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Battery and critical metals explorer and developer Pan Asia Metals Limited (ASX: PAM) (‘PAM’ or ‘the Company’) is pleased to report an updated Exploration Target for the Bang I Tum Lithium Prospect located in southern Thailand. The Exploration Targetis 16-25Mt @ 0.40-0.70% Li2O and represents a circa 80 to 100% increase in tonnage to the previous Exploration Target of 8-14Mt @ 0.5-0.8% Li2O.
The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target are conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.
Exploration Target: 16.0 – 25.0Mt @ 0.40% - 0.70% Li2O (JORC Code 2012)
Pan Asia Metals’ Managing Director Paul Lock said: “We have provided this drill supported Exploration Target update as guidance to the potential size of the Bang I Tum Lithium Prospect. It is based on our interpretation of mineralisation, geometry, geochemistry and geology, and is supported by 28 diamond drillholes, 7 with assay results, as well as surface soil and rock-chip sampling and associated geological observations. We are aiming to report an inaugural Mineral Resource later this year. Based on this Exploration Target and associated observations, we consider that Bang I Tum has the potential to be considerably larger than the Reung Kiet Lithium Prospect, where an updated Mineral Resource is nearing completion. Combined, these prospects show potential for a long life project, and their proximity to each other positions PAM well for shared plant and feed blending options which will help achieve optimum feed blends, grades and recoveries.”
This Exploration Target lies within the Bang I Tum Lithium Prospect (Bang I Tum or BIT), which is located about 8km north-east of the Reung Kiet Lithium Prospect in southern Thailand. Pan Asia Metals retains a 100% interest in the project via Special Prospecting License 1 (JSPL1/2562). Grades have also been estimated for Sn, Ta2O5, Rb, Cs and K which are all potential by-products depending upon processing methods adopted, see Table 1. The Sn and Ta2O5 grades are significant and, as by-product credits, have the potential to improve project economics.
Table 1. RKLP – Bang I Tum Prospect - Exploration Target, 10 July, 2023
The Exploration Target is an update from the previous Exploration Target reported on 27 July 2022 (see Table 2).
Table 2. RKLP – Bang I Tum Prospect – Previous Exploration Target, 27 July, 2022
The updated Exploration Target takes into account newly acquired information which has served to extend the previous Exploration Target to the east, north and west. Some of these zones still remain open and await drill testing (see Figure 1).
The updated Exploration Target is based on the current geological interpretation of mineralisation, geometry, geochemistry and geology. This is provided by 28 diamond drillholes with assay results for 7 of these holes, surface soil and rock-chip sampling and associated geological observations.
PAM aims to report an inaugural Mineral Resource for Bang I Tum later in 2023.
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This article includes content from Pan Asia Metals Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
PAM:AU
Full HMW Phase 2 (21Ktpa LCE) Mining Permit Granted
Highlights
- Phase 2 Hombre Muerto West (HMW) mining permit has been granted, securing the pathway for Galan’s continued development at HMW at an efficient commercial scale up to 21,000 tpa LCE
- The granted permit includes all construction activities including ponds, plant, onsite laboratory, power and other required infrastructure
- HMW Phase 2 production would be cash flow positive at today’s lithium carbonate prices. Independent benchmarking highlights HMW as being within the first quartile of the lithium industry AISC cost curve
- The granting of Phase 2 permits supports Galan’s application for the RIGI, Argentina’s new incentive regime for large scale investments
Galan’s Managing Director, Juan Pablo (JP) Vargas de la Vega, commented:
“We are delighted with the grant of the Phase 2 mining permit which continues to solidify our strong relationship with the local Catamarcan authorities. It will allow Galan to increase production over threefold from Phase 1 and produce a premium quality lithium chloride product, which is in high demand.
Importantly, HMW is positioned in the first quartile of the cost curve and Phase 2 production would be cash flow positive even at today’s prevailing lithium carbonate prices. HMW is now poised to be a long term and resilient globally significant source of lithium supply.”
