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Field Work Extends Liwa Creek Gold Prospect; Samples 55 g/t Gold and 379 g/t Silver in Outcrop And Discovers Significant New Gold Zone
In particular, sampling programs have returned high-grade gold and silver assays over previously discovered zones and expanded those zones. In addition, a potentially significant new zone, featuring the highest-grade soil sample yet collected, has been discovered.
Brien Lundin, Thunderstruck’s Chairman stated, “Following up on the successful results from our Rama prospect, field work continues to expand our Liwa prospect as well. In combination with our Nakoro and Wainaleka VMS discoveries, it’s becoming obvious that our Fiji properties offer tremendous potential. We are excited about continuing to advance on all fronts.”
As detailed in the Appendix, prospecting and geochemical sampling programs at Liwa Creek have resulted in the discovery of multiple gold showings over a three-km, northeast-trending structural corridor that is open in all directions.
Two distinct styles of gold mineralization have been identified at Liwa Creek: narrow northeast-trending high-grade gold plus base metal veins lacking significant wall rock alteration typified by the Jensen’s Showing; and dominantly north-south trending wide zones of gold-silver mineralized quartz-sericite-illite-pyrite altered volcanic rocks such as those occurring at the Liwa Ridge Showing and possibly the newly discovered Lower Vatuvatulevu gold target.
The two styles of mineralization exhibit characteristics of sub-epithermal gold-base metal and intermediate sulphidation epithermal gold-silver veins, respectively. The classification is significant in that both deposit styles are interpreted to have close copper porphyry deposit association, with intermediate sulphidation veins being interpreted as shallow-level counterparts of deeper gold plus base metal sub-epithermal veins located alongside porphyry copper deposits.
Juxtaposition of relatively shallow high-level intermediate sulphidation gold-silver vein system and deeper sub-epithermal high grade gold veins is interpreted to indicate overprinting of early deep copper porphyry related high grade gold veins by relatively late high-level gold-silver mineralization. The Company believes this indicates the presence of a significant and long-lived hydrothermal system at Liwa Creek.
Lawrence Roulston, Thunderstruck Director, noted, “The methodical exploration program at Liwa continues to be very effective at outlining this extensive gold system under soil cover. On-going work continues to push out the limits in prospective areas. Liwa already has a footprint in line with major gold-bearing systems. The size and the gold tenor of this system are extremely encouraging, especially in this Pacific Ring of Fire setting that hosts multiple world-class gold deposits.”
Thunderstruck is advancing toward securing joint venture partners on its VMS and porphyry targets as it focuses on this highly prospective gold zone.
About Fiji
Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, has a long mining history. It is on the prolific Pacific Ring of Fire, a trend that has produced numerous large deposits, including Porgera, Lihir and Grasberg. The island of Viti Levu hosts Namosi, held by a joint venture between Newcrest and Mitsubishi. Newcrest published Proven and Probable Reserves for Namosi of 1.3 billion tonnes at 0.37% Cu and 0.12 g/t Au (5.2M ounces Au and 4.9M tonnes Cu). Namosi is now undergoing environmental assessment as part of the permitting process. Lion One Metals is now developing its Tuvatu Project, with Indicated Resources of 1.1 million tonnes at 8.17 g/t Au (294,000 ounces Au), and Inferred Resources of 1.3 million tonnes at 10.6 g/t Au (445,000 ounces Au). The Vatukoula Gold Mine has been operating for 80 years, producing in excess of 7 million ounces.
About Thunderstruck Resources
Thunderstruck Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company that has assembled extensive and highly prospective properties in Fiji on which recent and previous exploration has confirmed VMS, copper and precious metals mineralization. Liwa Creek is one of four projects, each of which is being marketed as potential joint venture opportunities. The Company provides investors with exposure to a diverse portfolio of exploration stage projects with potential for zinc, copper, gold and silver in a politically safe and stable jurisdiction. Thunderstruck trades on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol “AWE” and United States OTCQB under the symbol “THURF”.
Qualified Person Statement
Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, is a qualified person for the project as defined by National Instrument NI 43-101. Mr. Raffle has reviewed and approved the portion of the technical content of this news release as it relates to the Liwa Creek Prospect.
