Results from the exploration sampling of brines have returned lithium ("Li") values of up to 400 milligrams per litre ("mg/L") and favourable magnesium ("Mg") to lithium ratios. The drilling program is believed to have intersected the main ash aquifer consisting of sand, ash, tufa and clay layers, and exhibited flow rates exceeding 80 gallons per minute (approximately 303 litres per minute). Two drill holes, SPD-08 and SPD-09, intersected this mineralized aquifer, which were spaced over 2.3 km apart and are both located south of Chemetall Foote’s patented claims. The drill holes follow the gravity low mentioned in the previously released operational update press release (see press release dated February 23, 2010). Based on these initial results, the Company expects that the mineralized aquifer may continue to exhibit potentially favourable lithium concentrations along the southern extensions of this trend. Future drilling will focus on this trend and increasing the potential of this aquifer.
Drill hole SPD-09 returned samples averaging 370 mg/L Li, 6,800 mg/L potassium ("K"), and Mg:Li of 1.2 over 30 metres, and 270 mg/L Li and Mg:Li of 1.3 over 50 metres. Previously published reports on the Silver Peak lithium operation adjacent to Rodinia’s property disclosed average brine grades, when commercial production of lithium carbonate began in 1966, of approximately 400 parts per million (Garrett, 2004). By 1998, the operation was reporting head grades ranging between 100 and 300 parts per million lithium and averaging 160 parts per million lithium (Harben & Edwards, 1998). "Based on the results of hole SPD-09, we believe it is likely that the lithium basin from which the Silver Peak operation produces, extends into Rodinia’s property , and are encouraged by sample results demonstrating concentrations which exceed historically published grades in the area," commented William Randall, Vice President Exploration of Rodinia.
Drill hole SPD-08 returned samples averaging 123 mg/L Li and 1,300 mg/L K over 15 metres. A sampling procedure was enforced by management to ensure sample integrity during the drill program. Where possible brine and sediments samples were air lifted and injection of drilling fluids (water) restricted to the upper part of the hole before the water table was intercepted. Once the drill pipe penetrated the water table, only air was used, where possible, to avoid dilution or contamination of the brines. Once brine bearing horizons were intercepted drilling was halted and the drilling pipe lifted 2 feet or more to allow the total flushing of the internal pipe by means of air pressure for approximately ten minutes or until the brine appeared reasonably clean of sediment. After sufficient air lifting of the brine a sample, the brine was collected in 300 ml sample bottles that had been washed three times with the brine. Liquid was also collected in five gallon buckets and the time of filling of the bucket recorded so as to aid in quantifying the formational flow.
The six hole exploration program collected samples from various locations across the Clayton Valley property, comprising holes on both the playa areas to the north and south of the Silver Peak operation. Drill holes SPD-04 through SPD-07 targeted the northern playa and did not intersect significant levels of lithium. Basement levels were reached in two holes on the eastern margin of the valley.
The project is supervised by William Randall MSc (Geology), the Vice President Exploration of Rodinia. Mr. Randall is a qualified person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and he has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this release. According to the Company’s sampling protocol, sample size is to exceed 300 millilitres and be stored in clean, secure containers for transportation. The prepared samples are then forwarded to the ALS Laboratory Group, Environmental Division, in Fort Collins, CO (USA) for analysis. A rigorous QA/QC program is implemented consisting of regular insertion of standards and blanks to ensure laboratory integrity.
Rodinia Minerals Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a primary focus on lithium exploration and development in North and South America. The Company is positioned to capitalize on the expected increase in demand for lithium carbonate that is projected to result from the anticipated paradigm shift to mass adoption and use of key lithium applications like lithium-ion batteries as well as glass ceramics, greases, pharmaceuticals etc.
Rodinia is currently exploring its Clayton Valley project in Nevada, USA, which surrounds the only lithium- brine producer in North America, and its Diablillos project in Salta, Argentina. Carmakers will be scrambling to meet demand for electric cars, and the lithium batteries that power them. The electric vehicles are powered by lithium-ion batteries.