Sixth Largest Hard-Rock Lithium Deposit in the World – American Lithium Reports Lithium Grades up to 5,645 ppm

Peru, a nation steeped in mining heritage, has long been a significant contributor to the global production of metals. In 2022 alone, the country churned out 2.2 million metric tons of copper, 4,500 kilograms of gold, and 121,000 metric tons of zinc. However, a new element is making its mark on Peru’s mining landscape – lithium, a crucial ingredient in the renewable energy sector.

Nestled in the southeastern region of Puno, the Falchani lithium project is a testament to American Lithium’s commitment to unearth Peru’s untapped lithium reserves. The project’s strategic location in the mineral-rich Macusani Plateau offers several advantages, including proximity to essential infrastructure, water resources, and a skilled local workforce.

The Falchani project’s journey is as intriguing as its potential. Initially discovered during uranium exploration in 2017, the project has undergone significant evolution. American Lithium took the reins in 2021 and has since been diligently developing the project, with a keen eye on environmental sustainability and community engagement.

The Falchani project’s geology is characterized by lithium-rich tuff layers, part of a broader volcanic package. The lithium mineralization at Falchani is hosted within a tuff unit, a rock type composed of volcanic ash. The lithium is contained within a mineral called lepidolite, dispersed throughout the tuff unit.

Recent drilling results from the Falchani project have been encouraging. American Lithium reported assay results from three diamond drill holes, with lithium grades reaching up to 5,645 parts per million (ppm) and cesium (Cs) up to 1.22%. 

This marks the highest grades of both metals encountered to date from one-metre drill core interval samples at Falchani. One of the drill holes, Pz06-TV, intersected lithium mineralization over the entire 86 metres drilled, averaging 2,739 ppm lithium.

Simon Clarke, CEO of American Lithium, expressed his excitement about the results, stating, “We are excited to have intersected thick, high-grade lithium mineralization west of the current Falchani resource footprint, which should allow for resource expansion. The strong cesium and lithium mineralization encountered in the central valley bisecting Falchani is also very interesting from a strategic perspective with higher than previously recorded cesium grades.”

“We received the first new permits for the new Quelcaya targets several weeks ago and have also launched a new drill program on some of our best targets across the Macusani Plateau”

In conclusion, American Lithium’s operations in Peru align with the country’s ambitious plans to establish a domestic lithium-ion battery production industry. As stated by Jaime Chavez, Peru’s vice minister of mines, the country is actively seeking to develop a battery industry, leveraging its lithium reserves. While Peru’s lithium deposits, including those being explored by American Lithium in the Puno region, are smaller than those in the renowned Lithium Triangle of Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, they represent a significant opportunity for the country.

American Lithium’s exploration and potential extraction of lithium at the Falchani project could provide the raw materials needed for this envisioned industry. This would not only contribute to the global transition away from combustion engines to electric vehicles but also add value to Peru’s mining sector and economy. 

As the project continues to evolve, it is set to play a crucial role in shaping Peru’s mining future.