is pleased to provide an update on progress at its Salar de Diablillos project ("Diablillos" or "Salar") located in Salta Province, Argentina. Results for the first series of pumping and tracer tests performed at Diablillos have been processed, resulting in high transmissivity and effective porosity values. The estimated total transmissivity is more than 300 m2/day with horizontal hydraulic conductivity of about 4 m/day. The estimated effective porosity is 15%. These parameters translate to higher recovery rates per well and an overall higher recovery of the in-situ brine in the event of production.
William Randall, President & CEO of Rodinia, commented "The results of these pump tests are a resounding success for the company and an important step in confirming the productive potential of the Salar. The resultant high transmissivity and effective porosity values, as determined by these tests, confirm Diablillos' very large recoverable resource, and allow us to estimate the well requirements for our upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment, which we expect to be able to deliver in the fourth quarter of this year."
The pumping test site consisted of two pumping wells and four monitoring wells. Pumping tests were performed for 18 hours and 72 hours, using tracer dye injected in an observation well within the lower sediments to monitor brine flow, and a cyclone to neutralize the effects of the gas dissolution from the brine.
SRK Consulting ("SRK") was retained earlier this year to design and supervise the pumping tests as well as to complete the upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment. SRK has a demonstrated record of accomplishment in undertaking independent assessments of mineral resources and mineral reserves, project evaluations and audits, technical reports and independent feasibility evaluations to bankable standards on behalf of exploration and mining companies and financial institutions worldwide. SRK has also worked with a large number of major international mining companies and their projects, providing mining industry consultancy service inputs. SRK is a leading international practice in due diligence, scoping, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies that employs seasoned specialists in each field of science, geology and engineering. They have extensive experience with in-situ recovery and brine extraction type projects around the world, including Argentina.
The Project is 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 information in this release. According to the Company's sampling protocol, sample size is to exceed 500 millilitres and be stored in clean, secure containers for transportation. The prepared samples are then forwarded to the ALS Laboratory Group, Environmental Division, in Fort Collins, Co (USA) for analysis. A rigorous QA/QC program is implemented consisting of regular insertion of standards and blanks to ensure laboratory integrity.
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 2011, Rodinia will focus on continuing to develop the Diablillos project by completing additional drilling and advancing through scoping 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.
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 drill program at the Diablillos property and results of such drill program; the potential of the Diablillos property; anticipated timing with respect to the completion of a preliminary economic assessment, 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.
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.
Contacts: Investor Cubed Inc. Investor Relations +1 (647) 258-3311 Rodinia Lithium Inc. Aaron Wolfe Vice-President, Corporate Development +1 (416) 309-2696 info@rodinialithium.com www.rodinialithium.comSOURCE: Rodinia Lithium Inc.
mailto:info@rodinialithium.com http://www.rodinialithium.com
