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Showing posts with label lithium brines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lithium brines. Show all posts

Thursday, April 10, 2025

SLI's Smackover could be one of the richest Lithium Brine projects in the world, and it's located in Texas and Arkansas

 


Standard Lithium Ltd. (SLI) is a North American lithium development company focused on advancing lithium extraction projects in the United States, particularly within Arkansas and Texas. The company aims to contribute significantly to the domestic supply of lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage systems.Home+1Reuters+1

Technology and Extraction Methods

Standard Lithium employs Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, an innovative approach designed to efficiently and sustainably extract lithium from brine resources. Unlike traditional methods that rely on large evaporation ponds, DLE utilizes techniques such as adsorption and ion exchange to selectively extract lithium ions from brine. This method offers several advantages, including reduced environmental impact, faster processing times, and higher recovery rates. The company's demonstration plant in El Dorado, Arkansas, has been operating continuously since its commissioning in May 2020, showcasing the practical application of DLE technology.Reuters+6YouTube+6The Verge+6Lithium+1Home+1Standard Lithium Ltd.+1Standard Lithium Ltd.+1

Resource Estimates in Arkansas and Texas

In Arkansas, Standard Lithium's South West Arkansas (SWA) Project has reported significant lithium resources. The project boasts an average lithium grade of 437 mg/L, underpinning a minimum 20-year operating life with plans for at least 30,000 tonnes per annum of battery-quality lithium hydroxide production. Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas may contain between 5 to 19 million tonnes of lithium, highlighting the region's substantial potential.JPT+27Stock Titan+27Standard Lithium Ltd.+27Stock Titan+2Standard Lithium Ltd.+2Standard Lithium Ltd.+2Stock Titan+3The Verge+3Arkansas Times+3

In East Texas, the company's drilling program has identified lithium brine concentrations as high as 806 mg/L in Franklin County. The first project area spans approximately 67,000 acres, with ongoing efforts to expand the resource base.Stock Titan

Development News

Standard Lithium has achieved several key milestones:Empower Lives+16Standard Lithium Ltd.+16Standard Lithium Ltd.+16

  • DOE Grant: In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy finalized a $225 million grant to support the construction of Phase 1 of the SWA Project. This funding underscores the project's strategic importance in bolstering domestic lithium production.Stock Titan+8Reuters+8Mining Technology+8

  • Joint Venture Formation: In January 2025, Standard Lithium and Equinor announced the formation of Smackover Lithium, a joint venture dedicated to developing lithium extraction projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas.Reuters+13Stock Titan+13Standard Lithium Ltd.+13

  • Technology Advancements: The company has reported exceptional lithium recovery rates exceeding 99% in field-pilot testing, demonstrating the effectiveness of its DLE technology.The Verge+2Stock Titan+2Lithium+2

Ownership and Partnerships

Equinor, a prominent international energy company, has acquired a 45% stake in Standard Lithium's projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas. This partnership involves an initial $30 million cash payment to Standard Lithium, with Equinor funding a $60 million work program. Additional payments of up to $70 million are contingent upon future project milestones and final investment decisions. Standard Lithium retains a 55% ownership stake and continues as the operator of these projects, while Equinor contributes its subsurface expertise.Reuters+14Enverus+14Nasdaq+14Reuters+3Standard Lithium Ltd.+3Mining Technology+3Reuters+1Standard Lithium Ltd.+1

Financial Overview

As of December 31, 2024, Standard Lithium reported cash reserves of $31.2 million and working capital of $27.5 million, with no term or revolving debt obligations. The company's stock is publicly traded under the ticker symbol SLI.Stock Titan+1GlobeNewswire+1

Standard Lithium Ltd (SLI)
$1.20

Conclusion

Standard Lithium Ltd. is strategically positioned to become a leading player in the U.S. lithium market through its innovative DLE technology and significant resource holdings in Arkansas and Texas. The partnership with Equinor and substantial support from the U.S. Department of Energy further enhance the company's prospects. As the demand for domestically sourced lithium continues to grow, Standard Lithium's developments are poised to contribute meaningfully to the energy transition.Reuters+1Standard Lithium Ltd.+1

"Smackover Lithium" is a newly formed joint venture (JV) between Standard Lithium Ltd. (55%) and Equinor (45%), announced in January 2025, created to develop and commercialize lithium extraction projects from the Smackover Formation, which spans southwest Arkansas and east Texas.


