NOA Lithium Brines Inc. has announced a significant discovery at its Rio Grande Project in Argentina's Lithium Triangle—a fresh water source located within the project's boundaries. This discovery is pivotal for the lithium brine project, as access to industrial water is a critical factor in the arid regions where lithium salars are found. The on-site water source eliminates a major hurdle in the project's development, potentially reducing both capital and operating costs associated with water procurement.
Gabriel Rubacha, NOA's Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the strategic importance of the water discovery, noting its proximity to areas with the highest lithium concentration and the planned location for production facilities and evaporation ponds. The water well, drilled to a depth of 190 meters, is situated in the northern section of the project, aligning perfectly with the company's development plans.
This discovery adds to NOA's recent achievements, including the identification of three fresh water targets at Rio Grande, suggesting potential for further water resources. The company's strategic position in the Lithium Triangle, with over 140,000 hectares across three prospective salars, places it among key players in the region's lithium industry.
With a Preliminary Economic Assessment expected in Q3 2025, NOA is advancing towards evaluating the Rio Grande Project's economic viability. The project envisions an initial production capacity of approximately 20,000 metric tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent, with plans to double that capacity through modular expansion. The fresh water discovery is a game-changer for NOA, positioning it as an emerging player in the global lithium supply chain at a time when demand for lithium is surging due to electric vehicle adoption and energy storage needs.
