NOA Lithium Announces Launch of 2026 Activities at Rio Grande Project Leading to Preliminary Feasibility Assessment
Funded for Feasibility: NOA Lithium Pivots to PFS Execution Following Capital Raise and Management Buy-In
On January 21, 2026, NOA Lithium Brines Inc. announced the commencement of activities required for its Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) at the Rio Grande Project in Salta, Argentina. The company has engaged Montgomery & Associates to develop a hydrogeological model, a critical component for reserve estimation. The immediate deliverable is a Basin Water Balance Report, expected by the end of Q1 2026. The overarching goal is to complete the full PFS before the end of 2026. This follows a January 7, 2026, announcement that management exercised warrants yielding $712,400 CAD, and a December 2025 financing closing of ~$5.9 million.
The news is Routine - Positive. It represents the expected procedural advancement of the project following the successful completion of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in October 2025 and recent capital raises. * Operational Continuity: This confirms that the funds raised in December 2025 ($5.9M) are immediately being deployed into value-add technical work (PFS) rather than just G&A. * Timeline Clarity: Investors now have a defined window for the next major catalyst (PFS completion by year-end 2026) and a near-term minor catalyst (Water Report Q1 2026). * Credibility: Engaging Montgomery & Associates adds technical credibility to the future resource/reserve estimate, which is crucial for banking feasibility. * Management Confidence: The preceding news of management exercising warrants for $712k (Jan 7) aligns with this operational push, signaling insider alignment with the 2026 work program.
- Company: NOA Lithium Brines Inc. is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on lithium brine projects in Salta Province, Argentina.
- Flagship Project: Rio Grande Project.
- Stage: Post-PEA, moving to PFS.
- PEA Highlights (Oct 2025): Post-tax NPV8% of US$1.28B and IRR of 22.6% for a 40ktpa operation (Phase 1+2). Initial Capex estimate is US$706M.
- Resource: 4.7 million tonnes LCE (Measured, Indicated & Inferred).
- Key Asset: The company has identified fresh water on-site (Aug 2025), a critical differentiator in the Puna region.
- Other Assets: Arizaro (Exploration, seeking partner) and Salinas Grandes (Exploration).