Argentina Lithium & Energy has disclosed the inaugural mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Rincon West lithium brine project in Salta Province, Argentina.
The findings indicate measured and indicated resources consisting of 0.15km³ brine volume with an average grade of 296mg of lithium, corresponding to 238,000 tonnes (t) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
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Additionally, there is an inferred resource of 0.08km³ brine with a lithium concentrate of 216mg of lithium, amounting to 64,000t of LCE.
Argentina Lithium & Energy CEO Nikolaos Cacos said: ”This initial resource marks a pivotal step in unlocking the full potential of Rincon West and reinforces Argentina Lithium’s position at the centre of one of the most strategic lithium districts in the world.
“With Rio Tinto’s world-class Rincon Project as our direct neighbour and a strong offtake partnership with Stellantis, we are uniquely positioned to advance Rincon West rapidly and responsibly. This foundation allows us to leverage both, strategic infrastructure and commercial synergies, as we move toward the next phase of development.
“As we advance PEA [Preliminary Economic Study] studies and evaluate advanced extraction technologies, our long-term focus remains crystal clear: to build a scalable, high-value lithium operation that generates sustainable returns for our shareholders.”
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By GlobalDataThe MRE encompasses the West Block properties – mining concessions Villanoveño II and Rinconcita II – which totals 2,931 hectares (ha).
Notably, the estimate excludes the Paso de Sico concessions in the northern part of the project, with an additional 3,742.9ha at Rincon Salar.
Cacos added: “This initial resource provides a solid foundation on which we intend to expand the resource base: the exploration team will be carefully evaluating drilling below the current mineral resource, where expansion potential has been identified as the current mineral resource is open to depth.
“Together with our other highly prospective properties at Pocitos, Antofalla and Incahuasi, our company’s assets create a strong growth pipeline that will allow us to deepen strategic partnerships and accelerate development, potentially positioning Argentina Lithium as a key future supplier to the global EV [electric vehicle] and battery markets.”
The resource was delineated by 14 exploration boreholes, totalling 4,823.2m of diamond drilling along with one production well measuring 470m in length.
The company completed these explorations over the course of two drilling campaigns between 2022 and the end of 2024.
AGV Falcon Drilling SRL, located in Salta, carried out the drilling operations under the guidance of geologists from Argentina Lithium.
During the drilling campaigns, continuous core samples and unaltered formation test samples were gathered for porosity studies.
Brine samples were collected using a packer system, with some boreholes also employing bailer and HydraSleeve sampling methodologies.
Argentina Lithium is focused on acquiring and advancing lithium projects in Argentina to address growing demand from the global battery sector.
