Patagonia Lithium (ASX:PL3) has reached a depth of 200m at Cilon Well 8 within its Formentera/Cilon Lithium Project in Jujuy province, Argentina.
Six field packer tests have been completed as drilling progresses towards a planned depth of 600m.
Specific gravity readings increased from 1.04 in the shallowest test to 1.06 across the deepest interval from 186–200m. Total dissolved solids also increased from 37.61–53.76 parts per thousand across the six tests.
Flow rates reported in the company’s packer-test table ranged from 285.7–705.9 litres per hour.
Executive Chairman Phillip Thomas says the pumping rates indicate the strength of the aquifer.
“The main zone we are interested in is from 250–400m+ as this is where the aquifer is likely to have concentrated the lithium,” Thomas says.
This interpretation has not yet been confirmed by laboratory assays, which are expected three to four weeks after sample submission.
Core from 189–200m predominantly comprised unconsolidated fine brown sands, with some semi-consolidated and strongly consolidated sections. Visual estimates indicate quartz accounts for 86–88% of the interval and halite crystals comprise 2–3%.
Patagonia notes visual mineral estimates are not a substitute for laboratory analysis.
The next packer test is scheduled at a depth of 210m.
After drilling, the company plans to conduct a 72-hour pumping test and borehole magnetic resonance and gamma testing before updating the project’s mineral resource estimate (MRE).
Formentera/Cilon covers 19,500 hectares in the Salar de Jama. Its current MRE contains 551,400 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent @ 294 milligrams per litre lithium (Li).
This comprises 14,800 tonnes @ 393mg/L Li in the indicated category and 536,600 tonnes @ 292mg/L Li in the inferred category.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Patagonia Lithium