🔍 What Is Smackover Lithium?

Smackover Lithium is not just a project name — it is a dedicated JV entity, structured as a separately governed commercial enterprise. It was formed to jointly manage, finance, develop, and operate lithium production facilities using Standard Lithium’s Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology and Equinor’s subsurface expertise and financial backing.


🏢 Ownership Structure

  • Standard Lithium (SLI): 55% ownership

    • Brings technology, existing pilot plant, lithium resource rights, and operational leadership

  • Equinor ASA: 45% ownership

    • Brings global energy development experience, large-scale capital support, and subsurface reservoir expertise

Equinor paid an initial $30 million to Standard Lithium for its stake and committed to fund $60 million in work program development. An additional $70 million is performance-based, contingent on meeting technical and investment milestones.


⚙️ How Will Smackover Lithium Operate?

  1. Focus Areas:

    • Southwest Arkansas Project (SWA): Flagship project with lithium hydroxide production targeted at 30,000 tonnes per year

    • East Texas Resource Expansion: High lithium concentration brines discovered; further drilling and testing ongoing

  2. Operational Structure:

    • Standard Lithium is the Operator

      • Leads construction, DLE implementation, and lithium hydroxide production

      • Maintains control over day-to-day development and engineering

    • Smackover Lithium (the JV entity) holds the project assets, receives funding from Equinor, and distributes proceeds in line with ownership

  3. Technology & Production Method:


    • Use of proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology

    • Avoids large evaporation ponds

    • Demonstrated >99% lithium recovery rates in pilot-scale trials

    • Environmentally low-impact, water-efficient process

  4. Regulatory and Financial Oversight:

    • DOE-funded Phase 1 construction at SWA (via $225M grant)

    • The JV is structured to qualify for U.S. government incentives under Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other U.S. battery supply chain initiatives


📈 Viability & Strategic Importance

Yes, Smackover Lithium is viable — here’s why:

  • Secure Domestic Lithium Supply: Targets a critical vulnerability in the U.S. EV supply chain by offering a domestic source of lithium hydroxide

  • DOE Support + Equinor's Capital: Both public and private capital are backing it

  • Strong Resource Base: Multi-million tonne lithium resource estimate across Smackover Formation

  • Scalable Model: Once proven, JV could scale or replicate elsewhere in North America


🧠 Summary

Smackover Lithium is a strategic, operational joint venture formed to commercialize large-scale lithium extraction using advanced DLE technology. It’s a separate company, majority-controlled by Standard Lithium, with deep-pocketed support from Equinor, and already positioned to play a major role in the U.S. lithium supply chain — especially with DOE grants and federal incentives backing its development.

Ed Note:

The "Smackover" project is also well positioned in relationship to Tesla's new Battery plants in Texas!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Rodinia Lithium Provides Processing Update On Progress At Diablillos


Toronto, Canada, June 11, 2013: Rodinia Lithium Inc. (“Rodinia” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: RM) is pleased to provide an update on its small scale pilot pond system at its wholly owned Salar de Diablillos lithium-potash project, located in Salta Province, Argentina.  The small scale pilot pond system, which has been working continuously since February 2012, has been providing on site experience and allowing for several advances in the metallurgical process.  Highlights from the pilot pond system include:
  • Second batch of lithium carbonate produced, increasing purity to 99.79% Li2CO3
  • Additional work completed to improve removal of interfering magnesium and sulphate ions
  • Developed and demonstrated an alternate method to produce caustic soda during the process
  • Use of caustic soda later  in the production process, potentially reducing reagent costs
  • Work continues on site to improve yield, develop separation techniques and reduce raw material costs
William Randall, President & CEO of Rodinia, commented “While we experienced delays due to a variety of factors, including a third straight year of record rainfall during January and February, we are on track to deliver an updated economic study on the project.  Results of additional work conducted on the Salar lead us to believe the updated study will be in line with our previously completed Preliminary Economic Assessment, showing very robust figures with relatively low capital expenditure.  Management believes that the high returns and low capital output of the project are attractive components in the current financial climate.”

