TIDMCTL
RNS Number : 0712O
CleanTech Lithium PLC
29 September 2023
29 September 2023
CleanTech Lithium PLC ("CleanTech Lithium", "CTL" or the
"Company")
Update on Exploration Stage Projects
CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF), an
exploration and development company, advancing sustainable lithium
projects in Chile for the clean energy transition, announces an
update on activities at two exploration stage projects - sampling
results from the Llamara Project and commencement of initial
geophysics at a new exploration project in the Salar de Atacama
basin.
Llamara Highlights:
-- Llamara is a greenfield exploration project with a licence
area of 605km(2) located within a large basin in Northern Chile
-- The maiden drill programme aimed to test the lithium
prospectivity of two targets, firstly a subsurface brine aquifer
and secondly a surface evaporite mineral
-- Brine samples collected from the first well were depleted in
lithium while the first batch of surface samples recorded minor
lithium enrichment along with high grades of boron
-- A second batch of surface sample results are pending, and the
Company will then consider the next stage of exploration at the
project
Salar de Atacama Highlights:
-- Applications lodged and now registered for new licences
covering a total area of 377 km(2) in the Salar de Atacama basin,
the leading lithium production base in the world
-- A geophysics programme has commenced with the first completed
section identifying a subsurface brine aquifer target
-- Salar de Atacama is designated as a strategic salar by the
Chilean government - any commercial development will require a
joint venture with a state entity holding a majority (51%) stake,
which the Company views as suitable for such a strategically
important basin
-- Community engagement will also be crucial. CTL's focus on
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), which removes the need for
evaporation ponds, provides a compelling case for a new low impact
approach to lithium production in the Salar de Atacama basin
-- Whilst CTL's exploration stage projects provide upside, the
Company remains fully focused on the advanced Laguna Verde (PFS
underway) and Francisco Basin (Scoping Study completed)
projects
Commenting, Aldo Boitano, Chief Executive Officer, of CleanTech
Lithium PLC, said:
"While we continue to progress our key projects Laguna Verde and
Francisco Basin, exploration at additional prospects in Chile is
also advancing. At our Llamara project we are in the process of
receiving and evaluating the results, while initial geophysics
results from new licences applied for recently at the Salar de
Atacama basin are very positive. We will continue to update the
market on how we move forward with these projects ."
Further Information
Llamara Project Exploration Update
The Llamara Project is a greenfield exploration project where a
geophysics programme identified an interpreted subsurface brine
aquifer that has not previously been drilled for lithium. A
secondary target is a surface evaporite mineral that has been
mapped in the licence area and has been sampled in other areas of
the large Llamara basin and where sampling results indicated
lithium enrichment of interest. As a result, the Company undertook
an exploration programme at the project in recent months with two
objectives:
(i) Complete an exploration drill hole to intersect and sample
the interpreted brine aquifer
(ii) Complete a sediment sampling programme on the surface evaporite mineral
An initial exploration drill hole (LL01) intersected a gas
bearing interval requiring the hole to be shut-in, as reported to
the market on June 6, 2023. A second drill hole (LL02) was
completed to a depth of 550m. Brine was intersected at 395m and a
total of eight brine samples were collected from the start of the
aquifer to the bottom of the well. The samples were submitted for
analysis to ALS Chile with results showing low grades of
lithium.
Sediment samples collected from the LL02 drill core were also
analysed for lithium and showed a rising trend with depth, with the
final sample taken at approximately 545m depth recording the
highest value of 120ppm Lithium, indicating that there is an
increasing trend of lithium with depth and that the brine aquifer
below the 550m end of hole may have higher prospectivity.
Figure 1: Lithium Grade of Sediments Collected from LL02 Core
Samples
The sampling programme on the surface evaporite deposit was
completed with a total of 23 samples collected. There were two
geologically distinct types of samples collected, the first
characterised as loose sediment samples and the second being the
hard evaporite mineral. Laboratory analysis has been completed on
the loose sediment samples which showed minor lithium enrichment of
up to 106ppm Lithium, while high boron grades were notable with
three of the samples exceeding 20,000ppm Boron. Laboratory results
are pending for the hard evaporite mineral samples which in the
view of the Company's geology team, will be more prospective for
lithium. On receiving the final evaporite mineral sample results,
the Company will evaluate and consider the next steps.
Salar de Atacama Project - New Licence Applications and
Geophysics Update
From June to August 2023 the Company submitted applications over
areas in the Salar de Atacama basin as shown in Figure 2. The
applications, covering a total area of 377 km(2) , have now been
registered on the Chilean Mining Register and it is expected these
licences will be granted in the next few months. Salar de Atacama
is the largest lithium production base in the world where the two
leading producers of battery grade lithium, SQM and Albemarle, have
extensive licence positions. Several of CTL's application blocks
are adjacent to SQM's licences. Information derived from publicly
available Environmental Studies, conducted by SQM and other
organizations suggests that the lithium-rich brine deposits extend
beyond the core salar region inside the basin. This underscores the
promising potential for CTL's applications in these areas of
significant prospective lithium reserves. A geophysics programme
comprising both Transient Electro Magnetic (TEM) and
Magnetotellurics (MT) lines has commenced with the planned lines
shown in Figure 3. MT allows for the depth profile to extend to
1000m.
