Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) has kicked off a geotechnical engineering program aimed at confirming the selected site for the proposed lithium processing plant at the Paradox Lithium Project in the Paradox Basin in south-eastern Utah, USA.
High-quality lithium production
The program represents a significant step forward in Anson's plans to develop high-quality lithium production operations at the Paradox and nearby Green River Projects.
The geotechnical program is conducted through Anson's wholly-owned subsidiary, A1 Lithium Inc, and is designed to assess the suitability of soil and rock types for the construction of the planned lithium extraction and purification production plant at the Paradox Project.
The chosen site, on privately-owned land immediately adjacent to the Colorado River and around 10 kilometres from the well extraction site at the Paradox Project, offers strategic advantages for the project's success.
This initiative follows a successful geotechnical engineering study recently completed at Anson's nearby Green River Lithium Project, during which the location of the processing plant site was confirmed.
The geotechnical engineering program at the Paradox Project includes core drilling, shallow trenching, electrical resistivity testing and geophysical surveys.
Independent engineering and geological consultants will oversee the program, which is expected to be completed in 10 days.
Key components of the program are eight boreholes and seven test pits, with core samples taken to a depth of around 21.23 metres and soil samples collected.
Insights into dynamic properties
Field resistivity measurements and geophysical surveys will provide insights into the dynamic properties of subsurface materials.
The company will generate a comprehensive geotechnical report from the program's results, summarising analyses, findings and recommendations for the construction of the proposed processing plant.
This report will include critical data on soil, rock and groundwater conditions, geotechnical parameters for foundation design, evaluation of soil corrosivity, earthwork recommendations and foundation design suggestions.
The chosen site's strategic advantage lies in its proximity to the Colorado River, crucial for the direct lithium extraction process.
Moreover, the site benefits from an existing water rights agreement, simplifying water extraction logistics. Access to the location is facilitated by existing pipeline pathways and roads, which Anson expects will streamline the Right of Way (ROW) approval process.
Executive chairman and CEO Bruce Richardson said: “The location for the 13,000-tonne-per-annum LCE production plant at the Paradox Lithium Project has been carefully selected to minimise the impact on the environment, take advantage of existing geological conditions and reduce the capex required for infrastructure development.
“It should be note that the proposed site in on private land and only crosses Utah State administered land surface area where there has already been substantial disturbance from the nearby potash project.
Permitting process timeline shortened
“The brine extraction, transportation, lithium production and disposal for this project is planned to be all on state-administered or private land. As previously indicated, it is expected based upon a review of other project in the area, that the permitting process timeline for construction on privately owned land will be significantly reduced which is a distinct advantage.
“Water is needed to wash the lithium from the resin, as a result Anson needed to either bring the water to the brine or the brine to the water. This site provides the solution. The geotechnical survey will provide Anson with the information it needs to complete construction cost estimates, taking the project a step closer to final investment decision, construction, and ultimately production.”