Pursuit Minerals Uncovers Deep Lithium Brine Targets at Mito, Plans Drilling to Boost Rio Grande Sur Resources
Pursuit Minerals has significantly extended the depth of its lithium brine exploration at the Mito tenement, Rio Grande Sur project, following advanced CSAMT data reprocessing. The company plans a three-hole drilling program to test these high-confidence targets, aiming to expand its resource base beyond the initial 5,000 tpa lithium carbonate production.
- CSAMT reprocessing extends exploration depth from ~250m to over 1.1km
- Large, continuous conductive zone identified as priority lithium brine target
- Three-hole, 3,200m drilling program planned to test high-confidence targets
- Mito tenement positioned as key growth area for Rio Grande Sur expansion
- Supports long-term project scalability amid tightening lithium market
Advanced Geophysics Reveals Substantial New Lithium Brine Target
Pursuit Minerals (ASX:PUR) has dramatically enhanced its understanding of the Rio Grande Sur Lithium Project in Argentina by reprocessing Controlled Source Audio Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) data at the Mito tenement. This technical upgrade has extended reliable subsurface imaging depth from approximately 250 metres to over 1.1 kilometres; a more than fourfold increase; unveiling a large, continuous conductive zone interpreted as a significant lithium brine target.
The newly defined conductive system, stretching from around 250 metres to beyond one kilometre depth, signals a much deeper and more extensive brine reservoir than previously recognised. This discovery opens a substantial new exploration horizon, substantially increasing the potential resource base at Rio Grande Sur.
Strong Geological Continuity Boosts Confidence in Resource Growth
The reprocessed CSAMT data reveal a coherent, basin-scale conductive domain with strong geological controls, confirmed across multiple survey lines. A distinct geological boundary separates this conductive eastern sector from a more resistive western area, suggesting structural controls favourable for fluid concentration and brine accumulation.
Managing Director Aaron Revelle emphasised the significance of the findings, noting that Mito now represents a pivotal growth front for the project. This enhanced understanding supports the potential to expand resources beyond the initial 5,000 tonnes per annum lithium carbonate production outlined in the recently completed Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). The timing is notable as the lithium market shifts from surplus towards deficit, increasing the strategic value of resource expansion.
Targeted Drilling to Unlock Resource Expansion
Pursuit plans a targeted drilling campaign comprising three holes totalling approximately 3,200 metres. These holes will test the highest-intensity portions of the conductive system, focusing on areas where geological and geophysical data converge to indicate brine-bearing horizons. The initial drill hole (Planned DDH 2) will target the core of the system, with mobilization expected in late April.
This drilling represents the first systematic test of a target of this scale at Mito and is expected to yield critical data to refine the hydrogeological model and support resource growth. Following this, a production well at the Isabel Segunda tenement will undergo a 30-day pumping test to better understand reservoir behaviour and flow rates, aiming to upgrade resource confidence from Indicated to Measured.
Broader Project Development and Strategic Positioning
The Mito tenement’s expanded exploration potential complements Pursuit’s broader development plans, including environmental approvals for relocating the pilot plant to the Sal Rio 02 tenement and advancing technical addendums to the PFS. This work incorporates scenarios for lithium chloride and larger-scale lithium carbonate production, underlining the company’s commitment to scaling the project.
Additionally, Pursuit has commenced geological mapping and plans induced polarisation surveys at the Sascha Marcelina Gold Project, adding near-term catalysts to its portfolio. This multi-pronged approach positions the company to deliver resource growth and development progress across its Argentine assets.
The recent Pre-Feasibility Study and maiden Ore Reserve announcement laid the groundwork for these developments, confirming strong project economics and underpinning the rationale for advancing exploration and drilling activities.
Bottom Line?
The reprocessed geophysical data at Mito set the stage for a potentially transformative resource expansion, but the upcoming drilling results will be pivotal in validating the scale and quality of the lithium brine system.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the planned drilling at Mito confirm the extent and grade of the newly identified deep brine system?
- How might the expanded resource base impact Pursuit’s long-term production targets beyond the initial 5,000 tpa lithium carbonate?
- What are the potential environmental and permitting challenges as Pursuit advances from exploration to production scale?
