Extensive Brines in Sand Rich Layers Intersected at International Lithium's Mariana Lithium-Potash Brine Project, Argentina
February 08 2012 - 6:01PM
PR Newswire (Canada)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - International
Lithium Corp. ("ILC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the
successful completion of the Phase 1 resource delineation reverse
circulation drill program at the Company's 100% Mariana
lithium-potash brine project in the province of Salta, northwestern
Argentina.
http://www.pitchengine.com/Brand/PreviewPitch?brandid=e9405d8c-816e-4c27-b7ee-c08bc7e5e88b&pitchid=aedbcfdb-1cf9-4c27-897f-b3a92ad19b8c
Key Highlights: -- Phase 1 resource delineation drilling completed
at the Mariana lithium-potash brine project; -- Extensive, brine
hosting sand rich layers intersected below halite horizon; -- Brine
flow measurements recorded during drilling increased markedly below
halite horizon; -- Brine densities ranging from 1,190 to 1,298 g/L
reflect persistent, significant salt content; and -- Analytical
results pending. "We are very encouraged by the granular
stratigraphic units intersected, which in conjunction with the
brine density measurements and flow observations, indicate the
potential for a significant brine aquifer at the Mariana
lithium-potash project," states Mike Sieb, President of the
Company. Mariana Drill Program The Company has successfully
completed reverse circulation drilling on the Phase 1 Resource
Delineation program at the Company's 100% Mariana lithium-potash
brine project. Four (4) widely spaced drill holes (totaling 444
metres), were positioned approximately 5 km apart to characterize
the subsurface strata and brine across several previously
identified geological and geochemical domains within the 10 x 15 km
salar (salt lake) basin. In addition, the objective was to add to
the geological model of the salar and determine the aquifer
potential of the stratigraphy encountered. As expected, the upper
stratigraphic interval was primarily halite varying in depth from
18 to 32 metres in the peripheral areas (hole MA12-04 in the south,
MA12-05 in the north and MA12-06 in the western region of the
salar) and 66 metres depth in hole MA12-07 proximal to the center
of the salar. Below this predominantly halite layer an extensive
mixed evaporite layer approximately 32-52 meters thick, consisting
of greater than 60% fine to coarse sand, was encountered in the
three peripheral holes. Below the evaporite sequences in all holes
an extensive medium to coarse grained, dark coloured, basaltic sand
interval was encountered. Brine flow measurements recorded during
drilling increased markedly below the halite sequence throughout
the sand rich layers. Unconsolidated stratigraphic units with a
significant granular or sand component possess physical
characteristics that allow them to maintain a higher degree of
permeability and porosity at greater depths than halite (salt)
units. Consequently, they represent a potential aquifer for hosting
brine at depth and are an important target in the lithium-potash
brine exploration model. The measured brine densities, ranging from
1,190 to 1,298 g/L, reflect a considerable quantity of dissolved
salts, approximately 10 times the salinity of seawater. All brine
samples have been delivered for analysis. Results are pending and
when received and reviewed will be released in entirety. Drilling
to competent basement rock was not achieved with all drill holes
remaining in unconsolidated basin material to depth. Hole MA12-07
in the central region of the salar intersected a predominantly
halite unit, similar to evaporite sequences observed near surface,
at 118 metres depth and to end-of-hole at 122 metres. Subsequent to
completion and analysis of results, a more extensive Phase 2 drill
program will be planned that will focus on the priority areas of
the salar identified through the current program. The objective of
the Phase 2 drill program will be to continue to delineate and
characterize both the geochemistry and hydrogeology of the salar in
support of an Inferred Resource estimate targeted for late 2012.
Reverse circulation drilling services were provided by Compania
Argentina de Perforaciones S.A (CAPSA) of Salta, Argentina. About
the Mariana Project The Mariana lithium brine project in Argentina,
covering an expansive 160 square kilometres, revealed highly
compelling geochemistry from a preliminary investigation that
returned average grades of 440 mg/L lithium and 12,700 mg/L
potassium. The potassium levels were unexpected and represent one
of the highest grades comparative to any of the neighbouring salars
outside of the world class operation on the Atacama salar in Chile.
John Harrop, P.Geo, is the company's Qualified Person on the
project as required under NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical
information contained in this press release. ABOUT INTERNATIONAL
LITHIUM CORP. International Lithium Corp. is an international rare
element metals ("REM") exploration company with an outstanding
portfolio of projects, strong management ownership, robust
financial support and a strategic partner, Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium
Co. Ltd., a leading China based lithium product manufacturer, as a
keystone investor. ILC currently has 9 active REM projects, well
balanced between lithium brines in Argentina and Nevada and
hard-rock pegmatites in Canada and Ireland. The Company's primary
focus is the Mariana lithium brine project, a salar or 'salt lake',
covering 160 square kilometres and strategically encompassing the
entire basin. Mariana is located in the renowned South American
'Lithium Belt' centred on the junction of Argentina, Bolivia and
Chile that is host to the vast majority of global lithium
resources, reserves and production. The Mariana lithium brine
project ranks as one of the more prospective salars in the region.
Complementing the Company's lithium brine projects are the REM
pegmatite properties. The key characteristics shared by the
hard-rock REM projects are their limited past exploration,
excellent accessibility, limited assaying for rare metals, clear
potential for additional exploration to add project value and
development potential to meet the global technological growth in
demand for the REM suite of elements. International Lithium Corp.'s
mandate is to increase shareholder value through aggressive
advancement of its core projects and to source joint venture
partners to expand the scope and diversify risk of its exploration
effort. For further information on this press release, on the
Company or other Company projects, please visit our website at
www.internationallithium.com. On behalf of the Board, Mike
SiebPresident – International Lithium Corp. Neither the TSX Venture
Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is
defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Statements in this press release other than purely historical
information, historical estimates should not be relied upon,
including statements relating to the Company's future plans and
objectives or expected results, are forward-looking statements.
News release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within
the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on
numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and
uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks
inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result,
actual results may vary materially from those described in the
forward-looking statements. Stock Symbol: ILC:TSXVShares CUSIP:
#459820 10 6Warrants Symbol: ILC.WTWarrant CUSIP: #459820 11 4 620
- 650 West Georgia StreetVancouver, British ColumbiaV6B 4N9, Canada
Voice: (604) 687-7551Fax: (604) 687-4670 1-800-667-4470E-mail:
info@internationallithium.com Website:
http://www.internationallithium.com SOURCE International Lithium
Corp. International Lithium Corp. CONTACT:
http://www.internationallithium.com
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