NOA Lithium Brines Inc. (TSXV: NOAL) (OTCPK: NLIBF) has announced a significant discovery at its Rio Grande Project in Argentina's Lithium Triangle—a fresh water source located within the project's boundaries. This discovery is a critical milestone for the project, as access to industrial water is a major challenge in the arid regions where lithium salars are found. The strategic location of this water source, near areas with the highest lithium concentration, could streamline the development of production facilities and evaporation ponds, potentially reducing both capital and operating costs.
Gabriel Rubacha, NOA's Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the importance of this discovery, noting its alignment with the company's preliminary assessment for the project's infrastructure. The water well, drilled to a depth of 190 meters, is one of three fresh water targets identified at Rio Grande, suggesting the possibility of additional water resources as the project progresses.
NOA Lithium's Rio Grande Project is situated in the heart of Argentina's Lithium Triangle, a region known for its high-grade, low-cost lithium operations. The company holds one of the largest lithium brine claim portfolios in the area, with over 140,000 hectares across three salars. This positions NOA alongside major industry players in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, enhancing its potential to become a significant lithium producer.
With the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) expected in Q3 2025, the discovery of fresh water on-site could accelerate the project's timeline and improve its economic viability. The project aims for an initial production capacity of approximately 20,000 metric tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent, with plans to double that capacity through modular expansion. As global demand for lithium continues to grow, driven by the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors, NOA's advancements at the Rio Grande Project underscore its emerging role in the lithium supply chain.
