LSC Lithium Announces High Grade Lithium Footprint on Pastos Grandes Extended; Third Drill Hole Intersects Wide Mineralised Zones to 480m Below Surface
TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LSC Lithium Corporation (“LSC” or together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) (TSXV:LSC) is pleased to announce the completion of its third drill hole, SPG-2017-05B, on its Pastos Grandes project. The lithium brine assay results for this drill hole indicate further lateral extension and open-ended mineralisation to depth on the property.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Drill hole SPG-2017-05B averages 569 mg/l Li over 430m
- Peak value of 637mg/l Li intersected
- Grade range of between 543mg/l Li and 637mg/l Li
- Mineralisation open at depth below 480m
- Mineralised footprint extended on the property and remains open all round
- LSC is considering combining the potential production from Pastos Grandes with its Pozuelos project, located only 17km away
LSC’s President and CEO, Ian Stalker, stated, “These results continue to underscore the high grade nature and extensive mineralisation on Pastos Grandes. The fact that lithium brine mineralisation is open ended at depth below 480m attests to the potential upside on the project. This positive announcement follows the recent issue of Mineral Resource statements for both Pozuelos and Rio Grande. We intend to deliver an NI 43-101 Mineral Resource on Pastos Grandes this year which will further add to the already large Mineral Resource asset base LSC has developed over the last six months”.
As was reported for the previous holes drilled at Pastos Grandes, including SPG-2017-02B1 and SPG-2017-04A2, this hole has also returned consistently high lithium grades and is open ended at depth (See Table 1). The mineralised footprint has now been further extended on the Company’s tenements and further demonstrates the quality of this salar. The Company plans to deliver a NI 43-101 Mineral Resource estimate in Q3-2018 for the project.
Drill hole SPG-2017-05B was drilled to complement diamond hole SPG-2017-05A utilizing the tricone method to a final depth of 500m below surface. The hole is very well mineralised with lithium throughout and a range of between 543 mg/l Li and 637 mg/l Li and an average of 569 mg/l Li based on packer samples. There are three main lithological units present, being volcanic sands from surface to 35.5m, halites interbedded with subordinate volcanic and alluvial sands from 35.5m to 304.75m (269m intersection) and thereafter clastics with a volcanic sand component to end of hole at 500m (195m intersection). The halite unit averages 585 mg/l Li over 269m while the lower sand unit averages 550 mg/l Li over 195m.
The brine chemistry down hole is very favorable in terms of lithium extraction with ratios as follows:
- Mg/Li: 6.7
- SO4/Ca: 17.9
- Mg/Ca: 6.1
- K/Li: 10.8
- SO4/Li: 19.8
Core samples for Relative Brine Release Capacity tests to determine Specific Yield, a measure of effective porosity, were taken from drill hole SPG-2017-05A (located immediately adjacent to SPG-2017-05B) and will be announced by the Company when received.
Table 1: Brine Packer Sample Results - Salar de Pastos Grandes Drill Hole SPG-2017-05B
Results as of February 21, 2018
| Hole | From | To | Li | Mg/Li | SO4/Ca | Mg/Ca | K/Li | SO4/Li |
| (m) | (m) | mg/L | Ratio | Ratio | Ratio | Ratio | Ratio | |
| SPG-2017-05B | 53.95 | 56.07 | 614 | 7.2 | 22.6 | 7.7 | 10.5 | 21.1 |
| 80.95 | 83.07 | 629 | 7.2 | 19.9 | 7.9 | 10.2 | 18.1 | |
| 107.95 | 110.07 | 629 | 7.2 | 23.5 | 8.2 | 10.6 | 20.8 | |
| 116.95 | 119.05 | 556 | 6.9 | 19.9 | 6.5 | 10.7 | 21.2 | |
| 149.95 | 152.05 | 550 | 7.0 | 20.4 | 6.5 | 10.9 | 21.7 | |
| 155.95 | 158.05 | 555 | 7.0 | 20.6 | 6.7 | 10.9 | 21.6 | |
| 164.95 | 167.05 | 560 | 7.0 | 21.0 | 6.8 | 10.8 | 21.7 | |
| 182.95 | 185.05 | 566 | 7.0 | 20.5 | 6.8 | 10.7 | 21.2 | |
| 203.95 | 206.05 | 556 | 7.0 | 20.6 | 6.8 | 11.0 | 21.3 | |
| 224.95 | 227.05 | 562 | 7.0 | 20.8 | 6.9 | 10.7 | 21.3 | |
| 236.95 | 239.05 | 568 | 7.1 | 21.4 | 7.0 | 10.9 | 21.7 | |
| 251.95 | 254.05 | 608 | 7.1 | 22.5 | 7.6 | 10.9 | 20.9 | |
| 266.95 | 269.05 | 610 | 7.2 | 22.4 | 7.8 | 10.9 | 20.5 | |
| 277.95 | 280.05 | 630 | 7.2 | 22.6 | 7.9 | 10.8 | 20.6 | |
| 287.95 | 290.05 | 637 | 7.1 | 23.6 | 8.2 | 10.9 | 20.6 | |
| 336.46 | 338.55 | 531 | 6.9 | 15.8 | 5.4 | 11.0 | 20.2 | |
| 345.45 | 347.55 | 473 | 6.5 | 12.5 | 4.0 | 11.3 | 20.3 | |
| 354.45 | 347.55 | 499 | 6.8 | 15.1 | 4.8 | 11.3 | 21.5 | |
| 366.45 | 368.55 | 470 | 6.6 | 14.0 | 4.3 | 11.4 | 21.3 | |
| 375.45 | 377.55 | 481 | 6.4 | 13.3 | 4.1 | 11.7 | 20.5 | |
| 387.45 | 389.55 | 523 | 6.1 | 10.9 | 3.8 | 10.5 | 17.7 | |
| 396.45 | 398.55 | 533 | 6.4 | 12.7 | 4.3 | 10.7 | 18.9 | |
| 402.45 | 404.55 | 543 | 6.0 | 11.5 | 3.9 | 10.3 | 17.6 | |
| 414.45 | 416.55 | 570 | 6.3 | 13.2 | 4.7 | 10.3 | 17.8 | |
| 426.45 | 428.55 | 577 | 5.9 | 11.4 | 4.2 | 10.3 | 15.8 | |
| 435.45 | 437.55 | 634 | 6.9 | 20.0 | 7.0 | 10.7 | 19.5 | |
| 447.45 | 449.55 | 578 | 5.4 | 9.6 | 3.7 | 10.0 | 14.0 | |
| 459.45 | 461.55 | 597 | 5.7 | 10.4 | 4.2 | 10.1 | 14.0 | |
| 470.45 | 472.55 | 636 | 7.1 | 22.3 | 7.6 | 11.1 | 20.7 | |
| 482.45 | 484.55 | 602 | 6.0 | 13.6 | 4.8 | 10.6 | 17.1 |
