Impressive drill results point towards significant resource upgrade at Maricunga lithium project
Sydney, Jan 31, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Power International (
ASX:LPI) (24L:FRA) is an ASX listed company who is currently developing the Maricunga lithium brine project in Chile. Maricunga is one of the highest grade lithium brine projects globally (1,250mg/l), and is surrounded by significant existing infrastructure (roads, power & work force).
The company recently commenced a 16 hole exploration drill program aimed at increasing the size of the existing resource (574,000t LCE - 43-101). Results to date have been impressive as the grade has been maintained, whilst also extending the known mineralised zones both along strike and depth. Assay results will continue to be released over the coming month with a revised resource to be announced shortly thereafter (1H17).
Pump flow test work is also underway. This is a critical part of the Feasibility Study (2H17) as this is how the brine is extracted from the salars. LPI is well funded having completed a $13.5m capital raising in November 2016.
Analyst Comment: After returning from our recent site trip as well as results from the on-going exploration program, we believe that Lithium Power could be on the verge of a significant re-rating given the potential that is beginning to be uncovered at the Maricunga Project.
Whilst the existing resource has excellent grade (one of the highest grade brine projects in the world), the current size of the resource is modest. Exploration results to date however indicate that when the revised resource is announced (TSI estimate - April / May) the upgrade in size is likely to be multiples of the current resource. Most importantly we believe this resource will support a low cost, long life asset. We encourage readers to view our Virtual Site trip video above.
Chile: This was our first trip to Chile and we were impressed with the world class infrastructure (some of the best we have witnessed in South America), and the level of industry knowledge due to the importance of the mining industry for the national economy. In addition, Chile is also the worlds largest lithium producer (all brine operations), which should assist at project development time.
What about Brines? Lithium has been one of the hottest commodities over the past 18 months, which has seen investors quickly become educated in the sector - specifically regarding hard rock opportunities. However, the Australian market may have overlooked the vast potential of lithium's other major source - brines. Watch the 'What are Lithium Brines' video for an overview of the sector, as we discuss how brine projects are formed, where they are found as well as the factors that dictate economic viability of extraction.
The information in this email should not be the only trigger for your investment decision. We strongly recommend you seek professional financial advice whenever making financial investment decisions.
Valuation & Analysis: We are in the processing of completing our valuation on Lithium Power and it will be released post the completion of current drill program. We therefore have not provided a valuation at this time.
To view the video, please visit:
http://www.abnnewswire.net/press/en/86775/LPI
About Lithium Power International Ltd
Lithium Power International Limited (ASX:LPI) is a pure play lithium company with three distinct project regions to provide diversification. One is located in South America's brine region and three are in Australia's spodumene hard rock areas of Western Australia.
The primary focus is to develop of Chile's next high-grade lithium mine on the Maricunga Salar in an area known as the Lithium Triangle. The Company has also expanded its tenement holdings of lithium exploration prospects in Western Australia.
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