LSC Lithium Announces Pozuelos Project Phase 1 Drilling Completed

2017-11-13 / @newswire

 

High Grade Lithium Drilled Across 10,787 hectares of the Salar

  • Extensive lithium mineralization across the Salar peaking between 430 to 508 mg/l Li
  • Consistent with previous short term average pump test results between 545 to 602 mg/l Li
  • Excellent Relative Brine Release Capacity values peaking at 16.33%
  • Further pumping and hydrogeological studies have commenced
  • NI 43-101 Mineral Resource report planned for issue in Q4 2017

TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - LSC Lithium Corporation ("LSC" or together with its subsidiaries, the "Company") (TSXV:LSC) is pleased to announce the completion of its Phase-1 15 hole drill program on its 99% controlled Salar de Pozuelos, Salta Province. The program was designed to evaluate the lithology and brine chemistry across the full extent of the salar to depths of up to 200m. The results of the program indicate the presence of extensive lithium mineralization across the entire salar which covers 10,787 hectares and is 99% controlled by the Company (See Map 1).

The assay results show that the salar has excellent brine chemistry, Relative Brine Release Capacity qualities and the brine values down-hole are consistent with the surface sampling results obtained previously1. These results are also consistent with high grade lithium results returned from previously announced short and long-term pumping well test results2. It is anticipated that LSC will release a NI-43 101 resource report in December based on work completed to date.

PUMP TEST RESULTS2

  • W1-35 Short-term stress test: consistent Li assays averaging 602 mg/l Li and Mg:Li ratio of 4:1
  • W2-90 Short-term stress test: consistent Li assays averaging 545 mg/I Li and Mg:Li ratio of 5:1
  • W1-35 30-day test: averaged 591 mg/l Li and a constant Mg:Li ratio of 4:1
  • W2-90 15-day test: averaged 548 mg/l Li and a Mg:Li ratio of 5:1

The Phase 1 exploration drilling program, which included 11 out of 15 planned holes on Salar de Pozuelos, has been completed and the balance of the assay results for brine packer sampling have been received (See Table 1). Three holes were cancelled due to ground conditions preventing access.

LSC's President & Chief Executive Officer, Ian Stalker, stated, "the Company has ramped up its efforts on the ground and is moving positively on the Pozuelos, Salinas Grande and Rio Grande Projects, as we push to complete three NI 43-101 compliant resource statements by late this year, early next year.

These latest results from Pozuelos have confirmed the Company's expectations in terms of the presence of wide spread, high grade mineralization across the Pozuelos salar. These results, which are supported by high grade well pump test results acquired earlier in the year, maintain the schedule for the delivery of the Pozuelos NI 43-101 Mineral Resource report, planned for the end of the year. We are pleased with these results as we drive towards planned pre-feasibility studies in 2018. We hope to be able to start preliminary testing of these brines using Enirgi Group Corporation's direct extraction technology in late 2017, early 2018."

This work demonstrates the widespread nature of lithium mineralization present throughout this large land holding measuring 10,787 hectares.

LSC has now mobilized contractors to conduct a five hole pumping well test program and hydrogeological studies to assess pumping conditions in various parts of the Salar de Pozuelos and assess boundary conditions around the salar. This work program is anticipated to be completed by the end of November. Drill hole locations are noted in Table 1.

Map 1- Salar de Pozuelos drill and pump well hole locations (CNW Group/LSC Lithium Corporation)

Table 1: Diamond Drill Program Summary - Salar de Pozuelos (as of November 10, 2017)

Hole

POSGAR 94 datum

Depth
(m)

Azimuth

Dip

Type

Size

Northing

Easting

SP-2017-01

7272418

3419735

cancelled

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-02*

7270779

3416480

128.0

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-03

7270944

3418684

cancelled

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-04

7270942

3419993

cancelled

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-05*

7268941

3415996

101.0

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-06*

7268948

3417304

200.0

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-07*

7268946

3418346

105.0

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-08

7268943

3419991

125.0

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-09

7267307

3419992

114.5

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-10*

7265938

3413194

141.5

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-11*

7265026

3411995

51.8

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-12

7264931

3414288

168.5

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-13

7264932

3415970

74.0

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-14

7264938

3417970

133.5

0

90

DDH

HQ

SP-2017-15*

7263361

3415966

81.5

0

90

DDH

HQ

* Results previously reported in Company's press release dated September 6, 2017.