During 2018 all stream sediment samples were submitted to Australian Laboratory Services Pty. Ltd (ALS) labs Perth for BLEG determination of gold. Auger soil samples were submitted for gold and multi-element geochemical analysis via a 25 gram (g) sample split subject ICP-MS. Prospecting and trench rock samples submitted for 30g gold Fire-Assay analysis and multi-element geochemistry by four-acid ICP-ES. Given the reconnaissance nature of the samples, Thunderstruck has relied on the external QA/QC of ALS which included the insertion of insertion of standard, blank and duplicate samples at a rate of 10% into the sample stream to confirm the accuracy of the reported results.
For additional information, please contact:
Rob Christl, Investor Relations
Email: rob@thunderstruck.ca
P: 778 840-7180
or, visit our website: https://www.thunderstruck.ca
APPENDIX – LIWA CREEK GOLD PROJECT EXPLORATION DETAILS
Rock Sampling
At Liwa Creek exploration was designed to follow-up and expand on broad trenched gold zones at the Liwa Ridge Showing (0.61 g/t gold over 71.3 metres; including 1.2 g/t gold over 26.5. metres); further develop the high-grade Jensen’s Showing (previous outcrop quartz vein rock grab samples returning 36 and 32 g/t gold from outcrop); and locate the source of widespread gold in float rock located within confined drainages of the Lower Vatuvatulevu Creek and Gun showing areas (see the Company’s February 13, 2018 news release).
Of the 55 current rock grab samples collected at Liwa, a total of 15 samples returned greater than 1 g/t gold or 10 g/t silver; and up to 55.2 g/t gold and 379 g/t silver (Table 1).
At the Jensen’s Showing two parallel, northeast trending, high-grade gold bearing quartz veins are exposed in the bed of Wainamoli Creek over a distance of 50 metres. The veins dip 60 to 80 degrees to the northwest and occur along the upper and lower contacts of an approximately 10 metre thick intrusive dyke cutting volcaniclastic rocks of the Wainimala Group.
Rock grab and small diameter backpack core drilling of the northern vein resulted in four (4) samples returning gold assays of 55.2 , 40.2 , 31.9, and 25.5 g/t gold (the later cored over a 0.22-metre true-width of the vein) with associated lead, copper and zinc values. Jensen’s Showing quartz veins are brecciated and contain massive to semi-massive galena, chalcopyrite and sphalerite with vuggy comb to crustiform banded quartz vein textures in association with sericite-illite host rock alteration. The Jensen’s south vein ranges in width from 0.1 to 0.5 metres in width and exhibits similar polyphase brecciated, anastomosing pinch-and-swell, comb and crustiform banded textures, with a total of 6 rock outcrop samples returning between 1.45 to 7.13 g/t gold.
Table 1: Liwa Creek Gold Prospect Significant Rock Grab Sample Results
| Sample ID | Showing | Au (g/t) | Ag (g/t) | Pb (%) | Cu (%) | Zn (%) |
| 28028 | Jenson’s | 55.2 | 24.8 | 10.0 | 0.35 | – |
| 28014 | 40.2 | 19.4 | 1.85 | 0.39 | – | |
| 28003 | 31.9 | 21.8 | 0.99 | 0.34 | – | |
| 28021 | 25.5 | 27.8 | 0.94 | 1.42 | 1.94 | |
| 28015 | 7.13 | 13.4 | 0.65 | 0.12 | 0.63 | |
| 28004 | 4.62 | 8.3 | 0.36 | 0.3 | – | |
| 28002 | 4.14 | 8.2 | 0.34 | – | – | |
| 28013 | 3.33 | 7.1 | 0.17 | – | – | |
| 28029 | 3.24 | 8.9 | 0.24 | – | 0.29 | |
| 28018 | 1.82 | 11.7 | 0.61 | 0.1 | 0.16 | |
| 28017 | 1.45 | 5.7 | 0.23 | – | – | |
| 28010 | Liwa Ridge | – | 379 | 0.28 | – | 0.54 |
| 28009 | 4.53 | 9.2 | 0.36 | – | – | |
| 28027 | 0.85 | 13.0 | 0.1 | – | – | |
| 28007 | 0.30 | 36.2 | – | – | – |
A distance of 100 metres to the east of the main Jensen’s discovery outcrops a rock grab sample of silicified and comb textured quartz veined Wainimala Group volcanic breccia rocks returned 4.62 g/t gold.
