American Lithium Corp. (“American Lithium” or the “Company”)
(TSX-V:LI | OTCQX:AMLIF | Frankfurt:5LA1) is pleased to announce an
updated Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) for the Tonopah Lithium
Claims (“TLC”) project, located in the Esmerelda lithium district
northwest of Tonopah, Nevada. The updated MRE has successfully
converted Indicated Resources to the Measured category, increasing
Measured Resources 47% from the previous 2023 MRE at TLC. The
resource block model has been further refined, increasing the
confidence of the TLC resource. The vast majority of resources used
in the 2024 PEA Mine Plan are now within the more reliable Measured
Resource footprint.
The updated MRE was completed by Stantec
Consulting Services Inc. of Salt Lake City, UT and is based on an
additional 44 drill holes drilled since the previously filed
January 2023 MRE.
Highlights:
(see Table 1 February 2025 TLC MRE & Table 2 Previous January
2023 TLC MRE, below)Link to: Figure 1 – TLC Project Updated Mineral
Resource Block Outline and Drill Hole Location Map (also see
below)
- Measured
Resource – 6.17 Mt Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (“LCE”) (1,365 Mt @
849 ppm Li); increase of 47% contained LCE versus 2023 MRE
- Indicated
Resource – 2.39 Mt LCE (553 Mt @ 808 ppm Li); decrease of 48%
versus 2023 MRE
- Measured +
Indicated Resource – 8.56 Mt LCE (1,918 Mt @ 839 ppm Li); 3%
decrease from 2023 MRE
- Inferred
Resource – 1.44 Mt LCE (345 Mt @ 780 ppm Li); 22% decrease from
2023 MRE
American Lithium Interim CEO, Alex
Tsakumis states: “We are very pleased with the newly
established and upgraded Measured Resource footprint at TLC as it
not only increases the resource confidence level in the Measured
category but also represents the core of the 2024 PEA Mine Plan.
Our focus remains on diligently and prudently advancing our
projects as we prepare for an anticipated recovery in the battery
metals market.”
Table 1 – Updated TLC Mineral Resource Estimate
(February 2025)
Cutoff |
Volume |
Tonnes |
Li |
Million Tonnes (Mt) |
Li (ppm) |
(Mm3) |
(Mt) |
(ppm) |
Li |
Li2CO3 |
LiOH.H2O |
Measured |
500 |
803 |
1,365 |
849 |
1.16 |
6.17 |
7.02 |
600 |
645 |
1,097 |
923 |
1.01 |
5.37 |
6.11 |
800 |
396 |
673 |
1,065 |
0.72 |
3.83 |
4.36 |
1,000 |
217 |
369 |
1,208 |
0.45 |
2.39 |
2.72 |
1,200 |
100 |
170 |
1,345 |
0.23 |
1.22 |
1.39 |
Indicated |
500 |
325 |
553 |
808 |
0.45 |
2.39 |
2.72 |
600 |
238 |
405 |
903 |
0.37 |
1.97 |
2.24 |
800 |
141 |
240 |
1,050 |
0.25 |
1.33 |
1.51 |
1,000 |
70 |
119 |
1,212 |
0.14 |
0.74 |
0.85 |
1,200 |
32 |
54 |
1,365 |
0.07 |
0.37 |
0.42 |
Measured plus Indicated |
500 |
1,128 |
1,918 |
839 |
1.61 |
8.56 |
9.74 |
600 |
883 |
1,502 |
919 |
1.38 |
7.34 |
8.35 |
800 |
537 |
913 |
1,062 |
0.97 |
5.16 |
5.87 |
1,000 |
287 |
488 |
1,209 |
0.59 |
3.13 |
3.57 |
1,200 |
132 |
224 |
1,339 |
0.30 |
1.59 |
1.81 |
Inferred |
500 |
203 |
345 |
780 |
0.27 |
1.44 |
1.63 |
600 |
139 |
236 |
887 |
0.21 |
1.12 |
1.27 |
800 |
83 |
141 |
1,022 |
0.14 |
0.74 |
0.85 |
1,000 |
39 |
66 |
1,169 |
0.08 |
0.43 |
0.48 |
1,200 |
13 |
22 |
1,326 |
0.03 |
0.16 |
0.18 |
- CIM definitions are followed for
classification of Mineral Resource.
