International Lithium Corp. Updates on Drilling Programs in Argentina and Ireland
Vancouver, B.C. / TheNewswire / June 1, 2015: International Lithium Corp. (the "Company" or "ILC") (TSX VENTURE:ILC.V) is pleased to provide an update on the exploration and drilling programs at the Mariana Project in Argentina and the Avalonia Project in Ireland.
Mariana Project - Salta, Argentina
A 171 metre drill hole ("MA15-09PW") was completed near the centre of the salar. Core samples recovered give a more detailed stratigraphic section than was possible through previous reverse circulation drilling. Core logging of the two aquifers in the upper levels of the salar confirms that the upper aquifer consists of granular and massive halite, interbedded with silt and fine tuffs from surface to a depth of 30 metres and that the second aquifer, consists of medium to coarse grained gravels in a sandy matrix from 53 to 119 metres depth. MA15-09PW ended in approximately 52 metres of massive halite approximately 50 metres deeper than previous drilling. A borehole geophysical survey is interpreted to confirm this stratigraphy based on the resistivity profile.
Drill hole MA15-09PW is nearing completion in preparation for pump tests. These tests will provide hydrological characteristics of the two brine aquifers under pumping conditions and their response after pumping. These are important characteristics that are used to determine the potential rate at which brine could be drawn from the upper aquifers. This will be the first pump test conducted at the project.
The results to date confirm that Salar de Llullaillaco is a halite dominant, mature salar that bears a significant stratigraphic resemblance to prominent salars in the region including Atacama, Rincon and Uyuni. The Mariana project is a partnership of Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., ("GFL") and ILC with 100% ownership of Salar de Llullaillaco in Salta province.
Mr. Kirill Klip, President, International Lithium Corp. comments, "We are highly encouraged by what we are learning about the thick brine aquifers at Mariana. We look forward to completing the pump test which will give us a sense of the potential productivity of wells in these aquifers and we are confident that our plan to acquire these key preliminary hydrological results prior to a mineral resource estimation is both an expeditious and cost effective approach toward an initial production assessment."
Avalonia Project - Ireland
Exploration in Ireland resumed early this year as a continuation of the extensive mapping, prospecting and regional geochemical survey begun in August 2014. During April and May 2015 core drilling was used to test two areas near the centre of the 30 kilometre long lithium-pegmatite belt where prospecting and soil geochemistry had indicated potential for previously untested targets. Drilling consisted of two lines of short holes forming fences to identify bedrock sources of geochemical anomalies and spodumene bearing boulder trains. Both fences have intersected multiple phases of pegmatite intrusion in the targeted areas. The Company is awaiting laboratory results to confirm which phases are mineralized. A total of approximately 680 metres of NQ size core was drilled in 15 holes. Drilling services were provided by Priority Drilling, an established Irish drilling company.
Only two targets were tested by preliminary drilling leaving numerous new and historical targets either drill ready or only requiring target detailing by geochemical sampling or trenching prior to drilling. Drilling used oriented core technology, which provided information on the structural orientation of the pegmatites as preparation for future drill targeting.
Gary Schellenberg, CEO and Executive Chairman, notes that "Success in the initial drilling program by intersecting pegmatites under cover confirms the exploration strategy and methods we are applying in the Avalonia project. This gives us confidence as we move ahead with plans to test both new and historical targets we are developing along the lithium belt."
Based on the results to date, the Company has presented a proposed budget to strategic partner GFL to accelerate exploration and drilling over the May 2015 to May 2016 period.
John Harrop, P.Geo, FGS, is the Company's Qualified Person on the project as defined under NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical information contained in this press release.
About International Lithium Corp.
International Lithium Corp. is an exploration company with an outstanding portfolio of projects, strong management ownership, robust financial support and a strategic partner and keystone investor GFL International, a fully owned subsidiary of Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., a leading China based lithium product manufacturer.
The Company's primary focus is the Mariana lithium-potash brine project, within the renowned South American "Lithium Belt" that is the host to the vast majority of global lithium resources, reserves and production. The 160 square kilometre Mariana project strategically encompasses an entire mineral rich evaporate basin that ranks as one of the more prospective salars or 'salt lakes' in the region.
Complementing the Company's lithium brine project are rare metals pegmatite properties in Canada and Ireland. These projects reported highly encouraging lithium mineralization in drill holes targeting pegmatites that are unexposed at surface (news releases dated April 3,2013 and June 25, 2013).
With the increasing demand for high tech rechargeable batteries used in vehicle propulsion technologies and portable electronics, lithium is paramount to tomorrow's "green-tech" economy. By positioning itself with solid development partners and acquiring high quality grass roots projects at an early stage of exploration, ILC aims to be the green tech resource explorer of choice for investors and build value for its shareholders.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Kirill Klip
President, International Lithium Corp.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this press release other than purely historical information, historical estimates should not be relied upon, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, are forward-looking statements. News release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
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