Salt Lake Potash reports positive results from pumping of paleochannel brine extraction bore
Published by Nicholas Woodroof,
Editor
World Fertilizer,
Highlights
- Pumping of the initial brine extraction bore drilled into the Lake Way paleochannel delivered flow rates of 18 litres per second, with a consistent potassium grade of 7100 mg per litre (15.9kg/m3 SOP), sustained over a 17 day period.
- The results are significantly above average flow rates used in the bankable feasibility study (BFS) of 8 litres per second (per bore) and average interpolated brine grades within the paleochannel of 6100 mg per litre (13.7kg/m3 SOP).
- Drawdown of brine observed in monitoring bores located next to the pumping bore aligned with hydrogeological assumptions used in the BFS.
- The response to pumping observed in a monitoring bore 1.6 km away indicates continuity of the aquifer, whilst brine samples also indicate a consistent grade within this zone of the paleochannel.
- Two additional brine extraction bores have been completed along the paleochannel with pumping expected to commence in the near term. In each case the primary basal sand aquifer was encountered in line with our geological model prediction.
In the months ahead the company will drill and test pump further brine extraction bores along the eastern side of Lake Way. During May bores have been completed at Pads 8 and 21, with test pumping expected to be completed in the near term. In each case the primary basal sand aquifer was encountered in line with the company's geological model prediction.
Tony Swiericzuk, CEO, said: “Strong results from pumping our first brine abstraction bore validates work undertaken as part of the BFS and highlights the value of the paleochannel resource which will be a significant contributor of brine supply to our ponds over the life of the project.”
Image shows airlift development at Pad 17. Courtesy of Salt Lake Potash
Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/project-news/21052020/salt-lake-potash-reports-positive-results-from-pumping-of-paleochannel-brine-extraction-bore/
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