CleanTech Lithium, (CTL,) a Chile-focused lithium explorer, has released an operational update on its hydrogeological work, marking a considerable move forward for the company and further solidifying its place in the wider lithium industry.
The company conducted fixed duration pump tests at Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin, yielding valuable data for their hydrogeological models. These tests provide insights into aquifer transmissivity, a crucial factor in determining bore field flow rates for brine extraction in commercial operations. The results confirm the previously projected bore field flow rates of 30L/s at Laguna Verde and indicate a promising flow rate of approximately 80L/s at Francisco Basin.
CleanTech Lithium is also set to begin a two-stage brine reinjection test at Laguna Verde, a first in Chile's lithium sector. Brine reinjection into aquifers is a key advantage to direct lithium extraction (DLE) operations and CleanTech Lithium is leading the sector in Chile with this test-work.
Aldo Boitano, chief executive officer, of CleanTech Lithium PLC, said: "I am delighted at the progress we are making on our extensive work programmes across our three different basins.
"The pump test results at Laguna Verde and especially at Francisco Basin surpassed expectations and with the commencement of the first-ever reinjection test in Chile just round the corner, this could be a game-changing moment for Chile´s lithium sector, a considerable move forward for the Company and the wider lithium industry to produce lithium with minimal environmental impact; what we refer to as 'green' lithium.”
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Another significant milestone hit for CleanTech, with the data from the pump tests providing key data and driving the brine-based resource projects toward the operating stage.
As the world shifts towards more sustainable energy sources, methods for efficient lithium extraction at a low environmental cost are becoming increasingly crucial part of the net zero transition. According to the World Bank, five times more lithium than is mined currently is going to be necessary to meet global climate targets by 2050.
To add to this, hard rock mining – where the mineral is extracted from open pit mines and then roasted using fossil fuels – leaves scars in the landscape, requires a large amount of water, and releases 15 tonnes of CO2 for every tonne of lithium. In contrast, green lithium mining is beneficial for the environment because it reduces carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy sources, conserves water by implementing efficient practices and recycling, while also preserving land through responsible management.
CleanTech said an update will be released shortly on the drill programme as it progresses at all three projects, including the laboratory assay results for the 2023 programme at Laguna Verde, so make sure to to not miss this update.