The final brine sample assay data (Table 2) and Relative Brine Release Capacity data (RBRC) (Table 3) have been received for several diamond drill holes at Pozuelos. Brine samples are recovered from the diamond holes using a packer system to isolate specific levels in the holes and assayed at Alex Stewart Assayers in Jujuy, Argentina. LSC previously released results for selected holes and sample intervals in a press release dated September 6, 2017. The new assay results are primarily for holes on the periphery of the salar. Assay results are consistent with the surface sample results from historical sampling3 and are summarized in Table 2.

Core samples for RBRC tests to determine Specific Yield, a measure of effective porosity, were taken from selected drill holes representing all lithologies and all depths of the holes drilled. Samples are shipped to Daniel B. Stephens & Associates Inc. ("DBSA") in Albuquerque, New Mexico for analysis. DBSA has developed a proprietary method to test effective porosity of core samples from salars that has been widely adopted by companies exploring for lithium brines. Details of the method are described in a paper by Stormont et. al. (2011)4.Results for RBRC samples are detailed in Table 3 with one hole - SP-2017-13 results pending. The results show high RBRC values in the upper halite zones and productive zones in the deeper lying clastic zones. Pumping tests to develop additional hydraulic data are planned to commence as soon as a planned series of 5 pumping wells is completed.

Table 2: Selected Brine Packer Sample Results - Salar de Pozuelos (as of November 10, 2017)

Hole No.

Sample Interval

Li

(mg/L),
average

Li Assay
Range

(mg/L)

Ratio

Mg/Li

Ratio

SO4/Ca

Ratio

Mg/Ca

Ratio

K/Li

From (m)

To (m)

SP-2017-02*

6.00

76.00

446

360-507

8

12.56

3.66

9.21

SP-2017-05*

12.00

101.00

245

169-290

9

4.84

1.71

11.97

SP-2017-06*

14.00

46.00

282

274-289

8

3.56

1.62

10.68

50.00

72.00

284

272-296

8

3.34

1.48

10.73

SP-2017-07*

14.00

34.00

285

279-291

7

3.36

1.39

11.15

40.00

78.00

277

259-265

7

3.70

1.41

11.43

SP-2017-08

15.00

63.00

261

259-265

5

6.39

1.20

11.69

63.00

87.00

326

253-426

7

14.53

2.94

10.24

SP-2017-09

7.10

19.10

223

218-228

7

4.54

1.38

9.85

34.10

58.10

237

219-255

7

5.32

1.53

9.93

64.10

73.00

255

241-268

7

4.79

1.35

9.36

SP-2017-10*

24.20

94.20

458

371-576

6

3.92

1.45

9.27

SP-2017-11*

13.20

42.20

466

402-557

6

1.45

1.20

8.86

SP-2017-12

24.00

35.00

387

378-397

6

0.70

0.84

8.75

54.00

70.50

397

397

6

0.69

0.83

8.55

75.00

89.00

404

397-411

6

1.10

0.89

8.72

95.00

101.00

449

447-450

6

2.10

1.15

8.27

SP-2017-13

27.00

74.00

452

430-508

6

1.77

1.02

8.19

SP-2017-14

18.00

53.00

395

272-444

5

0.97

0.83

7.99

SP-2017-15*

18.20

81.00

370

361-385

7

0.97

1.20

7.57

* Results previously reported in Company's press release dated September 6, 2017.

