Edison Lithium Corp. (TSX-V:EDDY, OTCQB:EDDYF) has said it is progressing with drawing up an exploration plan for its lithium properties in Argentina, which are centrally located in the so-called "lithium triangle", where more than 70% of the world's lithium reserves lie beneath salt flats.
The Canada-based mining explorer’s prospective lithium brine claims are principally located in the two geological basins known as the Antofalla Salar and the Pipanaco Salar in northern Catamarca Province.
"Following the extensive period of formalizing Edison's acquisition of the Argentine claims in the Antofalla Salar, we are moving forward to carefully craft an optimal exploration plan for our vast claims,” said Nathan Rotstein, CEO of Edison in a statement.
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“There is a current spotlight on Argentina for lithium discovery and we are moving quickly to identify potential lithium resources in order to take advantage of the growing demand for lithium chemistry as it relates to the heated EV (electric vehicle) sector.," he added.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the prospecting phase of exploration, which was submitted to the mining authorities in Catamarca last November, included 24 claims covering about 100,000 hectares (ha) in the Antofalla Salar. The plan of work includes topography, mapping, geophysics using transient electromagnetic method (TEM) and sampling.
Geophysical survey results for claims #29 and #30 suggest the presence of a potential brine zone of at least 300 metres (m) thick that must be drilled to confirm quality and grades, Edison noted, adding that it anticipates that geophysical survey results on selective claims are likely to identify additional drilling targets.
The Argentinian government has said it is committed to developing lithium properties in the country.
Last month, mining secretary Maria Fernanda Avila told the website Fastmarkets: "President Alberto Fernández and provincial governments are clear about their commitment to speed development of the country's lithium resources. Argentina aims to be a mining country."
Edison Lithium is a Canadian-based junior mining exploration company focused on the procurement, exploration and development of cobalt, lithium, and other energy metal properties. The company's acquisition strategy is based on acquiring affordable, cost-effective, and highly regarded mineral properties in areas with proven geological potential. Edison is building a portfolio of quality assets capable of supplying critical materials to the battery industry and intends to capitalize on and have its shareholders benefit from the renewed interest in the battery metals space.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com