Patagonia Lithium Reports Strong Packer Flow Rates and Positive Lithium Indicators at Well 8

Exceptional Flow Rates at Depth Highlight Aquifer Strength

Patagonia Lithium Ltd (ASX:PL3) has pushed its Cilon Well 8 drilling to 257 metres, revealing robust packer test flow rates that underscore a strong aquifer system. The ninth packer test, conducted between 243 and 257 metres, recorded a flow rate of 526 litres per hour, a solid performance following earlier peaks of 705 L/hr at shallower intervals. These results suggest the aquifer can sustain significant brine extraction, a key factor for lithium brine projects.

Increasing Lithium Indicators Amid Well-Sorted Sands

Alongside flow rates, specific gravity climbed to 1.074 g/cm³, reflecting an uptick in total dissolved solids (TDS) to 65.1 parts per thousand. Such parameters are positive proxies for lithium concentration, as lithium-rich brines tend to exhibit higher densities and dissolved solids. The aquifer zone between 250m and 400m is particularly promising, with impermeable sand layers acting as a cap that helps concentrate lithium by preventing dilution from fresher groundwater.

The core samples from 236 to 257 metres reveal well-sorted, unconsolidated fine to medium sands with high porosity and transmissivity. Quartz dominates at around 80%, supplemented by lithic fragments and minor volcanic-derived opaque minerals. This composition supports the high flow rates observed, as porous sands facilitate brine movement.

Technical Details and Next Steps in Testing

Drilling employed an HQ3 triple-tube core system with over 95% recovery, ensuring representative sampling. Packer tests averaged brine extraction over intervals of 5 to 14 metres, with electrical conductivity and pH measurements confirming the brine’s alkaline and lithium-bearing nature. The pH remains elevated at 11.6, indicating minimal fresh water intrusion.

Patagonia plans a 72-hour pump test to better understand aquifer productivity and intends to update its Mineral Resource Estimate following further assay results expected in 3 to 4 weeks. Porosity testing on core samples will complement borehole magnetic resonance and gamma logging data to refine reservoir characterisation.

Strategic Positioning within the Lithium Triangle

The Formentera/Cilon project sits in Argentina’s lithium triangle, a globally significant lithium brine region. Patagonia’s recent drilling progress, including the latest results from Well 8, builds on previous successes such as high lithium assays at Formentera and ongoing exploration at the Tomas III project. The company’s methodical approach, combining geophysics, drilling, and packer testing, is designed to delineate a robust lithium resource in a competitive market.

Executive Chairman Phillip Thomas highlighted the importance of the impermeable sand caps which “provide insulation against groundwater dilution,” a critical factor in maintaining lithium concentrations. This technical insight aligns with the company’s broader strategy to target high-grade, high-porosity brine aquifers.