lithologies in this hole are clastic sediments from surface down to a depth of 329.45m below surface and basement from 329.45m to the end of hole at 358m.
The hole was drilled in HQ size and reamed to 5.5” thereafter. The brine was sampled via a packer system and 86 samples were taken, and Li values returned varied form a minimum of 434.4mg/l and a maximum of 621.5mg/l, with an average of 582.2mg/l. These Li values are much higher than originally anticipated and extend the known higher-grade area towards the north east of the salar, with a subsequent corresponding positive impact on the resource estimates expected. A total of 21 core samples were submitted for RBRC analyses and values returned a minimum value of 0.8% and a maximum value of 17.7%, with an average of 4.2%. This hole penetrated basement rocks, and although poorer RBRC values were obtained in the basement, well mineralized Li brine was intersected. The occurrence of Li carrying brine in the basement adds further potential to the resource.
This hole will be incorporated into the upgraded resources in the north east section of the salar. Subsequent airlift testing, between 46m and 358m below surface returned a Li value of 506.2mg/l.
Pozuelos Hole PZ-18-01
Hole PZ-18-01 was drilled to a total depth of 380.3m below surface. The aim of this hole was two-fold, both as an exploration hole and as a monitoring well in the central section of the salar. The intersected lithologies in this hole are chemical evaporites from surface down to a depth of 80.3m below surface, and clastic sediments, with very minor chemical evaporites in the upper portion, from 80.3m to the end of hole at 380.3m.
The hole was drilled in HQ size up to the end of hole and reamed thereafter to 6.5”. Two brine samples were collected by means of a bailer at 303.8m and 378.8m respectively below surface, within the deeper clastic sequences. The Li values obtained were respectively 697.6mg/l and 619.2mg/l. Both these Li values are noticeably higher than previously reported Li values. A total of 24 core samples were selected throughout the hole, and were submitted for RBRC analyses, with values returned ranging from a minimum of 0.5% and a maximum of 16.0%, and an average of 5.6%. The RBRC values obtained indicated a number of lithologies with excellent porosities occurring in this area.
Subsequent airlift testing, taking cognizance of the limitations thereof, between 269m and 380m below surface, returned a Li value of 553.4mg/l.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Brine samples were collected in 1 litre sample bottles, sealed and transported daily to the assay laboratory. Sample data for collection date and time, sample number, pumping rate and other factors were recorded in a data base. Sample assays were undertaken at Alex Stewart Argentina (“ASA”) in Jujuy, Argentina using ICP, gravimetric, potentiometric and volumetric methods as detailed in a press release from LSC dated April 10, 2017. ASA is independent of LSC and has significant experience in assaying lithium brine and is certified to ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 standards for quality control and quality assurance.
LSC has a well-developed program of QA/QC. Certified standards are inserted in sample batches at a rate of at least 1 in 20, sample duplicates are run at a rate of at least 1 in 20. Blanks are inserted at a rate of at least 1 in 20 samples. LSC uses distilled water for blanks. ALS Global or SGS Argentina are used as secondary check laboratories to monitor primary laboratory results. Both ALS Global and SGS Argentina are certified to ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 standards and are independent of LSC.
Qualified Person
This press release is based upon information prepared and approved by Donald H. Hains, P.Geo. Mr. Hains is a qualified person, as defined in NI 43-101 and is independent of LSC. Mr. Hains has verified all sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information contained in this press release by on-site inspection during drilling and brine sampling; review of drill core photographs to verify lithology; review of certified assay certificates against the assay data base; review of pump test data. There are no drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy and reliability of the data.