Comparison between North American DLE brine projects.
Standard Lithium (Smackover): Average grade: 437 mg/L Depth of drilling: 2.7 km Contamination: A study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found that including hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and oil residue contamination was relative to lithium concentration. The higher the grade the more the contamination. Rumored to account for 30% of the Opex and Capex to remove these contaminations. Flow rates: 23 brine supply wells is planned to produce from the Smackover Formation in the higher-grade South resource area. Each well is expected to average about 1,715 m³/day
EMP Metals (Saskatchewan): Average grade: 128 mg/L Depth of drilling: 1.8 km Contamination: No hydrogen sulfide or oil residue encountered Flow rates: ~2000 m3/day (stated by COO)
Prairie Lithium (Saskatchewan): Average grade: 104 mg/L Depth of drilling: 2.2 km Contamination: No hydrogen sulfide or oil residue encountered Flow rates: (Based on the measured pressure, measured transmissivity, and estimated storativity, the 02-15-002-12W2M Well is theoretically capable of being pumped at a rate of 4,100m3 /day over a 3-year period.)
Anson (Paradox, Utah) Average grade: 148 mg/L Depth of drilling: 2.3 km, Contamination: Not stated Flow rates:687 m³ highest stated flow rate of re-entered old well
Deliverability of lithium to surface is Grade x Flow rate. Standard has the highest, which can deliver 75% more lithium to the surface than Prairie, but in a higher contaminated form requiring significant Capex and Opex to remove.
If the theoretical flow rate can be achieved on all 3 production wells for Prairie that is already 2,484 tonnes per year of lithium to the surface in place.
The wells can deliver, but can Paul deliver?
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