Rock outcrop and subcrop float grab sampling within Liwa Creek at the northern extent of the Liwa Ridge Showing, 800 metres west of Jensen’s, returned 4.53 g/t gold and 379 g/t silver (the highest silver assay to date at Liwa Creek), respectively, from silica-flooded and quartz stockwork veined intrusive.
Soils
A total of 141 additional ridge-and-spur aguer soil geochemical samples were collected Liwa Creek. Sampling was designed to isolate potential source zones to the northeast of the Jenson’s gold zone, and widespread gold in float rock recovered within the Lower Vatuvatulevu Creek and Gun showing areas.
Auger soil sampling within the Lower Vatuvatulevu Creek area resulted in the discovery of a significant new gold zone. Prior stream BLEG and prospecting float rock grab sampling within this small 400 x 400 metre drainage returned anomalous gold values. Current soil sampling along the southern ridge resulted in 8 soils collected over a 160-metre interval returning greater than 20 ppb gold, and up to 2,480 ppb gold (2.48 g/t gold) in soil. The result is four times greater than any previous soil sample collected on the project (643 ppb gold from the Liwa Ridge Gold Zone 1.5 km to the west). The five highest soils samples returned 707, 804, 894, 1050 and 2,480 ppb gold. The orientation of this newly discovered gold zone is presently not known. An aggressive follow-up via intensive prospecting, hand trenching and expansion of ridge-and-spur aguer soils to the south is warranted.
In addition, soil sampling along the Gun Showing ridge returned isolated anomalous gold values including 336 ppb and 82 ppb gold, which warrant additional follow-up sampling and prospecting.
Trenching
Hand excavated trenching at three locations (GT1, GT2, and GT3) totaling 29 metres within the Gun Showing area was designed to follow up on previously reported anomalous gold in soil values of 65 and 82 ppb gold (see the Company’s February 13, 2018 news release). Trenches were excavated to a depth of 1 metre into the subsoil, however competent outcrop was not reached in any of the trenches. Trench GT3 returned 0.2 g/t gold over 2 metres from 0 to 2 metres; and 0.17 g/t gold over 3 metres between 8 and 11 metres. Trench GT2 returned 0.12 g/t gold over 2 metres; in addition to silicified and veined float rock grab samples recovered during excavation that returned 0.44, 0.20, and 0.15 g/t gold; including 4.5, 6.2 and 9.6 g/t silver, respectively. Trench GT1 did not return significant values.
Stream BLEG Sampling
Completion of stream BLEG geochemical sampling in the Noda Creek drainage designed to evaluate the potential southern extension of the north-south trending Liwa Ridge Gold Zone. Of the 23 Noda Creek stream BLEG samples collected a total of 13 samples returned greater than 20 parts-per-billion (ppb) gold and are considered anomalous. A stream BLEG collected from the Noda Creek headwaters at the southernmost known extent of the Liwa Ridge gold zone returned 93 ppb gold. This sample represents the highest gold in stream sediment value returned form the Project to date, and underscores the potential to expand the Liwa Zone southward.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. Although Thunderstruck believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements.Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Thunderstruck’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Thunderstruck undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
Figure 1
To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2901/40686_
Source: www.newsfilecorp.com
PFS Plant Location Study Results in Decision to Locate Carbonation Plant in Mining Centre of Copiapó
Highlights:
- A plant location study was completed by Worley, which evaluated the optimal plant location configuration for the Laguna Verde project, based on a capacity of 20,000 tonnes per annum of battery grade lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE)
- This provided a trade-off analysis between locating the entire plant at Laguna Verde versus splitting plant facilities between Laguna Verde and the nearby mining centre of Copiapó
- The option of locating the DLE plant and eluate concentration stages at the Laguna Verde site, and the carbonation plant at Copiapó is highly favourable, resulting in the decision to proceed with this option
- A concentrated eluate with 6% lithium, the maximum concentration before lithium salts begin to precipitate, will be transported to Copiapó for impurity removal and carbonation stages
- This configuration results in a minor increase in volumes transported while taking advantage of Copiapó's well-developed infrastructure and better access to a skilled workforce
