Oct 23 (Reuters) - Australian gold explorer Calidus Resources...

Oct 23 (Reuters) - Australian gold explorer Calidus Resources (CAI) said on Monday Chilean lithium miner SQM SQMA.SN will buy a 30% stake in a lithium project in the Pilbara region from its joint venture partner Haoma Mining.

SQM will ultimately take its interest in Pirra Lithium Limited to 40% by injecting A$3 million ($1.90 million) to fund exploration, Calidus said.

Calidus, which owned Pirra equally with Haoma, will ultimately retain 40% ownership in the project by injecting A$2 million to fund exploration.

($1 = 1.5828 Australian dollars)