Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) is undertaking roadworks to access a drilling site for re-entry drilling of the Skyline Unit 1 well at its Paradox Lithium Project in the US state of Utah.
These works involve ramping down of an existing oil well pad and upgrading an access road to enable the drilling rig and associated drilling equipment to be mobilised to site.
Ramping down the oil well pad.
JORC resource on track
The drilling program has been permitted to include entry into two old oil wells, Skyline Unit 1 and Long Canyon No 2.
Data obtained from the drilling will be used in the estimation of a JORC resource, which remains on track, and the brine will be assayed and used for ongoing metallurgical test work.
READ: Anson Resources preparing to commence re-entry of oil wells
Anson managing director Bruce Richardson said: “The new re-entry targets are closer to the higher historical grades and main geological features which provides confidence in the outcomes that will be achieved.
“The exploration program is expected to be completed in Q1 2019.”
These targets have been prioritised based on proximity to the Roberts Rupture major geological structure, the Cane Creek Anticline and cross-cutting structures in the area.
Lithium values of 500ppm and 1700ppm
The two wells are also close to the Long Canyon No1 and Whitecloud No2 well which contain recorded lithium values of 500ppm and 1700ppm.
Test work for the suitability of a lilac solutions process to extract lithium from the brine at the project has been underway since July 2018.
The process uses a newly developed technology that extracts only the lithium from the brine using an adsorption methodology.
READ: Anson Resources installs brine holding tanks for pilot plant at Paradox Lithium Project
The company is also progressing the in-field pilot plant development, which is being built on an existing well pad, Cane Creek 32-1, with supporting infrastructure being built in parallel with the design and engineering of the plant.
This will reduce infrastructure development, time and costs as the drill pads require minimal work due to past rehabilitation work.
A key step is the commissioning of tanks which can hold a capacity of 400 barrels (63,595 litres) and will be used to feed brine to the pilot plant to ensure a continuous supply of raw brine.
- Jessica Cummins