Figure 2: CTL Licence Applications Figure 3: Planned Geophysics
Lines
The geophysics contractor recently completed a section of seven
stations spaced 200m apart on the first west-east transect located
on the southern licence block. The resistivity profile based on the
completed section extends to 1,200m in depth, as shown in Figure 4.
The profile shows a low resistivity anomaly starting from a depth
of 400m with an approximate thickness of 200m which deepens to the
south-east. This is interpreted to be a sub-surface hypersaline
aquifer which provides a target for further exploration
evaluation.
Figure 4: MT-TEM Resistivity Profile Salar de Atacama South
Block
The Salar de Atacama is by far the largest lithium production
base in the world producing approximately 25% of the world's
battery grade lithium. Unlike CleanTech Lithium's Laguna Verde and
Francisco Basin projects, under Chile's National Lithium strategy,
Salar de Atacama has been designated a strategic asset which means
any commercial development will require a joint venture with a
state entity holding a majority (51%) stake. The Company welcomes
this framework for any potential development in such a
strategically important site.
In addition, indigenous and local communities live within the
Salar de Atacama basin and have a strong voice on lithium
developments. The Company will follow its established policy of
early community engagement before undertaking any ground
disturbance exploration activities. Furthermore, CTL's focus on
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) provides a compelling case for a
new low impact approach to lithium production in the Salar de
Atacama basin.
Existing producers pump brine from the upper 50m of the salar
sub-surface and use evaporation ponds to concentrate the brine,
resulting in a large volume of water being lost to the atmosphere
which depletes the shallow aquifers that are also used by local
communities. Exploration and any potential development activities
by CleanTech Lithium will focus on the deeper aquifer outside the
salar margin and on introducing a new model for sustainable lithium
extraction in the basin, utilising DLE technology where the spent
brine is reinjected into the basin aquifers minimising aquifer
depletion.
Competent Person
The information in this release relates to drilling results,
geology, brine assays reports and sediment sampling are based on
information compiled by Christian Gert Feddersen Welkner, who is an
independent Qualified Person to the Company and is a Member of
Comision Calificadora de Competencias en Recursos y Reservas
Mineras Chile that is a 'Recognised Professional Organisation'
(RPO). Mr Feddersen has sufficient experience that is relevant to
the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration
and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent
Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for
Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore
Reserves'. Mr Feddersen consents to the inclusion in the press
release of the matters based on his information in the form and
context in which it appears.
Llamara - JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1 report template
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Sampling
techniques * Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, * Subsurface brine samples were collected using a
random chips, or specific specialised industry specialized packer sampling technique. A packer bit
standard measurement tools appropriate to the tool supplied by the drilling company Big Bear was
minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma utilized. Following the sealing of the sampling
sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These support, a thorough purging procedure was executed
examples should not be taken as limiting the broad until no traces of drilling mud were discernible.
meaning of sampling. Subsequently, a thirty-minute waiting period was
observed to facilitate the ingress of brine into the
drilling rods through the slots in the packer tool,
* Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample enabling to proceed with the sampling process using a
representivity and the appropriate calibration of any double valve bailer.
measurement tools or systems used.
* Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that * Successive one-liter samples were collected, with a
are Material to the Public Report. half-hour interval between each, using a double valve
bailer made of steel. For each sample, Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS) using a Hanna Multiparameter
* In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done model HI98192 based on conductivity were measured.
this would be relatively simple (eg 'reverse The final two samples that exhibited consistent and
circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples stable TDS values were designated as the Original and
from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g Reject samples, signifying their non-contaminated
charge for fire assay'). In other cases more status.
explanation may be required, such as where there is
coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems.
Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg * Packer samples were obtained every 27 m support in
submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed general due the tools movement involved to take every
information. sample.
* For all samples, the materials and sampling bottles
were first flushed with 100 cc of brine water before
receiving the final sample
* Two Packer samples were obtained in well LL01 and
eight, in well LL02.
* Ten selected 500 grams entire core pieces were
selected from LL02 drillhole for laboratory analysis.
* 1 km X 1 km surface soil samples between 2 to 3
kilograms were obtained from Llamara south tenements
for analysis
Drilling
techniques * Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole * On both wells LL01 and LL02, diamond drilling with
hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) PQ3 diameter down to 197.7 m and 149 m respectively.
and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard Below that depth the drilling diameter was reduced to
tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or HQ3 to the end of hole.
other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by
what method, etc).
* In both diameters, a triple tube was used for the
core recovery.
* Packer bit provided by Big Bear was used to obtain
brine samples.
