CleanTech Lithium PLC publishes operations and corporate update

• There are three simultaneous drilling and development programmes across Laguna Verde, the Francisco Basin, and Llamara.
• Laguna Verde – Resource drilling programme comprising three wells is completed, sampling programme advanced with laboratory results expected in the coming weeks. Maiden pump test underway for hydrogeological modelling. Upgraded resource estimate expected during 2Q23. Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) progressing, led by international engineering company Worley, now expected to be completed before the end of 2023.
• Francisco Basin – Resource drilling programme comprising three wells is advanced, upgraded resource estimate now expected end of 2Q23 with Scoping Study following directly after.
• Llamara – Drilling contractor engaged to undertake one exploration hole to a depth of 500 m, grading of access road currently underway after recent rainfall event, programme due to commence in April 2023 – results expected during 2Q23.
• DLE – it is currently understood that the Chilean Government is set to prioritise DLE projects for the development of future lithium projects in Chile.
• Lab scale DLE demo unit is currently being commissioned at Copiapó, Chile with the assistance of the DLE processing partner, Sunresin.
• Pilot plant DLE unit, a component of a full pilot plant to produce 1 t per month of battery grade lithium carbonate, which was ordered from Sunresin’s facilities in Belgium in December 2022, is expected to arrive on site in June 2023 with installation and commissioning expected by mid 3Q23.
• Bolstered Community Relations team, productive consultations with local communities and opening a local community office in Copiapó 2Q23.
• Formation of an ESG Committee, reporting to the Board, to ensure the Company is being held accountable across all ESG factors.

Aldo Boitano, Chief Executive Officer, of CleanTech Lithium PLC, said: “As CleanTech Lithium’s momentum continues, moving from the exploration to development stage, we have seen a record level of technical and operational activity over the past few months with six wells being planned, drilled, completed, or tested simultaneously. Our high altitude (4,250+ meters above sea level) drilling campaigns and extensive hydrogeology work at both Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin are well advanced and progress has also been made at our third prospective site, Llamara, where we will commence drilling in the coming weeks. We will announce the results of the campaigns once we have carried out the comprehensive review process, including JORC upgrades at both Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin projects. The Scoping Study at Francisco Basin is progressing well and will follow soon after the JORC upgrade. In addition, work continues with other critical activities including preparations for the DLE pilot plant, the ongoing Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) work and the Hydrogeological Studies at our two flagship assets.”

He continued: “As indicated by recent comments made by Ministers and President Boric, we fully support the Government’s prioritisation of DLE for all new lithium projects in Chile due to the potential environmental and social benefits. This confirms the Company is in a favourable position to deliver on its ambition to become a green supplier of lithium to the EV market. To further strengthen our proposition, we are planning to establish an ESG Committee, reporting to the Board, to monitor and drive all ESG factors and we are soon to be opening our local Copiapó office to continue our engagement with local communities and key stakeholders. This, together with the recent growth in our operational team in Chile, means we can continue making headway across all three CleanTech Lithium projects. Noting our new Board appointments, announced this week, which further strengthen the team, our Company has come a long way in the past year, and we will endeavour to keep our shareholders updated as we progress our work programmes.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/04042023/cleantech-lithium-plc-publishes-operations-and-corporate-update/