- Mineral Resource surface pit extent
has been estimated using a lithium carbonate price of US20,000
US$/tonne and mining cost of US$3.00 per tonne, a lithium recovery
of 90%, fixed density of 1.70 g/cm3 (1.43 tons/yd3)
- Conversions: 1 metric tonne = 1.102
short tons, metric m3 = 1.308 yd3, Li2CO3:Li ratio = 5.32,
LiOH.H2O:Li ratio =6.05
- Totals may not represent the sum of
the parts due to rounding.
- The Mineral Resource estimate has
been prepared by Joan Kester, PG of Stantec Consulting Services
Inc. in conformity with CIM “Estimation of Mineral Resource and
Mineral Reserves Best Practices” guidelines and are reported in
accordance with the Canadian Securities Administrators NI 43-101.
Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have
demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that any
mineral resource will be converted into mineral reserve.
Table 2 – Previous TLC Mineral Resource Estimate
(January 2023)
Cutoff |
Volume |
Tonnes |
Li |
Million Tonnes (Mt) |
Li (ppm) |
(Mm3) |
(Mt) |
(ppm) |
Li |
Li2CO3 |
LiOH.H2O |
Measured |
500 |
506 |
860 |
924 |
0.79 |
4.2 |
4.78 |
600 |
416 |
707 |
1006 |
0.71 |
3.78 |
4.3 |
800 |
283 |
481 |
1153 |
0.55 |
2.93 |
3.33 |
1000 |
203 |
345 |
1255 |
0.43 |
2.29 |
2.6 |
1200 |
104 |
177 |
1401 |
0.25 |
1.33 |
1.51 |
Indicated |
500 |
701 |
1192 |
727 |
0.87 |
4.63 |
5.26 |
600 |
438 |
745 |
835 |
0.62 |
3.3 |
3.75 |
800 |
218 |
371 |
987 |
0.37 |
1.97 |
2.24 |
1000 |
80 |
136 |
1148 |
0.16 |
0.85 |
0.97 |
1200 |
22 |
37 |
1328 |
0.05 |
0.27 |
0.3 |
Measured plus Indicated |
500 |
1207 |
2052 |
809 |
1.66 |
8.83 |
10.04 |
600 |
854 |
1452 |
916 |
1.33 |
7.08 |
8.05 |
800 |
501 |
852 |
1080 |
0.92 |
4.9 |
5.57 |
1000 |
283 |
481 |
1227 |
0.59 |
3.14 |
3.57 |
1200 |
126 |
214 |
1402 |
0.3 |
1.6 |
1.81 |
Inferred |
500 |
286 |
486 |
713 |
0.35 |
1.86 |
2.12 |
600 |
173 |
294 |
827 |
0.24 |
1.28 |
1.45 |
800 |
77 |
131 |
995 |
0.13 |
0.69 |
0.79 |
1000 |
31 |
53 |
1151 |
0.06 |
0.32 |
0.36 |
1200 |
8 |
14 |
1315 |
0.02 |
0.11 |
0.12 |
- CIM definitions are followed for
classification of Mineral Resource.
- Mineral Resource surface pit extent
has been estimated using a lithium carbonate price of US20,000
US$/tonne and mining cost of US$3.00 per tonne, a lithium recovery
of 90%, fixed density of 1.70 g/cm3 (1.43 tons/yd3)
- Conversions: 1 metric tonne = 1.102
short tons, metric m3 = 1.308 yd3, Li2CO3:Li ratio = 5.32,
LiOH.H2O:Li ratio =6.05
- Totals may not represent the sum of
the parts due to rounding.
- The Mineral Resource estimate has
been prepared by Joan Kester, PG and Derek Loveday, P. Geo. of
Stantec Consulting Services Inc. in conformity with CIM “Estimation
of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices” guidelines
and are reported in accordance with the Canadian Securities
Administrators NI 43-101. Mineral resources are not mineral
reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is
no certainty that any mineral resource will be converted into
mineral reserve.
Figure 1 – TLC Project Updated Mineral Resource
Block Outline and Drill Hole Location Map
Mineral Resource Estimation Calculation
MethodologyThe geologic model used for reporting of
lithium resources was developed using Hexagon Mining’s geological
modelling and mine planning software, MinePlan version 16.1.1. The
geologic model from which lithium resources are reported is a 3D
block model developed using the Nevada State Plane Central Zone
NAD83 coordinate system and U.S. customary units. Block size is
50ft-X, 50ft-Y and 20ft-Z. Modeling method and approach is similar
to that described in the prior Technical Report (Loveday and
Kester, 2023) but with a re-interpretation of geologic controls on
mineralization using the additional exploration drilling and
geophysical data.
