Digital simulations of lithium-rich brine for the region covering both the Paradox and Green River lithium projects will likely take the guesswork out of the equation when Anson embarks on production.

A completed Numerical Groundwater Flow Model, where a 3D Geological model was imported directly into the flow modelling software, has confirmed the known flow parameters for Anson’s (ASX:ASN) project area including both the Paradox and Green River projects in Utah, USA.

Simulations of lithium rich brine being extracted from the Skyline Unit 1 and Long Canyon Unit 2 wells over a 5-year period shows that the pressure remains constant after a minimal drop when artesian flow begins.

According to ASN, the constant high pressure over this period will result in the continuation of the artesian flow seen in the re-entry drill programs.

The flow model software represents conditions related to groundwater flow such as evapotranspiration, recharge, drainage and river interaction among others.

Its finite different approach gives the capability to calculate the flow regime with exceptional control on water budget discrepancy.

 

Continuous feed to production plant without pumping

ASN executive chairman and CEO Bruce Richardson says one of the most frequent questions the company is asked is ‘when is it expected that the pressure will drop and to what level?’

“A drop in pressure often occurs in oil projects where reservoirs are usually in pods,” he says.

“The brine reservoir at Paradox has been discovered by historic drilling programs to cover an extensive area both in the Paradox Formation clastic zones and the Mississippian within the Leadville Formation.

“The 3D modelling that we have done using the data from these drilling programs confirms that the pressure of the brine as it is extracted remains constant, providing a continuous feed without the need for pumping.

“Similar to a geothermal project, this naturally occurring energy source provides a feed to the production plant at no extra cost and also can be used to power the extraction process,” he adds.

 

What’s next?

As the company continues to maximise the opportunity presented to further reduce production costs, further sensitivity analysis and predictive simulations will facilitate project planning, permitting, operations, and reserve estimates.

The flow model will also allow independent consultants to use the digital results as “Modifying Factors” which are required to convert the JORC Indicated Resources into Reserves.

 

 

This article was developed in collaboration with Anson Resources, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

 

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

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