Patagonia Lithium Well 8 Reaches 485m with Strong Lithium Brine Flow

Well 8 Completes Drilling with Encouraging Lithium Results

Patagonia Lithium Ltd (ASX:PL3) has wrapped up drilling at Well 8 of its Cilon project in Argentina, reaching basement rock at 485 metres depth. The well delivered a highest lithium concentration of 232ppm at 303 metres, alongside strong brine flow rates peaking at 705 litres per hour during packer tests. These results reinforce the presence of a robust sandy aquifer with promising lithium brine potential.

Packer Tests Highlight Aquifer Quality and Flow Capacity

Ten out of twenty packer assay tests returned successful flow, with the ninth and tenth tests recording 526 L/hr and 347.8 L/hr respectively. The most productive interval, between 126 and 137 metres, saw flow rates of 705 L/hr, indicating excellent transmissivity in the main aquifer. Executive Chairman Phillip Thomas noted the aquifer spans approximately 117 metres in thickness, from 186 to 303 metres, which is significantly above average for the region.

The drilling confirmed consistent geology with Well 7, featuring a sequence of tuff, ignimbrite, and a porous sand-clay unit capped by ignimbrite, transitioning into basal breccia and basement rock. Flow ceased below the basal breccia unit, aligning with geological expectations.

Core Sampling and Laboratory Testing Underway

Core samples from key intervals have been dispatched to laboratories in Buenos Aires and New Mexico for porosity and pressure testing. The visual porosity of the core, particularly between 301 and 314 metres, supports the packer test results, although some lower core intervals did not yield flow during packer testing. The company aims to clarify these discrepancies with forthcoming BMR Gamma tool measurements once the well is lined with slotted PVC pipe.

Next Steps: Pump Testing and Resource Estimation

Patagonia plans a 72-hour pump test following installation of the PVC liner to better understand brine flow dynamics and aquifer properties. Discussions with Atacama Water Consultants are scheduled to integrate assay data and porosity results into an updated mineral resource estimate. This step is crucial ahead of a formal resource update, building on the company’s previous 551,000 tonnes LCE estimate.

Community Engagement and Cultural Respect

The company also highlighted its participation in the Pachamama thanksgiving ceremony with the local Indigenous community of Jama, underscoring Patagonia’s commitment to cultural respect and strong community relations as it advances exploration activities.