Mining Lithium

Galan has secured government approvals for the pilot plant at its Hombre Muerto West lithium project. Pic: Getty Images

Galan secures thumbs up for Hombre Muerto West pilot plant

Mining

48 minutes ago | Special Report

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Galan is poised to bring development of its Hombre Muerto West lithium brine project into its next phase with the award of essential government permits.

The permits from the Ministra – Ministerio de Mineria (Mine Minister) in Catamarca paves the way for the company to build the Stage 1 pilot plant and new camp accommodation at its project within Argentina’s Hombre Muerto West salt flat in the South American Lithium Triangle.

Galan Lithium (ASX:GLN) has also completed the first of its small-scale evaporation ponds at the project and is measuring evaporation rates, which are essential for the ongoing feasibility study.

“These permits were critical path items for the robustness of the HMW feasibility study and the pace at which it now moves forward,” managing director Juan Pablo Vargas de la Vega said.

“Galan wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the minister and the government for the grant of the permits in these trying times.

“Our company is entering an exciting new phase as we cement the development phase of our flagship project in Argentina.”

With the permits in place and the entire Galan project team now mobilised to Argentina, it will now expedite pilot plant and new camp construction activities.

Separately, the scoping study for the company’s Candelas lithium project is also progressing well with results expected to be finalised in the current quarter.

Hombre Muerto West

Hombre Muerto West currently hosts a resource of 2.3 million tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent at a grade of 946mg/l lithium.

A definitive feasibility study is also underway at the project, which is adjacent to ground held by Livent, one of the world’s largest lithium producers.