- Further testing of Lithium enriched near surface brines
demonstrates low Magnesium content.
- Inverse relationship Lithium to Magnesium
- Near surface sampling is continuing as American Lithium
works to define the distribution of Lithium enriched brines and
clays on the North Playa, Fish Lake
Valley.
VANCOUVER, Oct. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - American Lithium
Corp. (TSXV: Li) (OTCQB: LiACF) (Frankfurt: 5LA; WKN: A2AHEL) ("American
Lithium" or the "Company"), is pleased to report that further
testing on the surface brines has reported low magnesium (Mg)
concentrations and overall an inverse relationship between lithium
(Li) and magnesium grades.
Sample #
|
Li mg/L
|
Mg mg/L
|
Sample #
|
Li mg/L
|
Mg mg/L
|
1431001
|
434
|
0.4
|
1431013
|
385
|
0.1
|
1431002
|
321
|
0.4
|
1431014
|
503
|
<0.1
|
1431003
|
537
|
0.3
|
1431015
|
369
|
<0.1
|
1431004
|
479
|
0.3
|
1431016
|
397
|
0.1
|
1431005
|
510
|
0.3
|
1431017
|
102
|
0.6
|
1431006
|
398
|
0.2
|
1431018
|
47.9
|
0.2
|
1431007
|
401
|
0.6
|
1431019
|
94.2
|
0.1
|
1431008
|
488
|
0.7
|
1431020
|
24.5
|
0.9
|
1431009
|
380
|
0.2
|
1431021
|
23.8
|
0.6
|
1431010
|
47.0
|
0.6
|
1431022
|
2.4
|
30.8
|
1431011
|
382
|
0.1
|
1431023
|
98.7
|
0.8
|
1431012
|
286
|
0.2
|
1431024
|
412
|
1.0
|
Detection limits
of 0.1mg/L for both Li and Mg
|
As previously reported in the Company's Oct. 12, 2016 press release, a total of 24
samples reported grades ranging from 537 to 24.6 mg/L Li and an
average of 292.9 mg/L Li and the lowest grade sample was 2.4 mg/L
Li. These samples were subsequently tested for 24 additional
elements including magnesium. Magnesium grades ranged from
30.8 to trace mg/L Mg with an average grade of 1.9 mg/L Mg.
As can be seen in the table above, there is an inverse relationship
between Li and Mg grades.
As the presence of magnesium can impede the extraction of
lithium carbonate from a brine solution, discovering low Mg/Li
ratios is an important fundamental in exploration for economic
lithium brines.
The primary value of this information is the potential of near
surface brines at American Lithium's North Playa Fish Lake project
to be able to avoid the need to remove the Mg before any potential
concentration and purification of Lithium can take place. The
secondary value is that the North Playa mineralization is an
atypical mineralizing system and there may be potential for the
separation of lithium from the associated playa clays. These clays
are not typical Hectorite clays which generally require high energy
to separate lithium from the clay. The Company intends to
embark on a series of tests to identify the type of bonding in the
lithium in the North Playa clays and estimate the energy needed to
separate the lithium from the clays.
"These sampling results suggest that the North Playa is a unique
lithium enriched system and the Company will continue to work to
define the economic potential of lithium enriched brines and clays
in the Fish Lake Valley,"
commented Michael Kobler, Executive
Director and COO of American Lithium. "This new information
will continue to drive our exploration program as we work to
advance our projects in the Fish Lake and Clayton Valleys,
Nevada."
Previous near surface brines were sampled using a conventional
hand held auger to sample sub surface brines at a depth of 78"
(2m). The brine was sampled at the bottom of the auger hole and
then separated from residual clays before being sent for
analysis. For the expanded near surface brine sampling
program the Company has developed a new methodology for
sampling. Instead of an auger system, a four inch diameter
pipe is driven into the ground to a depth of approximately 55"
(1.4m) and then pulled out of the hole, (see news release
Aug. 11, 2016). A 2.5" (6.3cm)
perforated pvc pipe is placed in the hole to keep it open while
clay solids settle to the bottom of the hole. The brine is
then sampled just above the settled material at the bottom of the
hole. Samples are collected and shipped to Florin Analytical
Services in Reno, Nevada where the
lithium content is measured by ICP analysis with an atomic
absorption finish, all other analysis is measured by ICP analysis
with a Mass spectrometry finish.
Michael Collins, P.Geo. is the
Company's designated Qualified Person within the meaning of
National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the
technical information contained in this news release.
ABOUT American Lithium Corp.
American Lithium Corp.
is actively engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development
of lithium deposits within mining-friendly jurisdictions throughout
the Americas. American Lithium holds options to acquire
Nevada lithium brine claims
totaling 22,332 acres (9,038 ha), including 18,552 contiguous acres
(7,508 ha) in Fish Lake Valley,
Esmeralda County; 2,240 acre (907
ha) San Emidio Project in Washoe
County; and the 1,540 acre (623 ha) Clayton-Valley-1
Project. The Company's Fish Lake
Valley lithium brine properties are located approximately 38
kilometers from Albemarle's Silver Peak, the largest lithium
operation in the U.S., approximately 3.5 hours from the Tesla
Gigafactory. American Lithium is listed on the TSXV under the
trading symbol "Li". For further information, please
visit the Company's website
at www.americanlithiumcorp.com.
On behalf of the Board,
American Lithium Corp.
Michael Kobler, Executive
Director
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of
this release.
Forward-looking statements
Statements in
this release that are forward-looking information are subject to
various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors
disclosed here. Information provided in this document is
necessarily summarized and may not contain all available material
information. All such forward-looking information and statements
are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by American
Lithium management in light of their experience and perception of
historical trends, current conditions and expected future
developments, as well as other factors management believes are
appropriate in the circumstances. These statements, however,
are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other
factors that could cause actual events or results to differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking information
or statements. Important factors that could cause actual
results to differ from these forward-looking statements include
those described under the heading "Risks Factors" in American
Lithium's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not
intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise
the forward-looking information contained in this news release,
except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on forward-looking information or
statements.
SOURCE American Lithium Corp