During the first quarter of 2013, a second process run on a larger scale was completed, resulting in the production of a second batch of lithium carbonate.  The process employed remains largely the same as the Company’s initial run, but the increased quantity of lithium carbonate produced allowed for a hot water wash to improve the quality of the lithium carbonate.  This additional step in the process resulted in increased lithium carbonate purity of 99.79%.

In addition to completing production of a second batch of lithium carbonate, the Company’s engineering team has been operating the small scale pilot pond system continuously in search of improvements in the process design.  The engineering department has been successful in lowering magnesium and sulphate concentration below levels achieved in previous runs.  Removal of magnesium and sulphate ions to achieve low concentration levels in accordance with the Company’s process design has been successful.

In addition, a significant development has been achieved in the production of caustic soda during the evaporation sequence.  An alternate method was tested on the Salar in an attempt to harvest caustic soda during the regular operation of the evaporation ponds.  The Company remains encouraged that the successful harvesting of caustic soda could result in lowered externally sourced reagent use, which in turn, has the potential to lead to meaningful operating cost savings.

The Company expects to provide further updates of work completed on the Salar de Diablillos over the coming months.
The project is supervised by Bob Cinq-Mars, P. Eng. Mr. Cinq-Mars is considered a Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43‐101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this press release. Mr. Cinq-Mars is not independent of the Company.

Rodinia Lithium Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company with a primary focus on Lithium exploration and development in North and South America.  The Company is also actively exploring the commercialization of a significant Potash co-product that is expected to be recoverable through the lithium harvesting process.

Rodinia’s Salar de Diablillos lithium-brine project in Salta, Argentina, contains a recoverable resource of 2.82 million tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent and 11.27 million tonnes potassium chloride equivalent.  The project contains a recoverable inferred resource of 952,553,000 m3 grading 556 mg/L lithium and 6,206 mg/L potassium. Throughout 2013, Rodinia will focus on continuing to develop the Diablillos project by completing additional drilling and advancing through feasibility study.

The Company also holds 100% mineral rights to approximately 15,000 acres in Nevada’s lithium-rich Clayton Valley in Esmeralda County, and is currently in the process of assessing the size, quality and processing alternatives of this deposit.  The Clayton Valley project is located in the only known lithium-brine bearing salt lake in North America, and looks to represent the only new source for domestic lithium carbonate supply.

Please visit the Company’s web site at www.rodinialithium.com or write us at info@rodinialithium.com
For further information please contact
Aaron Wolfe
Vice-President, Corporate Development
Tel: +1 (416) 309-2696
Cautionary Notes
Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this press release constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as “plans”, “proposes”, “estimates”, “intends”, “expects”, “believes”, “may”, “will” and include without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated effects of the results and the impact of such results with respect to the pilot pond system, the timing with respect to future results, timing with respect to the completion of an updated economic study; the potential of the Diablillos property; the potential results and timetable for further exploration with respect to the Diablillos property, the timetable with respect to future acquisitions and exploration developments at Clayton Valley and Diablillos, timetable for further exploration, analysis and development, title disputes or claims; and governmental approvals and regulation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, financing risks, acquisition risks, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
For further information please contact Aaron Wolfe
Investor Cubed Inc. Vice-President, Corporate Development
Investor Relations Tel: +1 (416) 309-2696
Tel: +1 (647) 258-3311

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Lithium Americas gets final approval for worlds third largest Lithium deposit



Ed Note:  Lithium Americas (LAC-TSE) was spun off by Latin American Minerals (TSE-LAT) which still owns almost 30% of LAC.

TORONTO, Canada, December 12, 2012 - Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (OTCQX: LHMAF) (“Lithium Americas” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received final project approval for the construction of its Cauchari-Olaroz lithium/potash project.
Upon the recommendation of the Committee of Experts, the Jujuy Government has executed the final decree, through the joint resolution of the Production Minister and Secretary to the Government, which approved the development of Lithium Americas’ Cauchari-Olaroz project.  Such approval includes water use permitting, confirmation of mining licences in good standing, environmental approval for lithium and potash production, and all other permits required to start project construction.
 “Lithium Americas is very proud of advancing the Cauchari-Olaroz project from discovery and exploration, through development, to fully permitted in just short of 4 years,”  stated   Dr. Waldo Perez, President and CEO of Lithium Americas. "We continue to receive an enormous level of support from multiple constituencies in Argentina. We have worked extremely hard to garner this support, which has served to accelerate the permitting and development of Cauchari-Olaroz, as well as further de-risk the project. With the permitting process concluded, our next milestone is securing project financing and off take agreements, which will allow us to initiate project construction in 2013.”
About the Company
Lithium Americas is developing one of the world’s largest and lowest cost lithium operations.   The Company has defined the world’s third largest lithium brine resource, and a completed definitive Feasibility Study identified that Lithium Americas’ operating cost per tonne of lithium carbonate is expected to be one of the lowest in the industry.  Mitsubishi Corporation and Magna International are shareholders in the Company, in addition to both companies having off-take arrangements with Lithium Americas.

