Formentera Well 6 Drilling Hits 131m with Brine Flow Over 1,000 L/hr

Drilling Progress and Geological Context

Patagonia Lithium Ltd (ASX, PL3) has reported significant progress at its Formentera lithium brine project in Argentina’s prolific lithium triangle. The company’s latest drilling effort, Well 6 (JAM 26-06), has reached a depth of 131 metres, revealing encouraging geological formations and brine characteristics that could underpin future resource growth.

The drilling has intersected sandy and silty lithologies with notably high porosity, a key factor for brine storage and flow. Importantly, volcanic units similar to those encountered in a nearby successful well (JAM 24-02) have been observed, which may contribute lithium ions to the brines. These geological parallels strengthen confidence in the continuity of lithium-bearing formations across the concession.

Encouraging Brine Test Results

Two packer tests conducted at depths of 103 metres and 130 metres have yielded promising results. The specific gravity of the brine increased from 1.026 to 1.065 g/cm³ between these depths, indicating a higher concentration of dissolved solids, including lithium. Total dissolved solids more than doubled from 26.3 g/L to 60.45 g/L, while electrical conductivity rose sharply, further suggesting a richer brine composition at greater depth.

Flow rates recorded during the first packer test exceeded 1,000 litres per hour, a benchmark considered excellent for lithium brine extraction potential. These flow characteristics, combined with the high porosity of the host sands and volcanics, point to favourable aquifer properties that could support efficient lithium recovery.

Technical Rigor and Next Steps

Patagonia Lithium has maintained rigorous sampling and quality control protocols, with brine samples securely collected and sent to certified laboratories for assay. While visual estimates of mineral abundance provide useful geological context, the company emphasises that definitive lithium concentrations will only be confirmed through laboratory assays, which are pending.

The drilling program at Formentera is ongoing, with plans to extend Well 6 to a projected depth of 600 metres and to conduct additional wells, seismic surveys, and gamma porosity studies. These efforts aim to refine the understanding of the lithium brine system and support an updated Mineral Resource Estimate, which currently stands at 551,400 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) as of July 2025.

Strategic Positioning in the Lithium Triangle

Located in Jujuy Province, Argentina, the Formentera project sits within the world-renowned lithium triangle, a region critical to global lithium supply chains. Patagonia Lithium’s methodical approach to exploration and resource delineation, combined with its strong technical team led by Executive Chairman Phillip Thomas, positions the company well to capitalise on rising demand for lithium, driven by the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors.

With the current drilling results mirroring successful nearby wells and showing excellent brine quality indicators, Patagonia Lithium is advancing steadily towards unlocking the full potential of its lithium assets.