LEL’s Solaroz drilling is returning some truly thick and juicy lithium-rich brine intersections

If it wasn’t already clear enough, the intersection of what Lithium Energy describes as “outstanding” zones of lithium-rich brines highlights the world-class potential of its Solaroz project in Argentina.

Initial assays from holes SOZDD004 and SOZDD005 – the fourth and fifth holes in its maiden 10 hole drill program – returned lithium brine concentrations of up to 508mg/L across massive intersections of up to 400m with final brine depth yet to be reached in both holes.

The two holes are currently at depths of about 650m and 545m respectively in the Deep Sand Unit (lower aquifer), with drilling continuing to test the full depth of lithium mineralisation to basement.

Already Lithium Energy (ASX:LEL) notes that conductive brines continue to be encountered in the Deep Sand Unit with sampling and assays pending for a further 74m in Hole 4 from 575.5m to the current hole depth and 26m from 518.5m.

Bring on the brines

Significant intersections of lithium-rich conductive brines have now been encountered in the upper aquifer and Deep Sand Unit in Holes 1, 3, 4 and 5 (with assays pending for Hole 2), which lie across a 15km zone in the northwest region of the Olaroz Salar

“Drillholes SOZDD004 and SOZDD005 have delivered our biggest intersections to date of lithium rich brines at Solaroz, with 401 metres of brines encountered in SOZDD004 and 369 metres in SOZDD005 so far,” executive chairman William Johnson said.

“Further assay results to current drill hole depth are yet to be received, with drilling ongoing in each hole to test the basement depth of the Deep Sand Unit. Therefore, there is potential for the intersections to increase in each hole.”

He added that not only has drilling outlined continuity of lithium rich brines along a 15km zone between holes SOZDD001 and SOZDD003, it has also demonstrated the potential of the Deep Sand Unit to host substantial volumes of lithium higher in grade compared to the upper aquifer.

“These recent results are tremendously exciting, as they provide further confirmation of a potentially world class resource of lithium at Solaroz,” Johnson added.

“A third drilling rig is preparing to mobilise to site and with three rigs soon to be operating concurrently, we are rapidly advancing towards defining our maiden JORC resource at Solaroz.”

Drill results

Hole SOZDD004 on the Chico I concession has thus far intersected 401.5m of conductive brines consisting of a 158m intersection of conductive brines in the upper aquifer from a depth of 120m and 243.5m of brines in the Deep Sand Unit from 332m.

The upper aquifer intersection returned lithium concentrations of up to 288mg/L while the lower aquifer returned up to 508mg/L.

Conductive brines are generally increasing in conductivity and density at depth, as ongoing drilling progresses into the Deep Sand Unit,

In hole SOZDD005 on the Chico VI concession, 163m of conductive brines were encountered across the upper aquifer from a depth of 110m and 206.5m of brines from 312m in the Deep Sand Unit.

Lithium intersections of up to 433mg/L and 479mg/L were returned from the upper and lower aquifers respectively.

This article was developed in collaboration with Lithium Energy, 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.