A base case lithium resource cut-off grade has
been calculated based on the economics of a medium size (100 Mtpa)
run-of-mine (ROM) surface mining operation that does not require
blasting. Processing of the mineralized material would be onsite
extracting lithium from claystone using an acid digestion method.
Resources are reported from within an economic pit shell at
45-degree constant slope using Hexagon mining Pseudoflow algorithm.
Maximum pit depth is limited to 1,000 feet (304.8 m) below surface.
No underground mining is considered.
The following mining, processing, royalty, and
recovery costs, in US$, were used to derive a base case cut-off
grade to produce a lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) equivalent
product:
- Mining costs
US$3/tonne;
- Processing costs
US$49/tonne;
- Royalties
US$1/tonne;
- General and
administration US$1/tonne; and Processing recovery 90%.
Revenue from a lithium carbonate product is
estimated to be US$20,000/tonne for the cutoff grade calculation.
Using the above inputs and Li2CO3:Li ratio of 5.32, a base case
cut-off grade for lithium is estimated to be 500 ppm, rounded from
501 ppm. The base case cut-off grade of 500 ppm lithium is the same
as the prior (Loveday and Kester, 2023) Mineral Resource Estimate
(“MRE”) using the same cost assumptions as the prior MRE.
The updated base case MRE represents an increase
of 47% Li2CO3 equivalent tonnes in the Measured Category, a
decrease of 48% for the Indicated category when compared to the
prior MRE (both at 500 ppm Li cutoff). Inferred Li2CO3 equivalent
resources have decreased by 22% percent when compared to the prior
MRE for the base case.
Resource Estimate
Parameters:
- Resource Update Effective Date –
February 7, 2023:
- 44 new drill holes (2022 to 2023)
added to current MRE (16 RC and 28 Diamond)
- 82 drill holes
(2019 to 2022 in previous MRE)
Quality Assurance, Quality Control and
Data Verification
Diamond drilling was conducted
by First Drilling of Montrose, Colorado using large diameter,
PQ-size, drilling entirely vertical holes in 2022. In 2023 eight
(8) additional diamond cores were drilled by IG Drillingof Payson,
Utah using drill rig CS-14 using either a PQ or HQ diameter drill
bit. Drill core samples are nominally 5-foot (1.53 m) length and
are cut longitudinally, and one half of the HQ-size core, or one
quarter of PQ size core is placed in sealed bags and shipped to
analytical laboratories.
Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling was conducted
by Harris Exploration Drilling and Associates Inc., of Fallon,
Nevada with 5.5-inch diameter face centred bit on vertical drill
holes. Sampling was conducted using a riffle splitter or a cyclone
splitter depending on the moisture content of the sampled material.
Sampling was conducted over 5-foot (1.52m) intervals with
individual samples placed in sealed bags and transported to the
respective analytical labs. In 2023 three (3) RC holes weredrilled
by Harris’s Canterra Rig using 5.5” diameter.
Samples were shipped to American Assay
Laboratories (AAL) in Sparks, Nevada for sample preparation,
processing and ICP-MS multi-element analysis. Pulps and rejects are
returned and retained by the Company. AAL is an ISO/IEC 17025
certified assay laboratory. The QA/QC program includes a
comprehensive analytical quality assurance and control routine
comprising the systematic use of Company inserted standards, blanks
and field duplicate samples, and internal laboratory QA/QC standard
operating procedures. Downhole lengths (depths) for vertical drill
holes are considered accurate true depth intersections for the
essentially flat-lying, to gently dipping TLC host
stratigraphy.
Mineral Resource Estimate
PreparationThe Mineral Resource estimate has been prepared
by Joan Kester, PG of Stantec Consulting Services Inc. in
conformity with CIM “Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral
Reserves Best Practices” guidelines and are reported in accordance
with the Canadian Securities Administrators NI 43-101. Mineral
resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated
economic viability. There is no certainty that any mineral resource
will be converted into mineral reserve.
Qualified PersonsMs. Joan
Kester, PG and Ms. Mariea Kartick, P. Geo. of Stantec Consulting
Services Inc. are Qualified Persons as defined by National
Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects,
have prepared or supervised the preparation of, or have reviewed
and approved, the scientific and technical data pertaining to the
Mineral Resource estimates contained in this release, and will be
preparing the NI-43-101 Technical Report for filing on SEDAR within
45 days.
