Site Survey Confirms Sodium Carbonate Potential at Laguna Santa Maria

VANCOUVER, BC, March 1, 2024 /CNW/ -- Critical Reagent Processing Corp. (CSE: CRPC) (OTC: GRXXF) (Frankfurt: G0A) is pleased to provide an update on progress with the Laguana Santa Maria Soda Ash Project, located in Salta Province, Argentina. The project is strategically located in the "Lithium Triangle," a geographic area of significant lithium carbonate project development by such companies as POSCO, Arcadium Lithium PLC, Ganfeng Lithium and Lithium Americas. Soda ash is a critical reagent required to produce lithium carbonate; each tonne of lithium carbonate produced utilizes two tonnes of soda ash in processing. Currently, much of the soda ash supply for the production of lithium carbonate in Argentina is sourced outside the country.

The 260 hectare Laguna Santa Maria appears as a salar or salt flat. Work to date has included a Vertical Survey and a site visit with limited sampling.  The project concept is one of a salar that hosts brine exploitable as a "in liquid" soda ash deposit. The project area is a Mining License with a history of small-scale soda ash production by the prior owner.

Results of a recently completed Electromagnetic Sounding indicates a depth potential of over 280 meters comprised of two layers of granulitic material. The upper layer is an unsaturated zone down to approximately 35 meters and is not the target zone. Below this layer is a zone of saturation with high salinity. It is comprised of medium sediments and is the target zone. 

Eleven surface/solid and fifteen liquid/well samples were obtained during the 2023 site visit. The surface samples were hand dug as pits and had values ranging from 501 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) CO3 (carbonate) to 325,406 mg/kg CO3 indicating a carbonate surface formation. 

The Fifteen liquid samples were obtained at various locations around the project by the perforation of the surface structure with a hand dug well. Of the fifteen liquid samples taken to date, thirteen were deemed to represent near surface waters within the unsaturated zone. The other two samples have returned high values of calcium carbonate, carbonate, bicarbonate and sodium, and are deemed to represent leakage upwards from the saturated target zone below.

Sample LMS 0-2 returned 24,414 milligrams per liter (mg/L) Ca Co3 (calcium carbonate), 11,951CO3 mg/L CO3 (carbonate), 5,484 mg/L HCO3 (bicarbonate), and 22,858 mg/L Na (sodium), with total dissolved solids at 58,723 mg/L.

Sample LMS 05 returned 15,981 mg/L CaCO3, 7,980 mg/L CO3, 3,270 mg/L HCO3 and 15.844 mg/L Na with total dissolved solids at 39,727 mg/L.   

All test work was completed under the supervision of Mr. William Feyerabend, a director and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. All samples were analyzed by Alex Stewart Laboratories, an ISO certified laboratory located in Mendoza, Argentina. Quality Assurance and Best Practices were employed in the sample program including blank insertion prior to assy.

This small sample set would indicate that a soda ash product may possibly be produced by the evaporation of liquid contained within the target zone. The next phase of work will include an onsite bulk sample of brine for evaporative testing.

Company President Adrian F.C. Hobkirk is quoted, "We are pleased with the initial results from the first phase of evaluation of the Laguna Santa Maria soda ash deposit.  The close proximity of the Mining Licenses to significant lithium production and development represents a unique strategic business opportunity for the Company.

Company Director Mr. Willaim Feyerabend, a Consulting Geologist and Qualified Person under N.I. 43101 participated in the production of this press release and approves of the scientific and technical content contained herein.

About Critical Reagent Processing Corp.

Critical Reagent Processing Corp. (CRPC) has completed its purchase option agreement to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Mina Laguna Santa Maria project, which consists of two mining concessions licensed for the production of sodium carbonate, "Soda Ash". Pursuant to the option agreement, the Company is now the holder of 100% of N^o 17.643 Ignacio VI and 86% of N^o 1.255 Santa Maria and has filed documentation to obtain the remaining 14% of N^o 1.255 Santa Maria, located in Salta Province, Argentina. The 260 hectare property hosts a natural deposit of sodium carbonate, or soda ash. Soda ash is a necessary reagent for the production of lithium carbonate. The U.S. Geological Survey reported in 2022, 165,000 tonnes of soda ash were exported from the United States to Argentina, with a value of $US 48 million. CRPC believes the Laguna Santa Maria Project holds a competitive advantage over soda ash importation into Argentina as it is located in country, and in an area of significant lithium carbonate production and project development. Management is continuing to evaluate the property and market for soda ash in Argentina. Results of a bulk sample chemical evaluation are expected shortly.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Adrian Hobkirk President and CEO

T:  954-684-8040
E:  [email protected]
W:   www.crpc-corp.com

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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SOURCE Critical Reagent Processing Corp.