LITHIUM SOUTH: TEST WORK/ DEVELOPMENT WORK /BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS UPDATE

Rhea-AI Summary

Lithium South Development (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) has provided an update on its Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project in Argentina. Key developments include:

1. Successful laboratory-scale production of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) directly from concentrated brine, with a basic button-type battery constructed using the product.

2. Ongoing evaporation test work at the project site for process validation.

3. Plans for a second phase pump test at the Alba Sabrina claim block, using two pumps to evaluate well capacity fully.

4. Ongoing discussions with automotive and lithium industry corporations for potential strategic alliances, including a planned bulk sample site visit in September.

The company is exploring options for producing higher-priced, value-added lithium products, with LiFePO₄ batteries gaining popularity in the EV and utility-scale stationary applications markets.

Positive

• Successful laboratory-scale production of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) directly from concentrated brine
• Construction of a basic button-type battery using the HMN Li Project LiFePO₄ product
• Ongoing discussions with automotive and lithium industry corporations for potential strategic alliances
• Planned bulk sample site visit for an interested party in September

Negative

• Challenging market environment mentioned

VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lithium South Development Corporation (the "Company" or "Lithium South") (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) is pleased to provide an update regarding test work, on site development work, and business developments.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Test Work

The Company is pleased to report the laboratory scale production of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) directly from concentrated brine obtained from its Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project (HMN Li Project), located in Salta Province, Argentina. Test work was undertaken in cooperation with an independent laboratory based in (note 1). Salta, Argentina. The product was then forwarded to the Research and Development Center for Advanced Materials and Energy Storage (CIDMEJu), located in Jujuy province, Argentina. At this facility, a basic operating button type battery was constructed using the HMN Li Project LiFePO4 product. This facility is part of the CONICET / National Scientific and Technical Research Council, an Argentine government agency which directs and co-ordinates most of the technical and scientific research done in Argentine universities and institutes.

The laboratory (patent pending) process resulted in a LiFePO4 product directly from lithium chloride, eliminating the need for lithium carbonate. LiFePO4 batteries (LFP) are being utilized by Tesla, BYD and others due to their lower manufacturing costs, long cycle life and high-power density. LFP batteries are cobalt free and are finding increased demand in utility scale stationary applications in addition to the Electric Vehicle market. LFP demand is expected to rise considerably over the coming years

The LiFePO4 battery test work is important to Lithium South as it is helping to define potential options for the production of higher priced value-added lithium products. Evaporation test work is also continuing at the HMN Li Project site as part of the process validation for a planned Feasibility Study.

HMN Li Project Site

At the HMN Li Project Alba Sabrina claim block, a second phase pump test is being planned for well PW23-AS-02, a 400-meter-deep production well. With recent test work indicating a good pumping rate from a single pump, it has been determined that two pumps down the same hole will be necessary to provide additional brine lift and to fully evaluate the wells pumping capacity. The Company is in the process of acquiring two new pumps and support equipment to continue the test work. In addition, the Company plans to conduct new pumping tests on the Tramo and Natalia Maria claim blocks. 

Business Discussions

Management is in ongoing discussions with several automotive and lithium industry corporations regarding potential strategic alliances or business arrangements. In spite of a challenging market environment, project interest remains high. These discussions include a bulk sample site visit planned for one interested party in September. Management remains on a trading blackout.

Mr. William Feyerabend, CPG, a Consulting Geologist and Qualified Person under NI 43-101, participated in the production of this news release and approves of the scientific and technical disclosure.

About Lithium South

Lithium South owns 100% of the HMN Li Project located in Salta and Catamarca Provinces, Argentina, in the heart of the lithium triangle. The Salar del Hombre Muerto has a history of lithium production, with Arcadium Lithium (as a result of the Alkem and Livent merger) in operation for over twenty-five years, in an area just south of the HMN Li Project. The HMN Li Project is surrounded by a US$4 billion lithium development under construction by POSCO (Korea) and the Sal de Vida Project under development by Arcadium. Exploration work to date has delineated a NI 43-101 compliant 1,583,200 tonne Lithium Carbonate Equivalent ("LCE") Resource (See Note 2 below) on the Alba Sabrina, Natalia Maria, and Tramo claim blocks, three of five non-contiguous blocks that make up the HMN Li Project. A recent Preliminary Economic Assessment published April 30, 2024, delineates potential to develop a 15,600 tonne per year lithium carbonate project. With pumping well installation and test work underway, Lithium South is transitioning from being a lithium explorer to becoming a lithium developer.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Adrian F. C. Hobkirk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Investors / Shareholders call 855-415-8100 / website: www.lithiumsouth.com 

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed the content of this news release and therefore does not accept responsibility or liability for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release.

Note 1: The Salta based laboratory is a non-arm's length party controlled by a director of the Company.

Note 2: A report titled Updated Mineral Resource Estimate – Hombre Muerto North Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report Catamarca and Salta, Argentina, Mark King, PhD, PGeo, Peter Ehren, M.Sc, MAusIMM, September 5th, 2023.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward- looking statements. We seek safe harbor.

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SOURCE Lithium South Development Corporation

FAQ

What is the latest development in Lithium South's (LISMF) Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project?

Lithium South has successfully produced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) at laboratory scale directly from concentrated brine obtained from its Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project in Argentina. A basic button-type battery was also constructed using this LiFePO₄ product.

What are Lithium South's (LISMF) plans for further testing at the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project?

Lithium South is planning a second phase pump test at the Alba Sabrina claim block, using two pumps in a 400-meter-deep production well to fully evaluate its pumping capacity. The company also plans to conduct new pumping tests on the Tramo and Natalia Maria claim blocks.

Is Lithium South (LISMF) in discussions with potential partners or investors?

Yes, Lithium South is in ongoing discussions with several automotive and lithium industry corporations regarding potential strategic alliances or business arrangements. A bulk sample site visit is planned for one interested party in September.

What is the significance of Lithium South's (LISMF) LiFePO₄ production for the company?

The LiFePO₄ production is important as it helps define potential options for Lithium South to produce higher-priced, value-added lithium products. LiFePO₄ batteries are gaining popularity in the EV market and utility-scale stationary applications due to lower manufacturing costs and long cycle life.