1000t of lithium concentrate in inventory at Galan’s flagship HMW project in Argentina
Pond’s 1 and 2 continue evaporation, Pond 3 being filled, Pond 4 being constructed
Phase 1 33% complete and on track for full production in H1 2025
Special Report: Pond evaporation at Galan Lithium’s Hombre Muerto West (HMW) lithium-brine project in Argentina now has 1000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in inventory as the company continues to ramp up to Phase 1 production of 5.4ktpa.
Galan Lithium’s (ASX:GLN) flagship 7.9Mt LCE @ 883mg/l Li HMW asset, in Argentina’s slice of South America’s Lithium Triangle, is on its way to full Phase 1 production.
The area is also home to major lithium brine operations such as Arcadium’s (ASX:LTM) established El Fenix and Sal de Vida and Korean giant POSCO’s Sal de Oro lithium projects.
GLN has earmarked a four-phase development of its projects, starting with Phase 1 targeting 5400tpa, Phase 2 production of 21,000tpa LCE in 2026, 40,000tpa by 2028 for Phase 3 and 60,000tpa LCE for Phase 4 which will include its other brine project Candelas – taking that total up to 8.6Mt.
It also recently signed a landmark commercialisation agreement with the region’s Catamarca Government to allow the sale of its concentrate to both domestic and international customers and facilitate Phase 2 construction permits.
Galan’s HMW and Candelas projects surrounding Arcadium and POSCO’s operations. Pic supplied: (GLN)
Road to Phase 1 production
Hitting the 1000t LCE mark is a significant milestone for GLN as it continues to fill its lithium brine ponds.
Pond’s 1 and 2 are already evaporating the lithium from the salty brines, while Pond 3 is filling up and Pond 4 earthworks have now commenced.
GLN says the overall completion of Phase 1 has hit the 33% mark, while pond construction is at 45% already – both metrics aligning with the physical progress and capital expenditure of its Phase 1 budget.
Pond evaporation and construction at Hombre Muerto West. Pic supplied: (GLN)
Roughly 600,000m2 of the evaporation area has been built and is sufficient enough to produce ~2400tpa LCE, and based on brine flow rates and Li grades, HMW remains on track to start production in H1 2025.
The lithium developer is also analysing options to reduce capex through lowering construction costs and rental options for energy supply and using independent smaller control systems for its facilities.
Galan MD Juan Pablo Vargas de la Vega says solid progress is being made by the HMW Phase 1 construction team.
“With more than one-third of the project completion now achieved, Galan is well on its way towards its targeted commencement of production in H1 2025,” Vargas de la Vega says.
“Galan would like to thank the Government of the Catamarca Province in Argentina for their continued support, evidenced by the recent agreement signed to commercialise lithium chloride concentrate from HMW.
“We are excited about the opportunities this agreement now presents to Galan’s future.”
This article was developed in collaboration with Galan Lithium, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
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