Ann: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Submitted, page-59

Mick

I am speculating here, but I have always felt the delay in the EIA finalisation was a result of the CEOL resolution discussions that took place between MSB and the Chilean Mines Ministry between March and June 2018. The 9 July 2018 announcement about resolution of the Litio CEOL dispute, contained the wording about MSB working closely with the Chilean Government on development of the Maricunga salar.

I strongly believe that our EIA work contains analysis which will not only benefit MSB but a potential future JV of some type with Codelco. The news article Mick found contained this wording:

Regarding this point, García-Huidobro points out that they have developed a hydrogeological model that will allow sustainable development with the other mining companies, among them, Codelco.

I believe that LPI will end up JVing with Codelco in either of two ways:
1. As a holder of 51% of the Maricunga project and Codelco the remaining 49% - obviously this would require a 49% buy-out of MSB and BRZ.
2. As a LPI/MSB/BRZ JV with Codelco augmenting the first Maricunga project or as partners in a separate lithium brine development project - increasing collective BG LCE output to 40k a year.

There is no doubt that the MSB EIA would contain hydrogeological modelling for a range of BG LCE production outcomes, all of which would cater for additional production involving Codelco. Interesting times ahead.