Lithium Americas Provides an Update on the Cauchari-Olaroz Lithium Project

Lithium Americas (TSX:LAC) has provided an update for its Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project in Argentina.
As quoted in the press release:

Minera Exar S.A. (“Minera Exar”), a 50/50 joint venture company (“JV”) between Lithium Americas and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (“SQM”), continues to advance the Cauchari-Olaroz project as planned. As previously announced, Minera Exar is pursuing a development plan at Cauchari-Olaroz that targets 50,000 tonnes per annum (“tpa”) of lithium carbonate production capacity in two stages, with each stage consisting of 25,000 tpa of lithium carbonate. A feasibility study (“Stage 1 DFS”) on the first stage of 25,000 tpa of lithium carbonate production capacity (“Stage 1”) is nearing completion.
The qualified persons (“QPs”) responsible for preparing the Stage 1 DFS have completed substantially all capital cost development analysis for Stage 1, with remaining work related primarily to confirming SQM’s operating cost estimates to a NI 43-101 compliant feasibility study standard. The Company and the QPs can confirm at this time the following:

• The project capital cost estimate for the construction of Stage 1 is expected to be US$420 – US$430 million before value-added and other applicable taxes (“Taxes”) and working capital;
• The operating cost estimate will be at the low end of the cost curve compared to producing lithium operations;
• The parties expect to be in a position to commence construction in the first half of 2017;
• The current construction schedule is estimated at two years with production forecast to start in 2019; and
• During the construction period, Minera Exar’s direct employment in the province of Jujuy is estimated to be at least 800 people; once in operation, Minera Exar is expected to employ approximately 300 people in permanent positions.

Lithium Americas will be responsible for contributing 50% of capital expenditures for the construction of Stage 1, amounting to approximately US$210 – US$215 million before Taxes and working capital.

Click here to read the full press release.