Mr. Ted O’Connor, P.Geo., Executive Vice
President of American Lithium, and a Qualified Person as defined by
National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical
information contained in this news release.
About American
LithiumAmerican Lithium is developing two of the world’s
largest, advanced-stage lithium projects, along with the largest
undeveloped uranium project in Latin America. They include the TLC
claystone lithium project in Nevada, the Falchani hard rock lithium
project and the Macusani uranium deposit, both in southern Peru.
All three projects have been through robust preliminary economic
assessments, exhibit significant expansion potential and enjoy
strong community support.
For more information, please contact the Company
at info@americanlithiumcorp.com or visit our website
at www.americanlithiumcorp.com.
Follow us
on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of
American Lithium Corp.
“Alex Tsakumis”
Interim CEO
Tel: 604 428 6128
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 press release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward
Looking InformationThis news release contains certain
forward-looking information and forward-looking statements
(collectively “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of
applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than
statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are
not limited to, statements regarding the business plans,
expectations and objectives of American Lithium. Forward-looking
statements are frequently identified by such words as "may",
"will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend",
“indicate”, “scheduled”, “target”, “goal”, “potential”, “subject”,
“efforts”, “option” and similar words, or the negative connotations
thereof, referring to future events and results. Forward-looking
statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of
management and are not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future
results or events. Although American Lithium believes that the
current opinions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking
statements are reasonable based on information available at the
time, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking
statements since American Lithium can provide no assurance that
such opinions and expectations will prove to be correct. All
forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject to
a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including risks,
uncertainties and assumptions related to: American Lithium’s
ability to achieve its stated goals;, which could have a material
adverse impact on many aspects of American Lithium’s businesses
including but not limited to: the ability to access mineral
properties for indeterminate amounts of time, the health of the
employees or consultants resulting in delays or diminished
capacity, social or political instability in Peru which in turn
could impact American Lithium’s ability to maintain the continuity
of its business operating requirements, may result in the reduced
availability or failures of various local administration and
critical infrastructure, reduced demand for the American Lithium’s
potential products, availability of materials, global travel
restrictions, and the availability of insurance and the associated
costs; the ongoing ability to work cooperatively with stakeholders,
including but not limited to local communities and all levels of
government; the potential for delays in exploration or development
activities; the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade
and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that any future
exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent
with our expectations; risks that permits will not be obtained as
planned or delays in obtaining permits; mining and development
risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns,
labour disputes (including work stoppages, strikes and loss of
personnel) or other unanticipated difficulties with or
interruptions in exploration and development; risks related to
commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; risks
related to foreign operations; the cyclical nature of the industry
in which American Lithium operates; risks related to failure to
obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms
or delays in obtaining governmental approvals; risks related to
environmental regulation and liability; political and regulatory
risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the
uncertain global economic environment and the effects upon the
global market generally, any of which could continue to negatively
affect global financial markets, including the trading price of
American Lithium’s shares and could negatively affect American
Lithium’s ability to raise capital and may also result in
additional and unknown risks or liabilities to American Lithium.
Other risks and uncertainties related to prospects, properties and
business strategy of American Lithium are identified in the “Risk
Factors” section of American Lithium’s Management’s Discussion and
Analysis filed on October 15, 2024, and in recent securities
filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may
differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements. American Lithium undertakes no obligation to update
forward-looking statements except as required by applicable
securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements.
Cautionary Note Regarding 32
Concessions
Thirty-two of the one-hundred-seventy-four
concessions comprising the Falchani and Macusani Projects are
currently subject to Administrative and Judicial processes in Peru
to overturn resolutions issued by INGEMMET and the Mining Council
of MINEM in February 2019 and July 2019, respectively, which
declared title to thirty-two concessions invalid due to late
receipt of the annual validity payments. On November 2, 2021,
American Lithium was awarded a favorable ruling in regard to title
to the concessions, but on November 26, 2021, appeals of the
judicial ruling were lodged by INGEMMET and MINEM. A three-judge
tribunal of Peru’s Superior Court unanimously upheld the ruling in
a decision reported in November 2023. American Lithium was
subsequently notified that INGEMMET and MINEM have filed petitions
to the Supreme Court of Peru to assume jurisdiction in the
proceedings. Given the precedent of the original ruling it is hoped
that the Supreme Court will not assume jurisdiction; however, there
is no assurance of the outcome at this time.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3fae412c-f633-4c9b-80cb-9b9afad01492
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