Table 3: Selected RBRC Sample Results 2017 Diamond Drill Program - Salar de Pozuelos
(as of November 10, 2017)










Hole

From (m)

To (m)

RBRC

(%)


Hole

From (m)

To (m)

RBRC

(%)


SP-2017-02

12.7

12.93

5.0


SP-2017-09

6.80

6.93

9.28

10.87

11.00

4.0


15.83

15.94

7.30

16.03

16.26

1.7


35.00

35.10

14.02

34.73

34.93

4.7


40.42

40.57

4.60

37.83

38.05

4.7


51.74

51.86

6.31

56.54

56.75

1.1


56.71

56.86

16.33

71.66

71.85

2.1


65.00

65.17

5.45

95.11

95.24

5.3


71.10

71.34

3.16

SP-2017-05

12.06

12.34

3.7


SP-2017-11

4.60

4.72

4.4

16.17

16.37

9.6


10.75

11.00

2.9

19.80

19.91

2.5


17.24

17.45

2.6

27.20

27.35

4.8


21.90

22.04

3.4

34.63

34.82

6.7


23.90

24.12

5.8

41.76

41.90

4.7


29.76

29.97

2.8

49.70

49.90

5.0


SP-2017-10

6.54

6.69

4.7

65.80

66.00

3.7


15.99

16.20

5.5

78.00

78.12

6.4


25.49

25.64

2.9

SP-2017-06

11.44

11.58

5.29


50.85

51.04

2.2

12.01

12.21

4.67


64.72

64.86

0.6

15.11

15.31

3.24


SP-2017-12

7.08

7.21

10.30

18.17

19.16

2.99


10.20

10.38

1.70

28.70

28.84

3.82


35.21

35.32

2.50

77.30

77.84

0.36


47.30

47.47

0.80

SP-2017-07

13.40

13.59

7.98


45.35

45.50

7.40

17.55

17.70

5.88


48.66

48.94

2.50

19.13

19.32

7.53


51.63

51.83

2.60

27.80

27.98

7.55


60.66

60.85

4.20

50.10

50.28

6.60


SP-2017-14

8.22

8.33

1.50

62.25

62.45

6.93


24.76

24.92

4.70

66.97

67.18

1.19


34.09

34.23

5.80

SP-2017-08

15.06

15.14

3.92


41.62

41.78

3.70

25.28

25.44

2.40


45.16

45.31

8.00

30.07

30.22

4.25


50.39

50.50

5.20

37.65

37.85

4.76


SP-2017-15

4.80

4.92

13.4

47.19

47.36

4.33


9.71

9.87

3.3

66.50

66.65

6.19


16.34

16.45

11.8

90.56

90.73

1.69


26.79

26.98

4.8

115.68

115.86

1.27


31.72

31.83

4.3






38.42

38.61

1.4






45.35

45.46

4.0






60.20

60.32

0.8






75.67

75.85

3.8

Sampling and QA/QC

Brine sampling for packer tests involved collection of brine from the sample interval in a 20-litre container, which was flushed with fresh brine several times prior to collection of the sample. Brine was poured into 1-litre sample bottles which had been previously flushed with fresh brine from the 20-litre container several times. Sample bottles were filled to the top to eliminate the inclusion of air and sealed with a leak proof lid. Samples were labelled and labels covered in clear tape to prevent erasure of sample information. All samples remained in the possession of the site geologist until delivery to Alex Stewart Laboratory in Jujuy, Argentina by courier. Brine sampling for the pump stress test involved collection of samples from a valve attached to the pump outlet. Brine was allowed to flush and then fresh brine was used to wash the sample bottle several times before collecting the sample. Sample bottles were 1-litre in size and were filled to the top to prevent entrance of air. The samples were sealed with a leak proof lid, labelled and the label covered by clear tape. Samples remained in the possession of the site until delivery by courier to the assay laboratory.