For more information please contact:

Mike Cosic, Chief Financial Officer
mcosic@lithiumamericas.com
416-360-1921

Cautionary Note and Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward looking statements, which can be identified by the use of statements that include words such as "plan", “developing”, “estimate”, "could", "potential", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "likely", "will" or other similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements express, as at the date of this press release, the Company's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, including the key assumptions and parameters on which such estimates are based, involve risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, possible variations in mineral resource and reserve estimates, grade/concentration or recovery rates, lithium or potash prices, operating or capital costs; availability of sufficient financing to fund planned or further required work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; political, community relations, regulatory, environmental and other risks of the mining industry and other risks more fully described in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated May 28, 2012 and its most recent management’s discussion and analysis available on SEDAR. The Cauchari-Olaroz project has no operating history upon which to base estimates of future cash flow. The capital expenditures and time required to develop any new project is considerable and changes in capital and/or operating costs or construction schedules can affect project economics. It is possible that actual capital and/or operating costs may increase significantly and economic returns may differ materially from the Company’s estimates or that prices of lithium and/or potash may decrease significantly or that the Company could fail to obtain or maintain governmental approvals necessary for the operation of its project or obtain project financing on acceptable terms and conditions or at all, in which case, the project may not proceed either on its original timing or at all. It is not unusual in the mining industry for new mining operations to experience unexpected problems during the start-up phase, resulting in delays and requiring more capital than anticipated. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those planned, estimated, forecasted, projected or expected. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligations, to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements.
  
Lithium Americas
357 Bay Street, Suite 602
Toronto Ontario M5H2T7
Canada

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

International Lithium Corp. Prepares Drilling and Bulk Sampling Program for the Mariana Potash-Lithium Brine Project, Argentina


VANCOUVER B.C., Dec. 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- International Lithium Corp. ("ILC" or the "Company") (ILC:TSX-V) is pleased to announce that the Company has initiated permitting and preparations for drilling and bulk sampling brine for metallurgical testing on their wholly owned Mariana Potash-Lithium project in Argentina.

A combination of sonic and reverse circulation drilling is planned to occur in the first half of 2013 to develop an understanding of the resource potential for the entire salar, but focusing on the potash and lithium concentrations and distribution in the central one-third of the salar. GEOS Mining, an Australian geological consultancy with experience in brine resource estimation, has been retained to assist in planning the project and carry out the necessary studies to support a resource estimation if warranted at this stage.

The Company will also collect bulk samples of the brine to be used for more advanced process and recovery testing. The implementation of a program to install test evaporation ponds and a pilot plant is being considered for this stage in addition to hydrogeological, climatic and geophysical studies.
"It is important to our strategic partner that we gain an early understanding of the variations in the unique chemical composition of our source material. We will be working closely with their technical teams to evaluate process methodology and determine final lithium and potassium products that can be produced from the Mariana brines." commented Kirill Klip, President of International Lithium Corp., "By conducting these studies prior to a detailed resource evaluation, we can better direct our efforts to determine the economic viability of the project."

About the Mariana Project
For maps please see http://internationallithium.com/s/marianalithium_argentina.asp
The Mariana potash-lithium brine project at Salar de Llullaillaco in Salta, Argentina, consists of several contiguous mining claims that cover an expansive 160 square kilometres. The claims strategically encompass the entire salar and a significant portion of the surrounding area (to provide site facilities for a processing plant if the project proves to be economically viable). The claims are 100% wholly optioned by the Company.

