Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) has upgraded the exploration target of its Paradox Lithium Project in Utah, US to a range of 65 to 130 million tonnes of brine, at a grade of 140 to 500 ppm lithium.
The increase in the exploration target is due to staking of additional claims in the area, from 291 claims to 983 claims.
READ: Anson Resources stakes new claims near Paradox Lithium Project
In addition, further research and completion of exploration programs have revealed that artesian flow occurred through the entire interval of the main brine zone (Clastic Zone 31).
The Clastic Zone 31 thickness is now interpreted to range from 3.04 metres to 6.1 metres.
The fractured clastic zones form an excellent reservoir for brines derived from underlying evaporite units.
Higher potential to recover brine
The fracturing is caused by salt flowage, and it is possible that, when brine is removed from these zones, the salt will flow into voids from which brine has been removed.
This would help maintain high reservoir pressure and assist in a high ultimate recovery of brine.
Cores obtained from wells in the area have exhibited fractures filled with salt when brine has not been present.
READ: Anson Resources experiences improved exploration success close to Long Canyon area
Anson managing director Bruce Richardson said: The Company has worked quickly to expand the project area from 89 claims to 983 claims, an 11 fold increase, in just over twelve months.
“The exploration programs at Gold Bar and Cane Creek have identified a greater thickness of brine-bearing Clastic Zone 31.
“These two factors have increased the exploration target volume by 10 to 20 fold and improved the economics of the project and provided the company with the confidence to proceed to Stage 3 of the project, the bench top test work to produce LCE product for testing by off-take partners, potential strategic investors as well as cathode and battery producers.”