Vancouver-based Lithium One has begun a pumping test programme at its Sal de Vida lithium/potash brine project in Argentina, the firm said on Wednesday.

The tests will provide important data on the behaviour of the aquifer and brines during the extraction process.

Multi-stage pumping tests, data processing, and groundwater modeling will continue over the next few months to project the flow rates for future production wells and the ultimate well field design for extraction of the Sal de Vida brines, the company said.

“As we progress towards feasibility, pumping test data is an important constituent of our economic evaluation,” CEO Paul Matysek said.

“We continue to see extensive near-surface brine, good porosity values and some of the highest grade lithium and potash values in the sector, so confirmation of the pumping characteristics of the Sal de Vida resource will further demonstrate the project's economic potential."

The company is also conducting a 12-month testing programme at a pilot-scale evaporation circuit and processing plant, and is regularly harvesting lithium carbonate and potash.

Lithium One shares declined 1.33% on Wednesday, to C$1.48 apiece by 15:59 in Toronto.

A consortium made up of Korea Resource Corp, LG International and GS Caltex can earn 30% of the Sal de Vida project.

Lithium One also has a lithium project in Quebec, Canada.

Source:miningweekly