Xantippe Resources Ltd (ASX:XTC, OTC:XTCPF) has mobilised a dedicated team in Argentina to undertake preliminary studies and assess processing options for the Carachi Lithium Project in the lithium-rich Catamarca Province.
The studies will focus on conventional processing technologies including traditional pre-evaporation pond systems, different concentration technologies and associated lithium carbonate plant.
Xantippe’s objective with this work at its project in South America’s renowned Lithium Triangle is achieving the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate.
The company intends to take another step along this path with a new drilling campaign to begin at Carachi during the December quarter of 2023.
About Carachi project
Carachi comprises the La Sofia, Luz Maria, La Fortuna, La Fortuna 1, Rita and Rita I, Justina and La Portola properties, which cover more than 21,900 hectares on Carachi Pampa salt flat east of Lake Resources' project in Catamarca Province.
They are within the Carachi basin and the main outcropping units are alluvial fan and recent thin lava flows. The presence of a paleo salar at depth is backed up by the available information in the area.
The Carachi properties occupy the central portion of the regional water basin and Xantippe believes they are ideally positioned to host high-quality brine in the deepest portion of its aquifer.
Previous geophysics studies have shown potential for lithium-bearing brine starting at 150 metres and continuing up to 800 metres in depth.
Team of professionals
Xantippe’s dedicated team that is on-site comprises specialists covering legal, environment and community, safety, geology, hydrogeology, processing, engineering and construction.
It is one of the most experienced teams of professionals in the region with several of its members having been responsible for the development of Cauchari project (Ganfeng) and Neo Lithium’s 3Q project, acquired last year by Zijin Mining for C$980 million.
Target (NYSE:TGT) area
Xantippe is looking to target the paleo salt flat with lithium brine beginning at depths of 180-200 metres, covering 12,400 hectares.
Many tenements in this area are in the salt lake and are prone to flooding whereas the XTC target areas are covered by alluvial fans and easy to access. Geophysics show potential for these properties to host the deepest part of the salar.
At depth the potential for a hyper-saline brine is greater. Fresh water is available on surface should the process chosen require this type of water.
The company’s ground position in the Carachi basin occupies the central and deepest point in the water basin.