Name of the Project
Mariana lithium brine project.

Location
Salta province, Argentina.

Project Owner/s
Litio Minera Argentina, a joint venture between Ganfeng Lithium (82.754%) through its wholly owned subsidiary, Mariana Litihium Corp and International Lithium Corp (17.246% by). In addition, International Lithium has an option to acquire another 10% in the Mariana project through a back-in right.

Project Description
A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) has assessed the potential economic viability of developing the 14 exploration licences (Minas), which cover the Salar de Llullaillaco and surrounding area (23 560 ha), to extract lithium brine resources and process lithium carbonate equivalent and sulphate of potash (SoP) products.

The PEA is based on an operating capacity of 40 150 t/y of 4.7% lithium concentration brine and the production of 84 000 t/y of SoP fertiliser product.

The project has a mine life of 25 years.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a pretax net present value, at a 10% discount rate, of $288.02-million and an internal rate of return of 23.7%.

Capital Expenditure
The project is estimated at $243.43-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Mariana has received approval to build a 20 000 t/y lithium plant for its Mariana project.

The project will use a 120 MW photovoltaic system to power the plant.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Advisian, a division of the WorleyParsons Group (PEA).

Contact Details for Project Information
International Lithium Corp, tel +1604449 6520, fax +1604484 7143 or email info@internationallithium.com.