Drill sample
recovery * Method of recording and assessing core and chip * Diamond Core recovery were assured by direct
sample recoveries and results assessed. supervision and continuous geotechnical logging done
by ROKO geological consultants
* Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure
representative nature of the samples.
* Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery
and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred
due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse
material.
Logging
* Whether core and chip samples have been geologically * Continue geological and geotechnical logging took
and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to place during drilling done by ROKO geological
support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, consultants
mining studies and metallurgical studies.
* For the sub surface brine packer samples
* Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in conductivity-based TDS, Temperature degC and pH
nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. parameters were measured during the sampling
* The total length and percentage of the relevant
intersections logged.
Sub-sampling
techniques * If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, * During LL02 brine samples batch preparation process,
and sample half or all core taken. the samples were transferred to new sampling bottles.
preparation Standard (internal standard composed by known stable
brine), Duplicates and Blank samples (distilled
* If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary water) were randomly included in the batch in the
split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. rate of one every ten original samples. After check
samples insertion, all samples were re-numbered
before submitted to laboratory. Before transferring
* For all sample types, the nature, quality and each sample, the materials used for the transfer were
appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. flushed with distilled water and then shacked to
remove water excess avoiding contamination.
* Quality control procedures adopted for all
sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of
samples.
* Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is
representative of the in situ material collected,
including for instance results for field
duplicate/second-half sampling.
* Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain
size of the material being sampled.
Quality
of assay * The nature, quality and appropriateness of the * Brine samples were assayed on ALS Life Science Chile
data and assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether laboratory by the following analysis:
laboratory the technique is considered partial or total.
tests
* Total Metals Full Elemental Swift analysis method
* For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF using ICP-OES, described on QWI-IO-ICP-OES- 01
instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining Edisión A, Modification 0 EPA 3005A; EPA 200.2
the analysis including instrument make and model,
reading times, calibrations factors applied and their
derivation, etc. * Alkalinity by method described in QWI-IO-ALC-01
Emisión B mod. 4
* Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg
standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory * Anions by crotomography by method described in
checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie QWI-IO-ANA-01 Emisión B, mod. 7 QWI-IO-EXT-01
lack of bias) and precision have been established. Emisión B, mod. 3 Density by method described on
QWI-IO-Density-02 (Issue A Modification 1).
* Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) with method described in
QWI-IO-SDT-01 Emisión B mod. 5
* Sulfate according method described on 4500-SO42-.
* Duplicates were obtained randomly during the brine
sampling. Also, Blanks (distilled water) and
Standards were randomly inserted during the
laboratory batch preparation on LL02 well samples.
* Standards were internally prepared on the
Copiapó warehouse installations, using 200
liters of brine obtained from well LV02 during the
development process. Standard nominal Lithium grade
was calculated in a round robin process that include
04 laboratories (Ch. Feddersen Standards preparation,
statistical analysis, nominal valuation &
laboratories analysis, February 2023)
* Core samples were assayed on AGS laboratory in
Coquimbo by Fusion ICP-OES method
* Soil samples were assayed on ALS laboratory by Soil
ICP-MS method
Verification
of sampling * The verification of significant intersections by * Brine, core and soil samples batches were prepared by
and assaying either independent or alternative company personnel. ROKO consultant personnel according the Competent
Person instructions.
* The use of twinned holes.
* Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures,
data verification, data storage (physical and
electronic) protocols.
* Discuss any adjustment to assay data.
Location
of data * Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill * Surface samples coordinates were captured with
points holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine non-differential hand held GPS
workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource
estimation.
* Drillhole collars were captured with non-differential
hand held GPS. Position was verified by the mining
* Specification of the grid system used. concessions field markings. Total station topographic
capture of the drillhole collars is pending
* Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
* The coordinate system is UTM, Datum WGS84 Zone 19K
Data spacing
and * Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. * Packer brine samples were taken in general every 27 m
distribution
* Whether the data spacing and distribution is * Surface soil samples were obtained in a 1 km X 1 km
sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grid
grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource
and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and
classifications applied. * The author believes that the data spacing and
distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of
geological and grade continuity appropriate to report
* Whether sample compositing has been applied. Exploration Results
Orientation
of data * Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased * The drilling orientation and surface sampling is
in relation sampling of possible structures and the extent to direct
to which this is known, considering the deposit type.
geological
structure
* If the relationship between the drilling orientation
and the orientation of key mineralised structures is
considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this
should be assessed and reported if material.
Sample
security * The measures taken to ensure sample security. * All brine samples were marked and keep on site before
transporting them to Copiapó city warehouse
* The brine water samples were transported without any
perturbation directly to a warehouse in Copiapó
city, were laboratory samples batch was prepared and
stored in sealed plastic boxes, then sent via currier
to ALS laboratory in Santiago. All the process was
made under the Competent Person instructions.
