Why has Anson Resources Chosen a Processing Site Near the Colorado River?

$ASN Why has Anson Resources Chosen a Processing Site Near the Colorado River?

Geotechnical Study Validates Processing Plant Site for Paradox Lithium Project

Anson Resources Limited (ASX: ASN), a notable player in the lithium extraction industry, has achieved a significant milestone in its Paradox Lithium Project, located in the Paradox Basin in southeastern Utah, USA. The company recently announced the successful completion of a comprehensive geotechnical engineering study, confirming the suitability of the proposed site for their Direct Lithium extraction (DLE) processing plant.

The Geotechnical Study: Ensuring Foundation Integrity

The primary objective of the geotechnical study was to assess the subsurface conditions at the proposed processing plant location. This assessment is crucial for determining the design and construction of the plant's foundations. The study involved extensive site reconnaissance, subsurface exploration, geophysical data acquisition, and engineering analysis.

Study Methodology: A Rigorous Approach

The study comprised drilling seven core holes and excavating seven test trenches, with boreholes ranging from 9 to 62.5 feet in depth and trenches from 0.5 to ... 7 feet deep. The geotechnical tests included grain size distribution analysis, Atterberg limits, 1D consolidation tests, unconfined compression tests, Standard Proctor and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, and analyses for water-soluble chloride and sulphate concentrations, electrical resistivity, and pH.

Positive Outcomes: A Green Light for Construction

The results from the study were highly encouraging. The majority of the proposed site is underlain by sandstone and limestone with minimal areas of colluvium. Bedrock was intersected in all boreholes and trenches, and crucially, no groundwater was encountered, which could have complicated construction efforts.

The Significance of Soil and Bedrock Characteristics

The study utilized multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW) surveys to evaluate soil and bedrock stiffness, classifying the site as ‘Site Class C’. This classification indicates a boundary between soft and hard rock at about 70 feet depth, suggesting that the design of the proposed structures will not be impacted by subsurface conditions.

Rippability Assessment: A Cost-Effective Indicator

An essential part of the study was the rippability assessment, which uses seismic refraction to estimate the ease of excavation. The results indicated that both unconsolidated and bedrock materials should be rippable according to Caterpillar D8 Ripper specifications, potentially reducing excavation costs.

Strategic Location of the Processing Plant

The proposed site for the processing plant is strategically located adjacent to the Colorado River, about 10km from the well extraction site. It is situated on approximately 20 acres of privately-owned land, near the Intrepid Potash production facility. The site's proximity to the Colorado River is crucial for the operation of the DLE process, and Anson has secured a water rights agreement for the project.

Paving the Way for Lithium Production

The successful completion of the geotechnical study is a significant stride forward for Anson Resources Limited. It not only confirms the suitability of the site for the processing plant but also paves the way for the efficient and cost-effective development of the Paradox Lithium Project. This development is poised to play a crucial role in the burgeoning lithium industry, vital for the rapidly growing electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

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