Bacanora Minerals Provides Update on Sonora Feasibility

Bacanora Minerals (TSXV:BCN) has provided an update on activities being undertaken as part of its definitive feasibility study for the Sonora lithium project.
As quoted in the press release:

The FS is focussed on at delivering the most economically robust development strategy for an initial 17,500 tonne per annum (“tpa”) of lithium carbonate production at the Project (subsequently increasing to 35,000 tpa in later years). The Company’s strategy is to position itself to satisfy ongoing strong growth for lithium carbonate in the fast growing sectors of electric vehicles and energy storage. The FS is targeted for completion in Q1, 2017 and the Company is fully financed through to the initial project development and the start of the construction stages.
Overview

• The process engineering for the FS has been awarded to Ausenco Engineers. SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd. (“SRK”) will undertake the Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) and International Mining Consultants will carry out the reserve estimate and mine planning. Other specialised consulting groups will be appointed for additional sections of the FS.
• The Company’s 3,000 metre infill drilling program is progressing well, with a target of upgrading a portion of the current Mineral Resource from the Indicated to Measured category:
  • Indicated portion of the Resource is currently comprised of 259 Mt averaging 3,200 ppm Li for 4.5 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (“LCE(2)”).
  • A total of 2,039 metres have been drilled to date across 20 in-fill holes on the La Ventana concession – a further 11 holes remain to be drilled.
  • Intercepts of the upper clay range from 14.1 to 40.9 m in thickness with an average thickness of 30.3 m and those for the lower clay range from 10.4 to 25.6 m with an average thickness of 19.8 m, these intercepts are consistent with the average thickness of the deposit.
  • Assay results are expected to be reported in August.
• Continued expansion of the pilot plant capacity and metallurgical test work is ongoing:
  • Initial focus on producing battery-grade lithium carbonate samples for delivery to off-takers in Asia and Europe during Q3, 2016.
  • Continuing flow sheet development and optimisation of lithium recoveries and reagent consumption.
  • On-going upgrades and optimisation of the pilot plant to ensure semi-continuous operations and continued lithium carbonate production.
• Recruitment and training:
  • Over 30 professional and operational personnel are now working at the pilot plant in Hermosillo.
  • Training and quality control processes are in full swing to negate risk associated with execution of commissioning and operational phases and to ensure excellence in terms of operations and quality control.
  • Additional operations and technical personnel will continue to be employed at the pilot plant as sample production continues to ramp up.

Click here for the full press release.