* ALS personnel report that the samples were received
without any problem or disturbance
Audits
or reviews * The results of any audits or reviews of sampling * The assay data was verified by the Competent Person
techniques and data. against the assay certificate.
* No audits has been done in Llamara
============= ============================================================ ================================================================
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this
section.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Mineral
tenement * Type, reference name/number, location and ownership * CleanTech Lithium holds in Llamara 60,500 hectares of
and land including agreements or material issues with third Exploration Mining Concessions were the company have
tenure status parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, preferential rights over 58,335 hectares.
overriding royalties, native title interests,
historical sites, wilderness or national park and
environmental settings. * All prohibition certificates in favour of CLS Chile
SpA The Competent Person relies in the Mining Expert
Surveyor Mr, Juan Bedmar.
* The security of the tenure held at the time of
reporting along with any known impediments to
obtaining a licence to operate in the area. * All concession acquisition costs and taxes have been
fully paid and that there are no claims or liens
against them
* There are no known impediments to obtain the licence
to operate in the area
Exploration
done by * Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other * Exploration works has been done by several parties on
other parties parties. clay lithium potential.
Geology
* Deposit type, geological setting and style of * Llamara corresponds a salar and paleo salar with
mineralisation. Lithium in brine potential and Lithium potential in
clay beds and surface saline deposits
Drill hole
Information * A summary of all information material to the * The following drillhole coordinates are in WGS84 zone
understanding of the exploration results including a 19 K Datum
tabulation of the following information for all
Material drill holes:
* LL01 E467,000 N7,617,000 ELEV 1,134 m a.s.l. Azimuth
0deg, dip -90deg, Length 293 m
o easting and northing
of the drill hole collar
o elevation or RL (Reduced * LL02 E461,000 N7,617,000 ELEV 1,065 m a.s.l. Azimuth
Level - elevation above 0deg, dip -90deg, Length 550 m
sea level in metres)
of the drill hole collar
o dip and azimuth of
the hole
o down hole length and
interception depth
o hole length.
* If the exclusion of this information is justified on
the basis that the information is not Material and
this exclusion does not detract from the
understanding of the report, the Competent Person
should clearly explain why this is the case.
Data
aggregation * In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging * Not applied at this exploration level
methods techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations
(eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are
usually Material and should be stated.
* Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths
of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade
results, the procedure used for such aggregation
should be stated and some typical examples of such
aggregations should be shown in detail.
* The assumptions used for any reporting of metal
equivalent values should be clearly stated.
Relationship
between * These relationships are particularly important in the * The relationship between aquifer widths and intercept
mineralisation reporting of Exploration Results. lengths are direct
widths and
intercept
lengths * If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to
the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be
reported.
* If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are
reported, there should be a clear statement to this
effect (eg 'down hole length, true width not known').
Diagrams * Addressed in the report
* Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and
tabulations of intercepts should be included for any
significant discovery being reported These should
include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill
hole collar locations and appropriate sectional
views.
Balanced * All results have been included.
reporting * Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration
Results is not practicable, representative reporting
of both low and high grades and/or widths should be
practiced to avoid misleading reporting of
Exploration Results.
Other
substantive * Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, * Natural gas reservoir was intercepted with LL01
exploration should be reported including (but not limited to): drillhole at 293 m. This situation doesn't permit the
data geological observations; geophysical survey results; further drilling on this position due safety
geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and considerations. Natural gas potential should be
method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk studied in the future.
density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock
characteristics; potential deleterious or
contaminating substances.
Further
work * The nature and scale of planned further work (eg * Make a Magneto Telluric geophysical survey to study
tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or the brine potential in high depth in the tenements
large-scale step-out drilling). area. Depending on the results consider to drill a
deep exploration drillhole.
* Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible
extensions, including the main geological
interpretations and future drilling areas, provided
this information is not commercially sensitive.
=============== =============================================================== ======================================================================
Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources
(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2,
also apply to this section.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Database
integrity * Measures taken to ensure that data has not been * Cross-check of laboratory assay reports and Database
corrupted by, for example, transcription or keying
errors, between its initial collection and its use
for Mineral Resource estimation purposes. * All databases were built from original data by the
Competent Person
* Data validation procedures used.
Site visits
* Comment on any site visits undertaken by the * A site visit was undertaken by the Competent
Competent Person and the outcome of those visits.
Person in several times on January,
* If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why April and May, 2023. The outcome
this is the case. of the visits were the drillholes
organization and installation, Roko
geological personnel Packer sampling
protocol training and drilling &
sampling supervision.
Geological
interpretation * Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of ) * For the Sub-Surface Resource, the geological
the geological interpretation of the mineral deposit. interpretation was made based on the public DGA
seismic geophysics and ENAMI Hylarico01 drillhole.
* Nature of the data used and of any assumptions made.
* Drillholes confirm the geological interpretations
* The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations on
Mineral Resource estimation.
* The use of geology in guiding and controlling Mineral
Resource estimation.
