Australia-listed Arizona Lithium on Monday announced the initiation of production drilling at its Prairie lithium project, in Saskatchewan, marking a milestone in Canada’s lithium industry.
The commencement of drilling operations on Pad #1 signifies the beginning of Canada’s first commercial lithium production plant, said Arizona Lithium.
The drilling programme, spanning three pads, will extend over the coming months. Production and disposal testing of the wells on Pad #1 is slated to begin in June. The initial phase involves the drilling of vertical wells, which will explore the Souris River and Dawson Bay formations for commercial viability.
Arizona Lithium MD Paul Lloyd said the company kicked off the drilling programme on schedule.
“The rig has been delivered to site, the first well has been spudded and the rig is now drilling our lithium wells.”
Lloyd emphasised the efficiency gained from operating in a mature and well-developed oil and gas province, facilitating access to skills and services.
“These are very deep holes being drilled by a heavy duty oil drilling rig. It will take over 40 service providers and hundreds of people to execute a drilling and completion programme like this. I’d like to thank all of the vendors, their employees and the local community for stepping up to support our project and we look forward to updating shareholders as the large drill programme progresses."
The Prairie project boasts a significant resource of 6.3-million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, positioning it as a critical asset in Arizona Lithium's portfolio.