The Conversation (0)
Charger Metals NL (ASX: CHR, ‘Charger’ or ‘the Company’) is pleased to provide an update on the maiden RC drilling programme at the Bynoe Lithium Project, Northern Territory.
- First-pass “reconnaissance” reverse circulation (RC) drilling has been completed at the Megabucks and Old Bucks Prospects at the Bynoe Lithium Project, Northern Territory
- 14 drill-holes were completed across the two prospective target areas for 2,045m
- Pegmatites1 up to 36m thick (down-hole) with varying degrees of weathering were successfully intersected at both prospects
- Drilling is now underway at the Enterprise Prospect with the first hole (114m) completed
- Remote Drilling Services Pty Ltd (RDS) is now on-site for a further ~2,000m programme which will initially focus on the Enterprise Prospect
- Samples from all completed drill-holes have been submitted to the laboratory, with first assays expected within the next two weeks
Fourteen drill-holes for 2,045m have been completed as first-pass “reconnaissance” drilling at the Megabucks and Old Bucks Prospects (Figure 1). The holes were designed to confirm the presence and size of the pegmatites observed at surface, and to test any pegmatite intersections for potential economic lithium mineralisation.
Pegmatites of varying thickness up to 36m (down-hole) were intersected at both prospects, with weathering ranging from completely oxidised through to predominantly fresh rock in the deeper intersections (Table 1).
All samples from the completed drill-holes have been submitted to the Intertek laboratory in Darwin, with the first batch of results expected within the next two weeks.
First-pass drilling is now underway at the Enterprise Prospect, with the first completed hole recording a shallow 8m intersection of completely weathered pegmatite (Table 1). The programme at Enterprise is continuing with another local drilling contractor, Remote Drilling Services Pty Ltd, using a drill rig capable of drilling to 250m where required. As the ground conditions continue to dry out and improve, the RDS rig will drill a planned ~2,000m at the Enterprise Prospect, as well as deeper holes at the Megabucks and Old Bucks prospects. The programme will also test new emerging drill targets in the area that have been generated from recent reconnaissance mapping by the Company’s geologists.
Charger’s Managing Director, Aidan Platel, commented:
“We are pleased with the progress of our maiden drill programme at Bynoe, despite some difficult ground conditions initially. We have completed the first 2,000m across the Megabucks and Old Bucks Prospects and successfully intersected pegmatite1 units, albeit with variable degrees of oxidation and weathering.
With the more capable drill rig now on-site we have the ability to drill deeper into the fresh rock, which is important because lithium is often leached from the host rock by the weathering process.
We look forward to drilling the planned holes at the Enterprise Prospect, and to testing some of our new drill targets which continue to emerge as our technical team spend more time on the ground.
All samples to-date have been submitted to the Intertek lab in Darwin and we look forward to updating the market when the assay results are received.”
Figure 1. Location of the completed RC drill-holes at the Old Bucks, Megabucks and Enterprise Prospects of the Bynoe Lithium Project. Core Lithium’s drill-holes at its Blackbeard Prospect are shown for reference. 2
Cautionary Note
Throughout this document Charger refers to “pegmatite”. While the Company is encouraged by its geological observations, no quantitative or qualitative assessment of lithium mineralisation is possible at this stage. Drilling widths reported are down-hole and no estimate of true width is given. The observed presence of pegmatite does not necessarily equate to lithium mineralisation until confirmed by chemical analyses which are currently underway.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Charger Metals, 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.
CHR: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.
