These tests are an integral part of the current definitive feasibility study for the Hombre Muerto West Lithium Project (HMW), located on the Western Basin of the Hombre Muerto salar in Argentina.
The well pump testing program is advancing at the HWM Project to evaluate the hydraulic properties of the target brine bearing aquifers.
A series of hydraulic tests have been successfully performed on the first pumping well at Pata Pila (PPB-01-21), which included a step test and constant rate test.
The constant rate test was performed for 72 hours and observed with three different piezometers.
Aquifer response during the pumping test indicates favourable conditions such as permeability for brine production with expected flowrates between 15 – 20 L/s per well at Pata Pila.
Results are paramount to HMW project DFS foundations
Galan Lithium (ASX:GLN) managing director JP Vargas de la Vega says high lithium grades, porosity and brine flow rates are a powerful combination for driving operational efficiency and economic performance.
“These outstanding hydrological outcomes are paramount to the project DFS foundations and further validates the world-class nature of the lithium brine resource we hold at HMW.
“The results are a ready demonstration of the substantial progress we are making in advancing the project.”
They also represent key de-risking of the planned HMW development, he adds.
“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.”
Porosity test outcomes at Pata Pila
Data from the first batch of 20 core samples obtained from the Pata Pila diamond drillhole undergoing Relative Brine Release Capacity (RBRC) testing have also been received.
The RBRC results are positive with specific yield values consistent with reported values in the literature for medium-to-fine sand lithologies, and as previously described with respect to the core samples.
These RBRC values ranged between 10.1% and 21.0%, with a mean specific yield value of 14.1%.
A second batch consisting of 39 core samples has already been selected by SRK geologists on site and is being prepared for transportation to the DBS&A laboratory.
This batch includes samples from both Rana de Sal and Pata Pila.
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.
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