RBRC samples were cut to length using a hack saw, bubble wrapped for protection and then placed in PVC tubes which were sealed with packaging tape. The samples were labelled and the labels wrapped in clear tape. Samples remained in the custody of the site geologist until shipped. Brine (20 L) from each of the holes from which the samples were collected was also shipped to DBSA as part of the sample test protocol. DBSA is independent of LSC.

LSC has a well-developed QA/QC program. Brine assays are undertaken at Alex Stewart Argentina ("ASA") S.A. in Jujuy, Argentina. ASA is independent of LSC and has significant experience in assaying lithium brines and is certified to ISO17025 standards. Brine assays are undertaken using ICP, gravimetric, potentiometric and volumetric methods as detailed in a press release from LSC dated April 10, 2017.

ASA runs internal duplicates at a rate of 1 in 20. LSC inserts blanks and standards in sample batches at a rate of 1 in 20. Standards are internal standards developed by LSC that have been independently certified by round robin testing. LSC uses distilled water as blanks.

Qualified Person/Data Verification

The scientific and technical information included in this press release is based upon information prepared and approved by Donald H. Hains, P.Geo.Mr. Hains is a qualified person, as defined in NI 43-101 and is independent of LSC. Mr. Hains has verified all sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information contained in this press release by on-site inspection during drilling, brine sampling, and selection of RBRC samples; review of drill core photographs to verify lithology; review of certified assay certificates against the assay data base; review of pump test data; and review of RBRC results received from DBSA. There are no drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy and reliability of the data.

ABOUT LSC LITHIUM CORPORATION:

LSC Lithium has amassed a large portfolio of prospective lithium rich salars and is focused on developing its tenements located in five salars: Pozuelos, Pastos Grandes, Rio Grande, Salinas Grandes, and Jama. All LSC tenements are located in the "Lithium Triangle," an area at the intersection of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile where the world's most abundant lithium brine deposits are found. LSC Lithium has a land package portfolio totaling approximately 300,000 hectares, which represents extensive lithium prospective salar holdings in Argentina.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance, including statements as to the ability and timing of completing pumping tests to develop additional hydraulic data, a planned series of five pumping wells, expected mineralization across the Pozuelos Salar, timing and ability to complete pre-feasibility studies, ability to test LSC's brine samples, continued positive assay results, the ability of LSC to confirm prior historical data and anticipated timing to complete a NI 43-101 report on the Pozuelos, Salinas Grandes and Rio Grande Projects. The use of any of the words "could", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on LSC's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Whether actual results and developments will conform with LSC's expectations is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including factors underlying management's assumptions, such as risks related to: title, permitting and regulatory risks; exploration and the establishment of any resources or reserves on the Salar de Pozuelos or other LSC properties; volatility in lithium prices and the market for lithium; exchange rate fluctuations; volatility in LSC's share price; the requirement for significant additional funds for development that may not be available; changes in national and local government legislation, including permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies and the enforcement thereof; regulatory, political or economic developments in Argentina or elsewhere; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which the Company holds an interest; excessive cost escalation as well as development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the Company's properties; risks and hazards associated with the business of development and mining on any of the Company's properties. Actual future results may differ materially. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and LSC is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. For more information, see the Company's filing statement on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

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.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

____________________________________________
1 See technical report titled "Technical Report on the Salar de Pozuelos Project, Salta Province, Argentina" prepared for LSC Lithium Corporation, dated June 29, 2017 with an effective date of December 31, 2016 filed on LSC's SEDAR profile.
2 Previously reported in Company's Press Releases dated April 10, 2017 and September 6, 2017.
3 See technical report titled "Technical Report on the Salar de Pozuelos Project, Salta Province, Argentina" prepared for LSC Lithium Corporation, dated June 29, 2017 with an effective date of December 31, 2016 filed on LSC's SEDAR profile.
4 Geotechnical Testing Journal, Vol. 34, No. 5. Paper available at www.astm.org.

LSC Lithium Corporation (CNW Group/LSC Lithium Corporation)

SOURCELSC Lithium Corporation

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