Galan pump tests provide certainty for 4000tpa lithium pilot plant

Galan has successfully concluded a crucial long-term pumping test to support a key definitive feasibility study workstream at its flagship Hombre Muerto West lithium project in Argentina.

The second long-term test at Pata Pila resulted in an average extraction rate of 21 litres per second and lithium grades of 815mg/L to 866mg/L, confirming well-ready capacity for the 4,000 tonne per annum lithium carbonate equivalent pilot development

Additionally, Galan Lithium (ASX:GLN) noted that initial results at the Pucara del Salar exploration well (PS-01-22) indicates extensive fractured media with high-grade brine averaging 974mg/L.

“The positive long-term pumping brine test results are extremely significant by providing certainty of brine flow extraction, lithium grade, and cementing the HMW reserve model,” exploration manager Álvaro Henríquez said.

“We have further demonstrated a high production capacity at both Pata Pila and Rana de Sal. Importantly, we have extended the reservoir quality throughout the main (uphill) alluvial deposits of Pata Pila.

“Recent results at Pucara de Salar also show further potential to expand the total HMW Project resource and reserve.

“All of the above factors, keep adding empirical support for the world-class nature of the HMW Project and its continued rapid advancement and development to production.”

Pumping tests

The company completed three production pumping wells – two at Pata Pila and one at Rana de Sal – during the second half of 2022.

Each production pumping well was constructed at previous exploration platforms and included diamond drill holes to confirm the stratigraphic characteristics of the reservoir, production capacity, and optimum design for production wells.

Meanwhile, each test consisted of an initial step test, a 72-hour constant rate and recovery test, and then a long-term pumping and recovery test.

Brine levels were constantly monitored through multiple monitoring wells, each of which was specifically designed to monitor the brine levels response of individual hydrogeological units.

All these confirmed that the project is ready to provide the brine flow and quality for the 4Ktpa LCE pilot development.

The company added that it will only need to drill another 10-12 production wells to deliver full capacity.

Brine and lithological continuity confirmed

A new surface geophysical survey conducted at HMW has allowed the company to fully constrain the deposit within the resource area.

It also provides further confidence in exploration targeting future resource expansion such as the current drilling of hole SB-01-22 in the Santa Bárbara tenements.

Meanwhile, geological consultant SRK is in the advanced stages of preparing the HMW Project reserve model.

This article was developed in collaboration with Galan Lithium, 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.