Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE) has been actively exploring its Maiden Ore Reserve at its flagship Kachi Lithium Brine Project, located in the Salta Province of Argentina. The Maiden Ore Reserve has been defined through multiple studies that incorporated data from several drill programs, which include geology, hydrogeology, and metallurgy.
The Maiden Ore Reserve estimate was completed in accordance with the JORC Ore Reserve Code. The results demonstrate two conformable lithium-bearing brine horizons, with an overall thickness of up to 18m in a basin measuring approximately 1.2km by 2.5km. Both horizons are mineralized with average Li20 grades of approximately 320mg/L and are partially combined with substantial mean chloride concentrations.
The total resource estimated is 28 million tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) containing 24.8 million tonnes Li20, making the Kachi Project one of largest lithium brine deposits on the planet. The Kachi Project has an average total dissolved solids (TDS) of only 1,143 ppm. Low-TDS brines are ideal feedstocks for direct extraction processes, as higher-TDS brines require more energy and processing time in order to produce a saleable product.
The extensive exploration and resource work completed at the Kachi Project positions Lake Resources well, not only as a significant lithium producer, but also as a major player in the lithium chemicals sector. It is expected that the Kachi Project will be a major source of battery grade lithium, that will power the energy storage revolution that is shifting society from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy.