Ann: OUTSTANDING METALLURGICAL RESULTS FOR BIG SANDY LITHIUM, page-75

In my view @lifefree, Americans are more squeamish about mining and chemical processing than Australians and getting the drilling approved is a more complex issue in the US than it otherwise would be in outback Australia. But I still expect the proposed program of work to be approved.

I agree with you that water is the big sleeper issue that isn't really discussed much on these boards. From a recent announcement by the company my understanding is that AZL has acquired surface water rights. I don't know if these rights are Statutory Rights or Common Law Rights. And the difference is important. The latter is more likely, but I don't know for sure. Trying to read between the lines. Common law rights means AZL must apply water to beneficially use the water rights purchased and this includes mining and industrial processing of mining chemicals including lithium ores. If AZL doesn't do this it risks forfeiture of the rights (which occurs if water is not applied to beneficial use for five or more consecutive years). Common law rights allows for transfer of surface water rights from one holder to another -- which is how AZL has or will acquire the water rights, that is buy them on market. Statutory rights are much more complex and typically reserved for larger public purposes, such as for domestic use for a community or town use. All in my opinion and please DYOR.