NOA Lithium drills, completes well at Rio Grande

Executive Summary

• NOA Lithium Brines Inc. drilled, completed and fully cased its first freshwater exploration well (RT‑RG25‑FW02) on the Rio Grande project in Salta, Argentina.
• The well reached 190 m depth, is screened to 183.9 m, and produced water with conductivity ~1,400 µS/cm and pH 7.2–7.6—qualities suitable for lithium‑brine processing.
• Completion of the well de‑risks water supply for the project and supports the company’s Preliminary Economic Assessment slated for Q3 2025.

Key Details

• Well name & location: RT‑RG25‑FW02, northern side of Salar de Rio Grande, fully owned 100% by NOA.
• Depth & construction: Total depth 190 m; 12¼‑in. diameter; fully cased and screened to 183.9 m (143.77 m six‑inch blind steel pipe + 40.13 m six‑inch galvanized filter with 0.75 mm continuous slot).
• Pre‑filter & seal: Two‑ to four‑mm gravel pre‑filter; bentonite and cement seal at wellhead.
• Water quality (pumping test): Average electrical conductivity ≈1,400 µS/cm; pH range 7.2–7.6, meeting freshwater criteria for lithium projects.
• Strategic relevance: One of three identified freshwater targets on the Rio Grande property; critical for securing water resources needed for project development.
• CEO comment: Gabriel Rubacha highlighted the well as a major step in de‑risking the project and enhancing operational readiness toward feasibility.
• Economic assessment timeline: Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) expected to be completed in Q3 2025.

Notable Quotes

“The completion of our first freshwater well is a major step forward in derisking the Rio Grande project. Access to a reliable and high‑quality water source strengthens our operational readiness and supports our vision for sustainable development as we advance this project toward feasibility.” – Gabriel Rubacha, CEO, NOA Lithium Brines Inc.