One lithium brine stock that WILL MAKE IT is LITHIUM POWER INTERNATIONAL (LPI) for the following reasons:
1. It has a large lithium brine resource (2.15 million tonnes LCE) with the highest grade (1160 mg/l Li) on planet Earth - "Maricunga".
2. Futher exploration drilling is expected to double the existing resource to around 4.5 million tonnes of LCE.
3. Stage 2 pilot plants tests have produced battery grade LCE consistent with BG LCE produced by Albemarle and SQM - samples being provided to potential end users / offtakers for assessment.
4. Flow rates at Maricunga are comparable to those of the largest lithium brine producers.
5. The project EIS will be lodged for approval this quarter.
6. WorleyParsons is expected to finalise the DFS in Q3 2018.
7. Chinese conglomerate Fulin Group has conducted due diligence with a view to potential investment in the Maricunga project (through JV partner MSB).
8. The expectation is that end users / offtakers will finance the project.
9. LPI's share register is relatively tight with 261 million shares issued and a rediculously low mark cap (AUD$125 million as I write).
10. LPI just completed its 50% equity buy-in to the Maricunga project with the potential to secure additional equity. LPI has AUD$30 million in the bank.
11. LPI management is now in a position to "fast-track" development of the Maricunga project.