- According to the Lanshen plant design, approximately 70% of the operational workforce will be employed at the carbonation plant, locating it in Copiapó provides major advantages in hiring a local work force including diversity outcomes such as greater female participation, while contributing to the local economy
- The footprint at the project site, which is at 4300m above sea level, will be greatly reduced, from power supply, storage, camp and plant facilities, construction phase impacts, and environmental impacts
- The carbonation plant in Copiapó would eventually be expanded to also treat concentrated eluate from the Viento Andino project
- The PFS, now due for completion before the end of Q4 this year, will include updated capex and opex estimates and will further determine the optimal production development strategy
Steve Kesler, Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer, CleanTech Lithium PLC, said:
"We undertook a plant location study as part of our ongoing PFS for the Laguna Verde project resulting in the decision to locate the DLE and eluate concentration stages at the project site, and the carbonation plant in Copiapó. This will have various benefits such as reducing the footprint and impacts at Laguna Verde, and taking advantage of existing infrastructure, power supply and skilled workforce in Copiapó. The plant at Copiapó can then be expanded to treat material from our Viento Andino project and potentially others. The decision on plant configuration will feed directly into the wider PFS which is due to be completed later this year."
Further Information
The Company engaged Worley, utilising its local Santiago based office, to undertake the PFS for the Laguna Verde project, and selected Lanshen as designer and supplier of the entire DLE processing plant. Worley recently performed various trade-off or options studies to consider the most favourable configuration of the project and a plant location option study which assessed three scenarios for location of the plant, of which two of the scenarios, labelled Scenario 1 and Scenario 3 in the report, provided the relevant trade-off comparison:
- Scenario 1: Locating the entire plant based at the Laguna Verde project site
- Scenario 3: Locating DLE and eluate concentration stages at the project site, and the impurity removal and carbonation (downstream plant) at Copiapó
Laguna Verde is connected to Copiapó via a 270km paved international highway, as shown in Figure 1. Copiapó is a major regional mining centre in Chile with a population of 175,000, having well established infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and existing supply hubs for reagents and other materials. While basing the entire plant at the project site is feasible and most lithium projects in the lithium triangle are proceeding on such a basis, the good transport link and relative proximity to Copiapó made a trade-off study valuable.
Figure 1: Regional Map
An analysis of the difference in transport volumes was undertaken showing a minimal overall difference between the two scenarios. For Scenario 3 where impurity removal and carbonation stages are in Copiapó, there will be no transport of reagents or bulk chemicals to Laguna Verde which has a positive environmental and community impact.
A qualitative assessment was then undertaken by the Company across the range of metrics as shown in Figure 2. There are only two metrics in which Scenario 1 where the entire plant is located at site has a significantly positive comparison. The first one is storage during the construction phase, in that it will require a single storage facility rather than storage at both locations for tools, materials and spare parts. The second is disposal of solids, which is largely Sodium Chloride (NaCl or table salt) that is dissolved in the eluate and removed in the impurity removal stage before carbonation. In Scenario 1, these would be re-dissolved in the spent brine and re-injected. In Scenario 3, the report assumed NaCl would need to be disposed in Copiapó at a cost. However there should be a ready market for NaCl and further evaluation of this is required.
Figure 2: Qualitative Comparison- All on site (1) and split plants (3)
Across a range of other metrics the Scenario 3 of locating the downstream plant at Copiapó has major advantages. According to Lanshen, approximately 70% of the operational labour force will work at the downstream plant, which provides a far superior option for skilled workforce based in Copiapó. The footprint at the project site will be greatly reduced, from power supply, storage, camp and plant facilities, construction phase impacts, and environmental impacts. The Board has accepted the study and the decision to split the plant facilities between the project site and Copiapó will be the basis for the PFS.