Salars, or salt lakes, host some of the largest known lithium resources in the world and the Mariana basin is one of the more prominent salars in the renowned lithium belt of South America, currently accounting for more than 70% of global lithium production.

Initial surface brine sampling revealed highly compelling geochemistry reporting average grades of 440 milligrams per litre ("mg/L") lithium and 12,700 mg/L potassium.  The potassium levels were unexpected and represent some of the highest grades comparative to any of the neighbouring salars outside of the world class operation on the Atacama salar in Chile.

International Lithium Corp. previously drilled four widely spaced reverse circulation drill holes (totalling 444 metres and positioned approximately 5 kilometers apart) to characterize the subsurface strata and brine within the 10 x 15 kilometer salar (salt lake).  Results indicate homogeneous geochemical concentrations to the maximum depth of the holes (approximately 100 metres).

The upper stratigraphic interval is primarily halite varying in depth from 18 to 32 metres in the peripheral areas and 66 metres deep proximal to the center of the salar.  Below this predominantly halite layer an extensive mixed evaporite layer approximately 32-52 metres thick, consisting of greater than 60% fine to coarse sand, was encountered in the three peripheral holes.  Below the evaporite sequences in all holes, an extensive medium to coarse grained, dark coloured, basaltic sand interval was encountered.   Brine flow measurements recorded during drilling increased markedly below the halite sequence throughout the sand rich layers.

Unconsolidated stratigraphic units with a significant granular or sand component possess physical characteristics that allow them to maintain a higher degree of permeability and porosity at greater depths than halite (salt) units.  Consequently, they represent a potential aquifer for hosting brine at depth and are an important target in the lithium-potash brine exploration model.  The measured brine densities, ranging from 1,190 to 1,298 grams per litre ("g/L"), reflect a considerable quantity of dissolved salts, approximately 10 times the salinity of seawater.

John Harrop, P.Geo, FGS, is the Company's Qualified Person on the project as defined under NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical information contained in this press release.

About Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd.
Ganfeng Lithium, based in Xinyu, Jiangxi Province, China, is a professional producer of lithium products which has developed a comprehensive product chain, including lithium metal and alloys, inorganic and organic lithium chemicals, supplies a wide range of lithium products for primary and secondary lithium battery market, pharmaceutical and new material industries. Ganfeng Lithium's principal market is in China with international exports to Europe, Japan, the USA and India. Ganfeng Lithium was founded in 2000 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in August 2010, notably as the first publicly listed lithium company in China and has experienced rapid continuous growth over the last 11 years.

Ganfeng Lithium is a major shareholder and strategic partner to International Lithium Corp., currently holding approximately 17.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of ILC.

About International Lithium Corp.
International Lithium Corp. is an exploration company with an outstanding portfolio of projects, strong management ownership, robust financial support and a strategic partner and keystone investor Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., a leading China based lithium product manufacturer.

The Company's primary focus is the Mariana lithium-potash brine project in Argentina within the renowned South American 'Lithium Belt' that is host to the vast majority of global lithium resources, reserves and production. The 160 square kilometre Mariana project strategically encompasses an entire mineral rich evaporite basin that ranks as one of the more prospective salars, or 'salt lakes' in the region.
Complementing the Company's lithium brine projects are rare metals pegmatite properties in Canada and Ireland that have revealed through recent highly positive results a clear potential that the Company will advance with the support of its strategic partner, Ganfeng Lithium. These projects can add distinct value as the Company strives to source rare metals to help meet the increasing demand through the growth in global technologies that utilize the rare metals suite of elements.

With the increasing demand of high tech applications in battery and vehicle propulsion technologies, lithium and other rare metals are no doubt the metals of tomorrow's green tech economy. By positioning itself with solid development partners and projects with significant resource potential, ILC aims to be the green tech resource developer of choice for investors and build value for its shareholders.

