JORC and NI 43-101 estimates of economic brine resources for planning and development
Unlike traditional mineral resources that occur as solid deposits, mineral-enriched brine resources reside within porous- and fractured-rock aquifers. Estimating the mineral resources and reserves in a brine deposit presents technical challenges; this process requires understanding not only the spatial and temporal variability of brine densities and concentrations but also the variability of flow characteristics in the host aquifer. Since 2009, M&A has helped clients develop sound mining plans by exploring, characterizing, quantifying, and developing their mineral reserves.
Experience
- More than 25 lithium brine resource/reserve projects including 12 completed projects
- Providing hydrogeologic services for major lithium mining clients and projects including Galaxy Resources Inc. Sal de Vida Project; Eramine Salar de Centenario Project; Rincon Lithium Salar de Rincon Project; SQM Salar de Atacama Project; and Millenial Lithium Corp. Pastos Grande Project
Capabilities
- Planning and supervising brine resource exploration and development
- Conducting 3D geologic modeling and flow and transport groundwater modeling
- Estimating lithium and potassium brine resources and reserves
- Conducting field and modeling investigations to define drainable resources and economically extractable reserves
- Conducting geostatistical evaluation of hydraulic parameters and assays
- Developing variable density groundwater flow models to predict how mineral concentrations change with pumping
- Designing wellfields, trenches, and extraction systems
- Predicting sustainable production rates
- Exploring and assessing freshwater resources required for mineral processing
- Providing expert review and assessment of technical reports and site conditions
- Preparing technical reports by Qualified Persons in compliance with Canadian National Instrument (NI) 43-101 and Australasian Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) requirements