For further information contact: | |
CleanTech Lithium PLC | |
Steve Kesler/Gordon Stein/Nick Baxter | Jersey office: +44 (0) 1534 668 321 Chile office: +562-32239222 |
Or via Celicourt | |
Celicourt Communications Felicity Winkles/Philip Dennis/Ali AlQahtani | +44 (0) 20 7770 6424 |
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser) Roland Cornish/Asia Szusciak | +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 |
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Joint Broker) Daniel Fox-Davies | +44 (0) 20 3884 8450 |
Canaccord Genuity (Joint Broker) James Asensio | +44 (0) 20 7523 4680 |
Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.
Notes
CleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF) is an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition. Committed to net-zero, CleanTech Lithium's mission is to produce material quantities of sustainable battery grade lithium products using Direct Lithium Extraction technology powered by renewable energy. The Company plans to be a leading supplier of 'green' lithium to the EV and battery manufacturing market.
CleanTech Lithium has two key lithium projects in Chile, Laguna Verde and Viento Andino, and hold licences in Llamara and Salar de Atacama, located in the lithium triangle, a leading centre for battery grade lithium production. The two major projects: Laguna Verde and Viento Andino are situated within basins controlled by the Company, which affords significant potential development and operational advantages. All four projects have direct access to existing infrastructure and renewable power.
CleanTech Lithium is committed to using renewable power for processing and reducing the environmental impact of its lithium production by utilising Direct Lithium Extraction with reinjection of spent brine. Direct Lithium Extraction is a transformative technology which removes lithium from brine, with higher recoveries than conventional extraction processes. The method offers short development lead times with no extensive site construction or evaporation pond development so there is minimal water depletion from the aquifer. www.ctlithium.com
Galan Lithium
Overview
Argentina is no stranger to lithium mining. The South American nation is one of three encompassed in the prolific Lithium Triangle, a region that holds more than half of the world’s lithium deposits. Argentina ranks third in the world in terms of lithium reserves at 2.7 million metric tons (MT), concentrating lithium operations in the provinces of Jujuy, Salta and Catamarca.
Amidst electrification and decarbonization, analysts have forecasted a global supply deficit of 89,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2023 and the Argentinian government aims to double down on lithium to meet the increasing demand. Argentina has committed to $7 billion worth of investment for lithium production with strong growth projected for exports at $1.1 billion in 2023.
Galan Lithium (ASX:GLN,FSX:9CH) is an Australia-based international mining development company focused on its high-quality lithium brine projects in Argentina – Hombre Muerto West and Candelas. The company also holds a highly prospective lithium project in Australia – Greenbushes South.
The company’s flagship Hombre Muerto West (HMW) project hosts some of Argentina’s highest grade and lowest impurity levels with an inventory of 8.6 million tons (Mt) contained LCE @ 859 mg/L lithium, with 4.7 Mt contained LCE @ 866 mg/L Li in the measured category. The 100-percent-owned property also leverages close proximity to Livent Corporation’s El Fenix operation and Allkem’s Sal de Vida projects.
Galan has signed a commercial agreement with the Catamarca Government supporting the grant of permits to enable the commercialisation of lithium chloride concentrate from HMW to be sold locally or exported internationally.
Catamarca Governor Raúl Jalil and Galan Lithium Managing Director Juan Pablo Vargas de la Vega in Catamarca.
Galan’s secondary Candelas project comprises a sizable valley-filled channel with a potential indicated presence of substantially high-volume brine characteristics. The project’s maiden resource estimates stand upwards of 685 kilotons (kt) LCE, based on surveying from October 2019, and demonstrate exceptional discovery opportunities across this underexplored asset. Candelas has been rolled into Phase 4 of Galan’s targeted expansion plans, towards 60 ktpa LCE production by 2030.
Galan’s 100-percent-owned Greenbushes South Project is located in Western Australia and boasts advantageous positioning 3 kilometers south of the prolific Greenbushes lithium mine owned by Talison, Tianqi, IGO and Albermarle. Drilling of the first target was completed in July 2023. Galan is currently developing land access agreements for future drilling campaigns at Greenbushes South. An exploration license has been granted to the company for an additional key tenement, E70/4629 targeting lithium-bearing pegmatites for five years to February 2029. The tenement is approximately 260 kilometres south of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, and less than 30 kilometres south of the Greenbushes pegmatite at the Greenbushes Mine.