Table 2: Drill Program Summary – Salar de Pastos Grandes
| Hole | POSGAR 94 datum | Depth (m) | Azimuth | Dip | Type | Size | |
| Northing | Easting | ||||||
| SPG-2017-02 | 7 285 188 | 3 426 958 | 121 | 0 | 90 | DDH | HQ |
| SPG-2017-02B | 7 284 054 | 3 427 202 | 573 | 0 | 90 | DDH | HQ |
| SPG-2017-04A | 7 283 169 | 3 430 376 | 554 | 0 | 90 | Tricone | 3 7/8” |
| SPG-2017-05B | 7 282 110 | 3 429 294 | 500 | 0 | 90 | Tricone | 3 7/8” |
Sampling and QA/QC
Brine sampling for packer tests involved collection of brine from the sample interval in a 20-litre container, which was flushed with fresh brine several times prior to collection of the sample. Brine was poured into 1-litre sample bottles which had been previously flushed with fresh brine from the 20-litre container several times. Sample bottles were filled to the top to eliminate the inclusion of air and sealed with a leak proof lid. Samples were labelled and labels covered in clear tape to prevent erasure of sample information. All samples remained in the possession of the site geologist until delivery to Alex Stewart Laboratory in Jujuy, Argentina by courier.
LSC has a well-developed QA/QC program. Brine assays are undertaken at Alex Stewart Argentina (“ASA”) S.A. in Jujuy, Argentina. ASA is independent of LSC and has significant experience in assaying lithium brines and is certified to ISO17025 standards. Brine assays are undertaken using ICP, gravimetric, potentiometric and volumetric methods as detailed in a press release from LSC dated April 10, 2017.
ASA runs internal duplicates at a rate of 1 in 20. LSC inserts blanks and standards in sample batches at a rate of 1 in 20. Standards are internal standards developed by LSC that have been independently certified by round robin testing. LSC uses distilled water as blanks.
Qualified Person/Data Verification
The scientific and technical information included in this press release is based upon information prepared and approved by Donald H. Hains, P.Geo. Mr. Hains is a qualified person, as defined in NI 43-101 and is independent of LSC. Mr. Hains has verified all sampling and analytical data underlying the information contained in this press release by on-site inspection during brine sampling and review of certified assay certificates against the assay data base.
ABOUT LSC LITHIUM CORPORATION:
LSC Lithium has amassed a large portfolio of prospective lithium rich salars and is focused on developing its tenements located in five salars: Pozuelos, Pastos Grandes, Rio Grande, Salinas Grandes, and Jama. All LSC tenements are located in the “Lithium Triangle,” an area at the intersection of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile where the world’s most abundant lithium brine deposits are found. LSC Lithium has a land package portfolio totaling approximately 300,000 hectares, which represents extensive lithium prospective salar holdings in Argentina.
For further information please contact:
LSC Lithium Corporation
President & Chief Executive Officer
151 Yonge Street, 11th floor
Toronto ON, Canada M5C 2W7
(416) 304 9384
Email: info@lsclithium.com
Web: lsclithium.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance, including statements as to the ability and timing to publish results from the RBRC tests, interpretation of drill results, production method, and ability and anticipated timing to complete a NI 43-101 report on the Salar de Pastos Grandes. The use of any of the words “could”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on LSC's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Whether actual results and developments will conform with LSC's expectations is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including factors underlying management's assumptions, such as risks related to: drill program results; title, permitting and regulatory risks; exploration and the establishment of any resources or reserves on the Salar de Pastos Grandes or other LSC properties; volatility in lithium prices and the market for lithium; exchange rate fluctuations; volatility in LSC’s share price; the requirement for significant additional funds for development that may not be available; changes in national and local government legislation, including permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies and the enforcement thereof; regulatory, political or economic developments in Argentina or elsewhere; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which the Company holds an interest; excessive cost escalation as well as development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the Company's properties; risks and hazards associated with the business of development and mining on any of the Company's properties. Actual future results may differ materially. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and LSC is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. For more information, see the Company's filing statement on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. 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.
The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
___________________________
1 See Company press release dated November 14, 2017.
2 See Company press release dated December 11, 2017.