Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) will begin phase I exploration this week at the Paradox Lithium Project in the U.S. state of Utah.
The company has appointed key contractors for this work and the first task is to upgrade the access road followed by construction of a drill pad.
A work-over drilling rig will then be mobilised to the site for a maiden drilling and sampling program.
Work-over drilling rig available when needed
The drilling contractor has received the drill procedures and the rig operator has confirmed that a work-over will be available when needed.
The drilling program will be the re-entry of the historic Gold Bar Unit 2 well, which was previously drilled for oil, through four clastic zones known to contain brines.
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Anson is targeting lithium rich brines in the deepest part of the Paradox Basin in close proximity to Moab, Utah.
Lithium values of up to 1,700ppm have historically been recorded within 270 metres of Anson’s claim area.
The aim of the drilling is to sample the brines in these clastic zones for lithium.
The first samples are expected to be assayed in January 2018.
Bulk sample will be collected
A bulk sample will also be collected from Clastic Zone 31, which is known to contain lithium from historical drilling and assays.
The sample will be processed in a bench-top plant with the goal of producing lithium carbonate, and other products.
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Bruce Richardson, managing director, said: “This maiden drilling program at Paradox Lithium Project is a key step in advancing Anson’s world-class project to the first production of lithium carbonate.
“The lithium carbonate that will be produced from the bulk sample is planned to be provided to battery producers for short-term product qualification testing.
“Anson plans to make this material available in April 2018.”