In 2023, Galan entered into an exclusive binding agreement with Redstone Resources to acquire 100 percent of the Camaro-Taiga-Hellcat property blocks from Infinity Stone Ventures (CSE:GEMS,GEMSF,FSE:B2I). The assets are located in the world-class James Bay Lithium Province in Quebec, collectively covering 5,187 hectares. The joint venture also includes an option to acquire 100 percent of the PAK East and PAK Southeast Lithium Project, spanning 1,415 hectares in Ontario’s Electric Avenue near Frontier Lithium’s PAK Lithium Project.
Galan has a highly experienced management team with over a century of professional expertise in the resource, finance and energy sectors. This results-oriented board and their vested interest in the company's success prime Galan for exceptional discovery potential and advanced development of its high-quality projects.
Company Highlights
- Galan Lithium is an ASX-listed company developing lithium brine projects within South America’s lithium triangle on the Hombre Muerto salar in Argentina.
- The company has two high-quality projects in the works: its flagship Hombre Muerto West (HMW) and the Candelas lithium project, both in Argentina. The two projects combined bring the company’s current total mineral resource estimate to 8.6 million tons lithium carbonate equivalent @ 859 mg/L lithium.
- HMW leverages advantageous positioning near notable mining operations, including Livent Corporation’s El Felix project and hosts exceptional high-grade lithium and low impurity resources.
- The HMW Phase 1 (5.4 ktpa LCE) execution plan is progressing well with the delivery of the first evaporation-ready pond expected in 2024, and production in H1 2025.
- The HMW Phase 2 definitive feasibility study (DFS) delivers compelling economics with 21 kilo-tons per annum (ktpa) lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) operation at HMW, targeting a high-quality, 6 percent concentrated lithium chloride product (equivalent to 12.9 percent lithium oxide or 31.9 percent LCE) in 2026.
- Galan has signed a commercial agreement with the Catamarca Government enabling the commercialisation of lithium chloride concentrate from HMW to be sold locally or exported internationally.
- Galan is transitioning into a major lithium project developer and remains committed to conducting fast-tracked lithium development in its prolific projects with a target production of 60 ktpa LCE from HMW and Candelas by 2030.
Key Projects
Hombre Muerto West Project
The 100-percent-owned Hombre Muerto West project is a large land property that sits on the west coast of the Hombre Muerto salar in Argentina, the second-best salar in the world for the production of lithium from brines. The property also leverages strategic positioning adjacent to notable competitors like Livent to the east.
Galan has increased HMW’s mineral resource to 8.6 Mt contained LCE @ 859 mg/L lithium (previously 7.3 Mt LCE @852 mg/L lithium), one of the highest grade resource estimates declared in Argentina. HMW’s measured resource is now at 4.7 Mt contained LCE @ 866mg/L lithium. Inclusion of the Catalina tenure adds ~1.3 Mt LCE to the HMW resource.
The pilot plant at HMW has validated the production of lithium chlorine concentrate, adding reagents to eliminate impurities, and generating a concentrate at 6 percent lithium. The plant comprises pre-concentration ponds, a lime plant, a filter press and concentration ponds.
Pilot Plant at HMW
Construction for Phase I has already commenced for 5.4 ktpa LCE production at HMW, and aims to deliver lithium chloride production in H1 2025. The fourth long-term pumping test (PBRS-03-23) results at HMW record an outstanding lithium mean grade of 981 mg/L - the highest reported grade from a production well in the Hombre Muerto Salar.
In April 2024, Galan announced 33 percent project completion with pond construction at 45 percent and project execution is advancing as planned.
A definitive feasibility study (DFS) for phase 2 shows a 20.85 ktpa LCE operation at HMW, targeting high-quality, 6 percent concentrated lithium chloride product (equivalent to 12.9 percent lithium oxide or 31.9 percent LCE) in 2026. The DFS also indicated phase 2 will deliver a post-tax NPV (8 percent) of US$2 billion, IRR of 43 percent and free cash flow of US$236 million per year. Phase 2 provides an exceptional foundation for significant economic upside in phases 3 and 4, targeting 60 ktpa LCE production by 2030.