International Lithium Corp.'s mission is to find, explore and develop projects that have the potential to become world-class lithium, potash and rare metal deposits.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Kirill Klip
President, International Lithium Corp.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this press release other than purely historical information, historical estimates should not be relied upon, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, are forward-looking statements. News release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
Contact:
Caroline Klukowski
info@internationallithium.com
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Friday, September 14, 2012

Western Lithium Provides Update on Commercial Clay and Lithium Strategy

(Marketwire - Sept. 14, 2012) - Western Lithium USA Corporation (TSX:WLC)(OTCQX:WLCDF) (the "Company" or "Western Lithium") is pleased to announce that it is continuing to advance its commercial clay strategy with the goal of becoming a specialty supplier of Hectorite clay based drilling additives to the oil and gas industry. Over the past several years, the oil and gas industry has seen strong growth from unconventional shale gas drilling in the USA. Hectorite clay based drilling additives are particularly applicable for unconventional shale drilling due to their thermal and gelling properties that can improve performance when developing deep deposits that require horizontal drilling. Last year, Western Lithium commissioned a well-equipped clay laboratory in Nevada, and has been developing formulations of gel and organoclay drilling additives to meet Association of Petroleum Institute industry standards. To make gel and organoclay, the Company's Hectorite clay must be processed using an extruder and combined with several additives. Gel typically sells for FOB shipping point US$90 to $130 per short ton and organoclay sells in a range of US$2,000 to $4,500 per short ton, depending on performance.

Western Lithium has completed pilot testing of several hundred pounds of gel and organoclay and will begin to identify certain buyers to test the performance of the products for indicative pricing and volumes. The Company believes that it can make a premium product using a cost effective dry processing method. In addition, the Company has initiated discussions with both existing producers, and potential process manufacturers, and is investigating possible sites to establish a dedicated plant.

"Our commercial clay strategy is envisioned as a low capital opportunity to generate cash flow by selling specialty drilling additives to service a growing shale drilling industry. Our business plan is designed to sustain and complement our efforts to advance our lithium project," said Jay Chmelauskas, President and CEO of Western Lithium. "We believe that we are at the forefront of a global shift towards development of cleaner, cheaper new energy resources using unconventional drilling technology. We are positioning the Company to have exposure to two transformational industries; the electrification of transportation using lithium ion batteries and development of new domestic-based and international energy sources from shale."

The Hectorite clay is located on the Company's wholly owned Kings Valley Lithium deposit in Nevada, and extraction of the clay would not be expected to impact future lithium project development. The Company continues to seek a strategic partner to fund the next stage of its lithium mine development. The recently announced US$724M acquisition of Talison Lithium Ltd. by Rockwood Holdings Inc. supports the Company's position that the lithium market fundamentals remain positive and future demand will support new production entrants. The Company believes that the main lithium demand driver will be from the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles in the coming years. Western Lithium is strategically located in Nevada, USA, to serve domestic markets and exports to Asia.

Unconventional drilling technology using deep directional drilling and hydraulic fracking techniques has been developed over the past twenty years. Over the past decade, commercial natural gas and oil production has been established in significant shale basins within the USA. Development efforts have increased significantly over the past several years and natural gas from unconventional drilling now accounts for over 23% of natural gas production within the USA, according to the US Energy Information Administration. In addition, countries in Asia, South America, Africa and Europe have identified significant shale basins for potential exploration and development. According to the China National Energy Administration development five-year plan released on March 16, 2012, China announced that it intends to begin exploration and development of its shale gas resources to reach commercial production by 2015. The Company believes that continued growth of shale gas drilling in the USA combined with a global push towards developing shale gas resources will provide strong growth for Western Lithium's strategy to build a specialty drilling additives business.
Western Lithium is developing the Kings Valley, Nevada lithium deposit into a strategic, scalable and reliable source of high quality lithium carbonate. The Company is positioning itself as a major U.S.-based supplier to support the rising global demand for lithium carbonate that is expected from the increased use of hybrid/electric vehicles. The Company is also investigating the potential to be a supplier of specialty Hectorite clay drilling additives to the oil and gas industry, and in particular, to support the growth of unconventional drilling.
 
