NOA Lithium Brines (TSX-V:NOAL) has entered a strategic arrangement with Hatch for a process development study at its Rio Grande lithium project in Argentina.
Under the agreement, Hatch will receive NOA common shares valued at approximately US$100,000 in exchange for services related to the Prefeasibility Study and process development work.
The study will compare the project’s baseline evaporation pond flowsheet with alternative process configurations that incorporate direct lithium extraction testwork and concept-level process design.
The share price will be determined using a five-day volume-weighted average price prior to issuance, subject to statutory hold periods, resale restrictions, and corporate and regulatory approvals.
“We are very pleased to welcome Hatch as an investor in NOA. Aligning a portion of the study’s cost with an investment by Hatch reinforces their confidence in the Rio Grande project and in our development pathway,” CEO Gabriel Rubacha says.
“The study will help us evaluate process alternatives — including DLE-based flowsheets — and strengthen the technical foundation for a robust PFS.”
Hatch Managing Director Conrad Blake says the company sees significant value in disciplined, data-driven process development work at this stage.
“We believe the study can help clarify technology options and improve decision–making as NOA progresses toward a PFS. Our involvement reflects our confidence in the project and its team, and our commitment to supporting responsible development of critical minerals projects,” Blake says.
NOA Lithium Brines has consolidated one of the largest lithium brine claim portfolios in the Lithium Triangle not owned by a producing company, with positions on three salars totalling over 140,000ha, including Rio Grande, Arizaro, and Salinas Grandes.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: NOA Lithium Brines