* The factors affecting continuity both of grade and
geology.
Dimensions * Not applied for Exploration Results
* The extent and variability of the Mineral Resource
expressed as length (along strike or otherwise), plan
width, and depth below surface to the upper and lower
limits of the Mineral Resource.
Estimation * The nature and appropriateness of the estimation * Not applied for Exploration Results
and modelling technique(s) applied and key assumptions, including
techniques treatment of extreme grade values, domaining,
interpolation parameters and maximum distance of
extrapolation from data points. If a computer
assisted estimation method was chosen include a
description of computer software and parameters used.
* The availability of check estimates, previous
estimates and/or mine production records and whether
the Mineral Resource estimate takes appropriate
account of such data.
* The assumptions made regarding recovery of
by-products.
* Estimation of deleterious elements or other non-grade
variables of economic significance (eg sulphur for
acid mine drainage characterisation).
* In the case of block model interpolation, the block
size in relation to the average sample spacing and
the search employed.
* Any assumptions behind modelling of selective mining
units.
* Any assumptions about correlation between variables.
* Description of how the geological interpretation was
used to control the resource estimates.
* Discussion of basis for using or not using grade
cutting or capping.
* The process of validation, the checking process used,
the comparison of model data to drill hole data, and
use of reconciliation data if available.
Moisture * Not applicable for brine resources
* Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or
with natural moisture, and the method of
determination of the moisture content.
Cut-off * No cut-off grade was applied
parameters * The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality
parameters applied.
Mining * Not applied for Exploration Results
factors * Assumptions made regarding possible mining methods,
or assumptions minimum mining dimensions and internal (or, if
applicable, external) mining dilution. It is always
necessary as part of the process of determining
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction
to consider potential mining methods, but the
assumptions made regarding mining methods and
parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not
always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this
should be reported with an explanation of the basis
of the mining assumptions made.
Metallurgical
factors * The basis for assumptions or predictions regarding * Not applied for Exploration Results
or assumptions metallurgical amenability. It is always necessary as
part of the process of determining reasonable
prospects for eventual economic extraction to
consider potential metallurgical methods, but the
assumptions regarding metallurgical treatment
processes and parameters made when reporting Mineral
Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is
the case, this should be reported with an explanation
of the basis of the metallurgical assumptions made.
Environmen-tal
factors * Assumptions made regarding possible waste and process * The main environmental impacts expected is the main
or assumptions residue disposal options. It is always necessary as plant installations, the surface disturbance
part of the process of determining reasonable associated with production wells and brine mixing
prospects for eventual economic extraction to ponds. These impacts are not expected to prevent
consider the potential environmental impacts of the project development
mining and processing operation. While at this stage
the determination of potential environmental impacts,
particularly for a greenfields project, may not
always be well advanced, the status of early
consideration of these potential environmental
impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have
not been considered this should be reported with an
explanation of the environmental assumptions made.
Bulk density
* Whether assumed or determined. If assumed, the basis * Not applied for Exploration Results.
for the assumptions. If determined, the method used,
whether wet or dry, the frequency of the measurements,
the nature, size and representativeness of the
samples.
* The bulk density for bulk material must have been
measured by methods that adequately account for void
spaces (vugs, porosity, etc), moisture and
differences between rock and alteration zones within
the deposit.
* Discuss assumptions for bulk density estimates used
in the evaluation process of the different materials.
Classification * Not applied for Exploration Results
* The basis for the classification of the Mineral
Resources into varying confidence categories.
* Whether appropriate account has been taken of all
relevant factors (ie relative confidence in
tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data,
confidence in continuity of geology and metal values,
quality, quantity and distribution of the data).
* Whether the result appropriately reflects the
Competent Person's view of the deposit.
Audits
or reviews * The results of any audits or reviews of Mineral * No audits or reviews has been taken
Resource estimates.
Discussion * Not applied for Exploration Results
of relative * Where appropriate a statement of the relative
accuracy/ accuracy and confidence level in the Mineral Resource
confidence estimate using an approach or procedure deemed
appropriate by the Competent Person. For example, the
application of statistical or geostatistical
procedures to quantify the relative accuracy of the
resource within stated confidence limits, or, if such
an approach is not deemed appropriate, a qualitative
discussion of the factors that could affect the
relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate.
* The statement should specify whether it relates to
global or local estimates, and, if local, state the
relevant tonnages, which should be relevant to
technical and economic evaluation. Documentation
should include assumptions made and the procedures
used.
* These statements of relative accuracy and confidence
of the estimate should be compared with production
data, where available.
=============== ================================================================ ============================================================
Salar de Atacama - JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1 report
template
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Sampling
techniques * Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, * No sampling has been executed in the tenements
random chips, or specific specialised industry
standard measurement tools appropriate to the
minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma
sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These
examples should not be taken as limiting the broad
meaning of sampling.
* Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample
representivity and the appropriate calibration of any
measurement tools or systems used.
* Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that
are Material to the Public Report.
* In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done
this would be relatively simple (eg 'reverse
circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples
from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g
charge for fire assay'). In other cases more
explanation may be required, such as where there is
coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems.
Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg
submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed
information.
Drilling
techniques * Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole * No drilling has been executed in the tenements
hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc)
and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard
tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or
other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by
what method, etc).
Drill sample
recovery * Method of recording and assessing core and chip * No drilling has been executed in the tenements
sample recoveries and results assessed.
* Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure
representative nature of the samples.
* Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery
and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred
due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse
material.
Logging
* Whether core and chip samples have been geologically * No drilling or sampling has been executed in the
and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to tenements
support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation,
mining studies and metallurgical studies.
* Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in
nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography.
* The total length and percentage of the relevant
intersections logged.
Sub-sampling
techniques * If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, * No sampling has been executed in the tenements
and sample half or all core taken.
preparation
* If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary
split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry.
* For all sample types, the nature, quality and
appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.
* Quality control procedures adopted for all
sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of
samples.
* Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is
representative of the in situ material collected,
including for instance results for field
duplicate/second-half sampling.
* Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain
size of the material being sampled.
Quality
of assay * The nature, quality and appropriateness of the * No sampling has been executed in the tenements
data and assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether
laboratory the technique is considered partial or total.
tests * For the TEM Geophysical survey a Zonge Engineering
and Research Organization, USA equipment was used,
* For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF composed by a multipurpose digital receiver model
instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining GDP-32 and a transmitter TEM model ZT-30, with
the analysis including instrument make and model, batteries as power source.
reading times, calibrations factors applied and their
derivation, etc.
* For the Magneto Telluric geophysical survey a Zonge
Engineering and Research Organization, USA equipment
* Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg was used, composed by a eight channel receptor model
standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory GDP-32 II, a magnetic sensor model MT ANT/4 and a
checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie second magnetic sensor model MT ANT/6.
lack of bias) and precision have been established.
* Stations coordinates are been captured with
non-differential hand held GPS
Verification
of sampling * The verification of significant intersections by * No sampling has been executed in the tenements
and assaying either independent or alternative company personnel.
* The use of twinned holes.
* Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures,
data verification, data storage (physical and
electronic) protocols.
* Discuss any adjustment to assay data.
Location
of data * Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill * No drilling or sampling has been executed in the
points holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine tenements
workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource
estimation.
* For the TEM geophysical survey 20 stations with a 1
km to 1.5 km separation are planned as complement of
* Specification of the grid system used. the Magneto Telluric survey. This work is actually
ongoing on the south-west and the eastern tenements
near the Peine locality
* Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
* For the Magneto Telluric geophysical survey, 131
stations with a 200 m separation are planned with the
purpose to reach 800 m depth. This work is actually
ongoing on the south-west and the eastern tenements
near the Peine locality
* Stations coordinates are been captured with
non-differential hand held GPS
* The coordinate system is UTM, Datum WGS84 Zone 19K
Data spacing
and * Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. * No sampling has been executed in the tenements
distribution
* Whether the data spacing and distribution is
sufficient to establish the degree of geological and
grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource
and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and
classifications applied.
* Whether sample compositing has been applied.
Orientation
of data * Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased * No drilling or sampling has been executed in the
in relation sampling of possible structures and the extent to tenements
to which this is known, considering the deposit type.
geological
structure
* If the relationship between the drilling orientation
and the orientation of key mineralised structures is
considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this
should be assessed and reported if material.
Sample
security * The measures taken to ensure sample security. * No sampling has been executed in the tenements
Audits
or reviews * The results of any audits or reviews of sampling * No sampling has been executed in the tenements
techniques and data.
============= ============================================================ ============================================================
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this
section.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Mineral
tenement * Type, reference name/number, location and ownership * CleanTech Lithium holds in Salar de Atacama 26,600
and land including agreements or material issues with third hectares of Exploration Mining applications in favour
tenure status parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, of CLS Chile SpA.
overriding royalties, native title interests,
historical sites, wilderness or national park and
environmental settings. * All concession acquisition costs and taxes have been
fully paid and that there are no claims or liens
against them
* The security of the tenure held at the time of
reporting along with any known impediments to
obtaining a licence to operate in the area. * There are no known impediments to obtain the licence
to operate in the area
* The Competent Person relies in the Mining Expert
Surveyor Mr, Juan Bedmar.
Exploration
done by * Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other * Extensive Lithium exploration and exploitation
other parties parties. activities has been executed, mainly by Sociedad
Química y Minera Chile S.A. (SQM) and Albemarle
Geology
* Deposit type, geological setting and style of * CLS's tenements in Salar de Atacama corresponds to
mineralisation. marginal facies of a Mature Halite Salar (Huston et.
al., 2011)
Drill hole
Information * A summary of all information material to the * No drilling or has been executed in the tenements
understanding of the exploration results including a
tabulation of the following information for all
Material drill holes:
o easting and northing
of the drill hole collar
o elevation or RL (Reduced
Level - elevation above
sea level in metres)
of the drill hole collar
o dip and azimuth of
the hole
o down hole length and
interception depth
o hole length.
