Lithium Americas Updates Argentinian Project

Lithium Americas (TSX:LAC,NYSE:LAC)  has released a construction update for the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project in the Province of Jujuy, Argentina. The project is operated by a joint venture company in which Lithium Americas owns  62.5 percent.

As quoted from the press release:

Although January and February are characterized as the rainy season at Cauchari-Olaroz, the site has received unusually heavy rainfall during recent weeks. Minera Exar is pleased to report minimum disruptions to the current construction activities and Caucharí-Olaroz remains on track to reach production in 2020.

Jon Evans, the company’s president and COO, commented, “Heavy rainfall in January and February has not had a material impact to our construction activities and schedule. We note the temporary disruptions to the international paved highway in Jujuy were quickly corrected and the dilution impact to the ponds was minor at this stage of development.” Mr. Evans continued, “We are very pleased with the progress at site and continue to work closely with our partner, Ganfeng Lithium, to explore ways to further optimize the project.”

Additional construction updates are as follows:

• Evaporation ponds: Two ponds are now completed with the first pond currently being filled with brine from the production wells. There are another four ponds under construction. Pond construction is on schedule to complete all evaporation ponds covering 12 km2 during the first quarter of next year. Liner supply and liner installation contracts for the remaining ponds have been awarded securing supply for the critical material.
• Production wells: Currently there are seven wells in production and three more are under construction. By the end of April, the project is scheduled to have seven drilling rigs mobilized at site for drilling of additional production wells.
•  Civil: Work associated with roads and platforms continues as planned. Contracts have been awarded for earthworks (plant and operations camp), concrete supply, and other key items
• Procurement: Minera Exar is in the process of reviewing proposals for long lead items and expects to finalize such awards in due course.

Click here to read the full announcement