Galan Lithium Ltd (ASX:GLN) has received permits to conduct the maiden drilling program at its Candelas Lithium Brine Project in the Hombre Muerto salar in Argentina.
The permits were approved by the Secretaria de Estado de Mineria – Gobierno de Catamarca, the authority that approves drilling permits in the Catamarca province.
Galan managing director JP Vargas de la Vega said receiving the permits was a significant step forward for the company in Argentina.
Field activities in preparation for drilling have already begun, with local contracts for drilling, camp establishment, operational health and safety, catering and technical assistance soon to be awarded.
Galan has committed to sourcing, contracting and training local people from the Catamarca province for its operations.
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Vargas de la Vega continued: “Obtaining the drilling permits for our maiden campaign is a reflection of the company’s teamwork and experience in Argentina and Australia.
“The company is fully committed to swiftly unlocking the significant lithium potential at Candelas.
“We are now focused on finalising all the required activities needed to prepare for drilling which will start early in the New Year.”
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The maiden drilling program will comprise five holes to be drilled over a 12-15-kilometre section of the Candelas channel.
An initial hole will aim to test Galan’s geophysical model and will provide detailed data on the stratigraphy within the Candelas channel to a depth of more than 400 metres.
The results from the initial hole will also assist in the planning of subsequent drilling.