* If the exclusion of this information is justified on
the basis that the information is not Material and
this exclusion does not detract from the
understanding of the report, the Competent Person
should clearly explain why this is the case.
Data
aggregation * In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging * Not applied at this exploration level
methods techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations
(eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are
usually Material and should be stated.
* Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths
of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade
results, the procedure used for such aggregation
should be stated and some typical examples of such
aggregations should be shown in detail.
* The assumptions used for any reporting of metal
equivalent values should be clearly stated.
Relationship
between * These relationships are particularly important in the * No drilling or sampling has been executed in the
mineralisation reporting of Exploration Results. tenements
widths and
intercept
lengths * If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to
the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be
reported.
* If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are
reported, there should be a clear statement to this
effect (eg 'down hole length, true width not known').
Diagrams * Addressed in the report
* Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and
tabulations of intercepts should be included for any
significant discovery being reported These should
include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill
hole collar locations and appropriate sectional
views.
Balanced * All results have been included.
reporting * Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration
Results is not practicable, representative reporting
of both low and high grades and/or widths should be
practiced to avoid misleading reporting of
Exploration Results.
Other Other exploration data, * None
substantive if meaningful and material,
exploration should be reported including
data (but not limited to):
geological observations;
geophysical survey results;
geochemical survey results;
bulk samples - size
and method of treatment;
metallurgical test results;
bulk density, groundwater,
geotechnical and rock
characteristics; potential
deleterious or contaminating
substances.
Further
work * The nature and scale of planned further work (eg * Complete the TEM and Magneto Telluric geophysical
tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or survey in the tenements. Depending on the results
large-scale step-out drilling). consider to drill exploration drillholes.
* Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible
extensions, including the main geological
interpretations and future drilling areas, provided
this information is not commercially sensitive.
=============== =============================================================== ===================================================================
Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources
(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2,
also apply to this section.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Database
integrity * Measures taken to ensure that data has not been * No drilling or sampling has been executed in the
corrupted by, for example, transcription or keying tenements
errors, between its initial collection and its use
for Mineral Resource estimation purposes.
* Data validation procedures used.
Site visits
* Comment on any site visits undertaken by the * No visits have been done recently by the Competent
Competent Person and the outcome of those visits. Person under CTL's consultancy
* If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why * The Competent Person has visited and knows very well
this is the case. the area under consulting for other parties
Geological
interpretation * Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of) the * No geological interpretation further the general
geological interpretation of the mineral deposit. mineralization type classification has been done in
the tenements
* Nature of the data used and of any assumptions made.
* The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations on
Mineral Resource estimation.
* The use of geology in guiding and controlling Mineral
Resource estimation.
* The factors affecting continuity both of grade and
geology.
Dimensions * Not applied for Exploration Results
* The extent and variability of the Mineral Resource
expressed as length (along strike or otherwise), plan
width, and depth below surface to the upper and lower
limits of the Mineral Resource.
Estimation * The nature and appropriateness of the estimation * Not applied for Exploration Results
and modelling technique(s) applied and key assumptions, including
techniques treatment of extreme grade values, domaining,
interpolation parameters and maximum distance of
extrapolation from data points. If a computer
assisted estimation method was chosen include a
description of computer software and parameters used.
* The availability of check estimates, previous
estimates and/or mine production records and whether
the Mineral Resource estimate takes appropriate
account of such data.
* The assumptions made regarding recovery of
by-products.
* Estimation of deleterious elements or other non-grade
variables of economic significance (eg sulphur for
acid mine drainage characterisation).
* In the case of block model interpolation, the block
size in relation to the average sample spacing and
the search employed.
* Any assumptions behind modelling of selective mining
units.
* Any assumptions about correlation between variables.
* Description of how the geological interpretation was
used to control the resource estimates.
* Discussion of basis for using or not using grade
cutting or capping.
* The process of validation, the checking process used,
the comparison of model data to drill hole data, and
use of reconciliation data if available.
Moisture * Not applicable for brine resources
* Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or
with natural moisture, and the method of
determination of the moisture content.
Cut-off
parameters * The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality * No drilling or sampling has been executed in the
parameters applied. tenements
Mining * Not applied for Exploration Results
factors * Assumptions made regarding possible mining methods,
or assumptions minimum mining dimensions and internal (or, if
applicable, external) mining dilution. It is always
necessary as part of the process of determining
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction
to consider potential mining methods, but the
assumptions made regarding mining methods and
parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not
always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this
should be reported with an explanation of the basis
of the mining assumptions made.
