NOA Lithium Provides Update on 2026 Exploration Drilling Program At Rio Grande Project
NOA’s Rio Grande project hit 504m, with production well design completed ahead of the preliminary feasibility study.
NOA Lithium Brines Inc. (NOAL) provided an operational update on its 2026 exploration drilling program at the Rio Grande Project in Salta, Argentina. Both drilling rigs are operating according to plan. Well RT-RG26-PW002 reached its planned maximum depth of 504 meters and completed Borehole Magnetic Resonance (BMR) logging. Well RT-RG26-PW001 reached a depth of 254 meters.
The company has designed the production well based on the completed logging and expects to provide further updates as drilling and testing activities advance toward finalizing the first production well. The program is intended to support the evaluation of deep brine-bearing aquifers and refine the Project's hydrogeological and resource models. CEO Gabriel Rubacha highlighted progress toward finalizing the first production well and advancing the testing phase.
NOA Lithium Brines Inc. (NOAL) released an update on July 16, 2026, marking a routine operational milestone that aligns with its stated 2026 work program to advance the Rio Grande project toward a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS). Drilling progress remains on schedule relative to prior announcements, following mobilization in May and initial drilling in June. The company reached 504 meters and completed BMR logging, which are expected technical steps in the current phase.
The update did not disclose any new financial data, strategic partnerships, or material changes to the development timeline. While the news reinforces the company's execution capability, it does not introduce unexpected catalysts or materially alter the risk/reward profile.
NOA Lithium Brines Inc. holds over 140,000 hectares across three prospective salars in the Lithium Triangle in Salta, Argentina: Rio Grande, Arizaro, and Salinas Grandes.
The company’s flagship Rio Grande project covers 37,000 hectares and contains an estimated 4.7 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) resource, comprising 2.66 million tonnes in the Measured and Indicated category and 2.04 million tonnes in the Inferred category, with an average lithium concentration of 525 mg/L. A preliminary economic assessment completed in October 2025 outlined strong economics for a 20,000 tonnes per annum initial stage, projecting a pre-tax net present value of $2.07 billion and an internal rate of return of 27.3%. The company is currently advancing toward a pre-feasibility study.
At Arizaro, which spans 78,000 hectares, the company recently entered a joint venture option agreement with Summit Explore Corp. to earn a 60% interest through a $3.5 million investment and technical studies.
The Salinas Grandes project, covering 10,200 hectares, was fully written off in the first quarter of 2026 due to a lack of foreseeable exploration plans.