The company has signed a binding term sheet with a wholly owned subsidiary of Glencore for offtake of up to 100 percent of its premium lithium chloride concentrate from HMW, and the offer to provide or facilitate a secured financing prepayment facility for US$70 to US$100 million, subject to conditions precedent being met.
Galan is targeting first-phase HMW lithium concentrate production in H1 2025
Galan now has 100 percent full ownership of the Catalina tenement that borders the Catamarca and Salta Provinces in Argentina. The newly secured Catalina tenure has a strong potential to significantly add to the existing HMW resource. The tenure also covers the Catalina, Rana de Sal II, Rana de Sal III, Pucara del Salar, Deseo I and Deceo II tenements.
Greenbushes South Lithium Project
The 100-percent-owned Greenbushes South lithium project is located near Perth, Western Australia, and is three kilometers south of the world-class Greenbushes lithium mine, managed by Talison Lithium. The Greenbushes South tenements can be found along the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Shear Zone geologic structure, which hosts the lithium-bearing pegmatites at the Greenbushes Lithium Mine.
Greenbushes South covers nearly 315 square kilometers, and hosts elevated pathfinder elements with well-defined anomalies adjacent to the property.
Management Team
Richard Homsany - Non-executive Chairman
Richard Homsany is an experienced corporate lawyer and has extensive board and operational experience in the resources and energy sectors. He is the executive chairman of ASX-listed uranium exploration and development company Toro Energy Limited, executive vice-president of Australia of TSX-listed uranium exploration company Mega Uranium and the principal of Cardinals Lawyers and Consultants, a boutique corporate and energy & resources law firm. He is also the chairman of the Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) and listed Redstone Resources and Central Iron Ore and is a non-executive director of Brookside Energy Homsany’s past career includes time working at the Minera Alumbrera Copper and Gold mine located in the Catamarca Province, northwest Argentina.
Juan Pablo (‘JP’) Vargas de la Vega - Founder and Managing Director
Juan Pablo Vargas de la Vega is a Chilean/Australian mineral industry professional with 20 years of broad experience in ASX mining companies, stockbroking and private equity firms. JP founded Galan in late 2017. He has been a specialist lithium analyst in Australia, has also operated a private copper business in Chile and worked for BHP, Rio Tinto and Codelco.
Daniel Jimenez - Non-executive Director
Daniel Jimenez is a civil and industrial engineer and has worked for a world leader in the lithium industry, Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile, for over 28 years. He was the vice-president of sales of lithium, iodine and industrial chemicals where he formulated the commercial strategy and marketing of SQM’s industrial products and was responsible for over US$900 million worth of estimated sales in 2018.
Terry Gardiner - Non-executive Director
Terry Gardiner has 25 years’ experience in capital markets, stockbroking and derivatives trading. Prior to that, he had many years of trading in equities and derivatives for his family accounts. He is currently a director of boutique stockbroking firm Barclay Wells, a non-executive director of Cazaly Resources, and non-executive chairman of Charger Metals NL. He also holds non-executive positions with other ASX-listed entities.
María Claudia Pohl Ibáñez - Non-executive Director
María Claudia Pohl Ibáñez is an industrial civil industrial engineer with extensive experience in the lithium production industry. Until recently, she worked for world leader in the lithium industry Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM, Santiago Stock Exchange:SQM-A, SQM-B) for 23 years, based in Santiago, Chile. During her time at SQM, she held numerous senior leadership roles including overseeing lithium planning and studies. Ibáñez brings significant lithium project evaluation and operational experience whilst joining the board at a critical juncture in Galan’s journey to becoming a significant South American lithium producer. Since leaving SQM in late 2021, Ibáñez has been managing partner and general manager of Chile-based Ad-Infinitum, a process engineering consultancy, with a specific focus on lithium brine projects under study and development, and the associated project evaluations.
Ross Dinsdale - Chief Financial Officer
Ross Dinsdale has 18 years of extensive experience across capital markets, equity research, investment banking and executive roles in the natural resources sector. He has held positions with Goldman Sachs, Azure Capital and more recently he acted as CFO for Mallee Resources. He is a CFA charter holder, has a Bachelor of Commerce and holds a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance.