Forward-Looking Statements: This document includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the potential for development of a Hectorite Clay business on the Company's Kings Valley Property; the continued growth of a hydraulic fracking industry and the use of gel and organoclay complementary to such development; the Company's ability to sell an acceptable or premium product to the lithium market and to produce a high purity and high quality lithium product for use in multiple types of lithium ion battery chemistries. When used in this document, the words such as "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "likely" and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended September 30, 2011 which is available at www.sedar.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Investor Relations
Western Lithium USA Corporation
604-681-3071
604-681-3091 (FAX)
info@westernlithium.com
www.westernlithium.com
The TSX has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Rodinia Lithium Strengthens Ties to Salta, Argentina

 With the Addition of Rodrigo Javier De La Serna Correas to Its Board of Directors (ccnm)

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 12, 2012) - Rodinia Lithium Inc. ("Rodinia" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:RM)(OTCQX:RDNAF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Rodrigo Javier de la Serna Correas to the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. de la Serna will be instrumental in providing legal, financial, and strategic guidance to the Company in Salta, as Rodinia continues its strategy of becoming a high-grade, low-cost producer of lithium carbonate and potash. The Company welcomes Mr. de la Serna to the Board and looks forward to working with him as the Company's strategic focus is realized.

Mr. de la Serna is a commercial lawyer residing in Salta, Argentina where he has practiced law for over a decade. As legal advisor to the Government of Salta Province, Mr. de la Serna participated in the creation of a state run company known as Recursos Energeticos y Mineros S.A. ("REMSA"). REMSA was created in May, 2008 with the purpose of exploring and developing mineral properties, with a focus on renewable energy sources. REMSA currently controls the natural gas supply of the Puna region and plays an active role in mining within the Province of Salta. Mr. de la Serna has since become involved with various mining enterprises and has successfully helped finance, commercialize and/or develop a number of projects.
William Randall, Rodinia's President & CEO, commented, "We are extremely pleased to welcome Mr. de la Serna to the board, adding a vital presence in Salta through his distinguished status within the community. Mr. de la Serna will bring a wealth of experience to the board as we develop the Salar de Diablillos through to commercial production." 

Mr. de la Serna replaces Mr. David Stein who tendered his resignation from the Board of Directors of the Company effective September 4, 2012. Mr. Stein has resigned in order to focus on other work commitments, however, he has agreed to remain involved with the Company on an advisory basis.
William Randall added, "David has been a key member of the Rodinia team over the past four years, and played an instrumental role in helping the Company transition into the lithium-brine exploration and development business. On behalf of the board and management team, I would like to thank him for his contributions to the success of the Company and wish him well in his other endeavours."
In connection with his appointment to the board of directors, the Company has granted Mr. de la Serna 200,000 stock options of the Company. The options shall be exercisable at $0.17 and shall expire on September 12, 2017. The options remain subject to the receipt of regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and shall remain subject to a statutory four month hold period.

About Rodinia Lithium Inc.:
Rodinia Lithium Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company with a primary focus on Lithium exploration and development in North and South America. The Company is also actively exploring the commercialization of a significant Potash co-product that is expected to be recoverable through the lithium harvesting process.

Rodinia's Salar de Diablillos lithium-brine project in Salta, Argentina, contains a recoverable resource of 2.82 million tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent and 11.27 million tonnes potassium chloride equivalent. The project contains a recoverable inferred resource of 952,553,000 m3 grading 556 mg/L lithium and 6,206 mg/L potassium. Throughout 2012, Rodinia will focus on continuing to develop the Diablillos project by completing additional drilling and advancing through feasibility study.

The Company also holds 100% mineral rights to approximately 70,000 acres in Nevada's lithium-rich Clayton Valley in Esmeralda County, and is currently in the process of assessing the size, quality and processing alternatives of this deposit. The Clayton Valley project is located in the only known lithium-brine bearing salt lake in North America, and looks to represent the only new source for domestic lithium carbonate supply.

The Projects are supervised by Ray Spanjers, Rodinia's Manager of Exploration. Mr. Spanjers is considered a Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43‐101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical contents of this press release.

Please visit the Company's web site at www.rodinialithium.com or write us at info@rodinialithium.com.

Cautionary Notes
Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding the impact of the appointment; the potential of the Diablillos property; the potential results and timetable for further exploration with respect to the Clayton Valley project and the Diablillos property, the timetable with respect to future acquisitions and exploration developments at Clayton Valley and Diablillos, timetable for further exploration, analysis and development, title disputes or claims; and governmental approvals and regulation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, financing risks, acquisition risks, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Investor Relations
Investor Cubed Inc.
+1 (647) 258-3311
OR
Aaron Wolfe
Rodinia Lithium Inc.
Vice-President, Corporate Development
+1 (416) 309-2696
info@rodinialithium.com
www.rodinialithium.com
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
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