ACME Lithium Inc. (CSE:ACME, OTCQB:ACLHF) told investors drilling of its Dissolved Mineral Resource Exploration (DMRE) test well TW-1 has started as part of the Phase 2 expanded characterization drill program at its Clayton Valley lithium brine project in Nevada.
Under Harris-Earth Drilling, ACME said TW-1 will target the lower gravel unit which extends from approximately 1,250 to 1,820 feet below ground surface (bgs). It also plans a pumping test from TW-1 to further characterize the hydrogeology and chemistry of the lithium-enriched lower gravel unit aquifer.
The company also noted the successful completion of dissolved mineral resource exploration (DMRE) borehole DH-1A. It said the underlying bedrock was drilled to a depth of 1,940 feet bgs and a zone-isolated brine sample was collected using a down-hole Ardvark packer system from approximately 1,880 to 1,840 feet bgs.
Highlights of the DH-1A borehole include:
- DH-1A extended the depth of the lower gravel unit to approximately 1,820 feet bgs;
- Zone testing in bedrock indicated brines extend into the bedrock with lithium concentrations up to 71 mg/L;
- Downhole geophysical logs were completed in DH-1A to include a nuclear magnetic resonance log which provides indications of potential fluid volume, mobile, or capillary bound waters, and estimates of hydraulic conductivity throughout the entire borehole; and
- DH-1A was completed with grouted-in Vibrating Wire Piezometers (VWP) to monitor long-term changes in water levels at the ACME project. The VWP will also be used to monitor the response from the TW-1 pumping test.
ACME said strong evidence of lithium enriched brines in multiple aquifers was revealed during the Phase 1 drilling program at Clayton Valley, which was completed in July 2022. The Phase 1 (DH-1) exploration hole penetrated the lower gravel unit, resulting in some of the highest lithium values of up to 130 milligrams per litre (mg/L) in brine samples collected during the program. The lower gravel unit presents a deep, laterally expansive aquifer, which overlies bedrock throughout a significant portion of Clayton Valley.
The company noted that it is funded by strategic investors and positioned to complete its exploration and development objectives through the near term to provide a domestic supply of lithium to the US and Canadian markets.
Contact the author at stephen.gunnion@proactiveinvestors.com