Figure 1. Wood Mackenzie 2028 Lithium Cost Curve: AISC (US$/t LCE)Wood Mackenzie Disclaimer “The foregoing information was obtained from the Lithium Cost Service™ a product of Wood Mackenzie.” "The data and information provided by Wood Mackenzie should not be interpreted as advice and you should not rely on it for any purpose. You may not copy or use this data and information except as expressly permitted by Wood Mackenzie in writing. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Wood Mackenzie accepts no responsibility for your use of this data and information except as specified in a written agreement you have entered into with Wood Mackenzie for the provision of such of such data and information." Information sourced in December 2024.
Wood Mackenzie’s emissions benchmarking service has also placed HMW within the first quartile of the industry greenhouse gas emissions curve. Strong environmental, social and governance principles have been a governing tenet of the development strategy for HMW, which focuses on the production of a lithium chloride concentrate from conventional evaporation allowing for significantly reduced energy and water consumption. In line with Galan’s commitment to social principles, at least 70% local content in employment and contracting opportunities has been targeted at HMW and remains a keen focus for the Government of Catamarca and Galan. Skills and training opportunities have been provided to increase local participation, with a view to creating a skilled local workforce and supply chain for sustainable long-term operations.
Galan has demonstrated considerable progress on the HMW project, including:
- 2019: Discovery well drilled, marking the inception of the HMW project.
- 2020-2024: Mineral Resource established and expanded, now ranked as a global Top 20 lithium resource.
- 2023: Completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2 Definitive Feasibility Studies (DFS), validating the project's technical and economic viability (https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/GLN/02720109.pdf).
- 2023: Secured all required approvals for Phase 1 construction and commenced construction.
- 2024: Continued construction and built a lithium inventory in the ponds of over 6,000 tonnes LCE.
- 2025: Full mining permit for Phase 2 granted, securing the pathway for continued development.
Chairman of Galan, Richard Homsany, commented:
“The grant of the Phase 2 mining permit is testament to the hard work and commitment of our dedicated team, and also highlights the strong long-term relationships we have fostered with the Government of Catamarca and local communities, who we sincerely thank for their continued ongoing support. Through action we have demonstrated the benefits of our HMW operations: economically though the generation of employment, procurement and trade opportunities and socially through education, community programs and training opportunities. We look forward to continuing to work in co-operation with the Government of Catamarca and all stakeholders to maximise the benefits of Galan’s operations in the community, and ensure they are sustainable.”
The HMW project is separated into four production phases. The Phase 1 DFS is based on the production of 5.4ktpa LCE of lithium chloride concentrate, with production anticipated in the second half of 2025.
The Phase 2 DFS, announced on 3 October 2023, targets medium-term production of 21ktpa LCE of lithium chloride concentrate. Arcadium Lithium Plc, which is subject to a change of control transaction from Rio Tinto Limited, produced around 20ktpa LCE from the adjacent mining permit at Salar de Hombre Muerto in 2023.
Phase 3 at HMW aims to achieve 40ktpa LCE within a 2-5 year horizon whilst Phase 4 represents a longer-term target of 60ktpa LCE, leveraging lithium brine sourced from both HMW and Galan’s other 100%-owned project in Argentina, Candelas.
The phased development of the HMW and Candelas Mineral Resources mitigates funding and execution risk and allows for continuous process improvement. The production of lithium chloride as a product is in demand from lithium converters as battery chemistry is trending towards lithium iron phosphate technology. Galan received permission to sell lithium chloride from the Catamarca Government earlier in 2024.
The Phase 2 mining permit also supports Galan’s application for the Argentinian Régimen de Incentivo para Grandes Inversiones (RIGI). Subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for RIGI, the RIGI can provide the following key incentives:
- The corporate income tax rate is set at 25% (ordinarily 35%)
- Accelerated depreciation
- Absence of time limits in the computation of tax loss carry forwards
- Concessions on import duty, VAT and withholding tax
- Greater flexibility on foreign exchange movements
- Fiscal stability for a period of 30 years
Galan’s JP Vargas de la Vega further stated:
“Our plan for HMW is unchanged, beginning with Phase 1. Our immediate focus is finalising the financing and offtake arrangements for Phase 1. Once secured, our operations team will complete construction and commence first production of lithium chloride concentrate. While the operations team advances Phase 1 construction our corporate team, supported by advisors, will commence a project financing process for Phase 2.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Galan Lithium, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