Metallurgical
factors * The basis for assumptions or predictions regarding * Not applied for Exploration Results
or assumptions metallurgical amenability. It is always necessary as
part of the process of determining reasonable
prospects for eventual economic extraction to
consider potential metallurgical methods, but the
assumptions regarding metallurgical treatment
processes and parameters made when reporting Mineral
Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is
the case, this should be reported with an explanation
of the basis of the metallurgical assumptions made.
Environmen-tal
factors * Assumptions made regarding possible waste and process * The main environmental impacts expected is the main
or assumptions residue disposal options. It is always necessary as plant installations, the surface disturbance
part of the process of determining reasonable associated with production wells and brine mixing
prospects for eventual economic extraction to ponds. These impacts are not expected to prevent
consider the potential environmental impacts of the project development
mining and processing operation. While at this stage
the determination of potential environmental impacts,
particularly for a greenfields project, may not
always be well advanced, the status of early
consideration of these potential environmental
impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have
not been considered this should be reported with an
explanation of the environmental assumptions made.
Bulk density
* Whether assumed or determined. If assumed, the basis * Not applied for Exploration Results.
for the assumptions. If determined, the method used,
whether wet or dry, the frequency of the measurements,
the nature, size and representativeness of the
samples.
* The bulk density for bulk material must have been
measured by methods that adequately account for void
spaces (vugs, porosity, etc), moisture and
differences between rock and alteration zones within
the deposit.
* Discuss assumptions for bulk density estimates used
in the evaluation process of the different materials.
Classification * Not applied for Exploration Results
* The basis for the classification of the Mineral
Resources into varying confidence categories.
* Whether appropriate account has been taken of all
relevant factors (ie relative confidence in
tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data,
confidence in continuity of geology and metal values,
quality, quantity and distribution of the data).
* Whether the result appropriately reflects the
Competent Person's view of the deposit.
Audits
or reviews * The results of any audits or reviews of Mineral * No audits or reviews has been taken
Resource estimates.
Discussion * Not applied for Exploration Results
of relative * Where appropriate a statement of the relative
accuracy/ accuracy and confidence level in the Mineral Resource
confidence estimate using an approach or procedure deemed
appropriate by the Competent Person. For example, the
application of statistical or geostatistical
procedures to quantify the relative accuracy of the
resource within stated confidence limits, or, if such
an approach is not deemed appropriate, a qualitative
discussion of the factors that could affect the
relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate.
* The statement should specify whether it relates to
global or local estimates, and, if local, state the
relevant tonnages, which should be relevant to
technical and economic evaluation. Documentation
should include assumptions made and the procedures
used.
* These statements of relative accuracy and confidence
of the estimate should be compared with production
data, where available.
=============== ================================================================ ==============================================================
For further information contact:
CleanTech Lithium PLC
Aldo Boitano/Gordon Stein Jersey office: +44 (0)
1534 668 321
Chile office: +562-32239222
Or via Celicourt
Celicourt Communications +44 (0) 20 7770 6424
Felicity Winkles/Philip Dennis/Ali cleantech@celicourt.uk
AlQahtani
Dr. Reuter Investor Relations +49 69 1532 5857
Dr. Eva Reuter
Porter Novelli - Chile +569 95348744
Ernesto Escobar Ernesto @publicoporternovelli.cl
Harbor Access - North America +1 475 477 9401
Jonathan Paterson/Lisa Micali
Beaumont Cornish Limited +44 (0) 207 628 3396
(Nominated Adviser)
Roland Cornish/Asia Szusciak
Fox-Davies Capital Limited
(Joint Broker) +44 20 3884 8450
Daniel Fox-Davies daniel@fox-davies.com
Canaccord Genuity Limited +44 (0) 207 523 4680
(Joint Broker)
James Asensio
Gordon Hamilton
Notes
About CleanTech Lithium
CleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF) is an
exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium
projects in Chile for the clean energy transition. Committed to
net-zero, CleanTech Lithium's mission is to produce material
quantities of battery grade using sustainable Direct Lithium
Extraction technology, powered by renewable energy, the Company
plan to be the leading supplier of 'green' lithium to the EV and
battery manufacturing market.
CleanTech Lithium has four lithium projects - Laguna Verde,
Francisco Basin, Llamara and Salar de Atacama - located in the
lithium triangle, the world's centre for battery grade lithium
production. The two major projects: Laguna Verde and Francisco
Basin are situated within basins controlled by the Company, which
affords significant potential development and operational
advantages. All four projects have direct access to existing
infrastructure and renewable power.
CleanTech Lithium is committed to using renewable power for
processing and reducing the environmental impact of its lithium
production by utilising Direct Lithium Extraction. Direct Lithium
Extraction is a transformative technology which removes lithium
from brine, with higher recoveries and purities. The method offers
short development lead times, low upfront capex, with no extensive
site construction and no evaporation pond development so there is
no water depletion from the aquifer. www.ctlithium.com
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