NOA Lithium Kicks Off 2025 Exploration Activities at Rio Grande Project

NOA Lithium Brines Inc. (NOAL) has announced the commencement of its 2025 exploration activities at the Rio Grande Project, located in the mining-friendly province of Salta, Argentina. The company's commitment to unlocking the full potential of its lithium projects and advancing toward commercial production is evident in its substantial investments in exploration and claims acquisition. This article explores the significance of NOA's 2025 exploration activities, the project's background, and the competitive advantages that set it apart from other lithium projects in the region.



The Rio Grande Project is situated at approximately 3,600 meters above sea level, with a geological environment similar to other salars in the Puna region where lithium and potash are found. The project's proximity to existing infrastructure, such as the railway, Provincial Route 27, and the InterAndes power corridor, facilitates the transportation of equipment, personnel, and resources, reducing operational costs and enhancing the project's feasibility.

NOA controls a 100% interest in approximately 37,000 hectares of claims located at the Rio Grande Salar, adjacent to Pluspetrol's claims, which own the most advanced lithium resource development project on the salar. Pluspetrol acquired LSC Lithium Corporation in 2019, which had an inferred resource at the Rio Grande salar of 2.2 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at a grade of 374 mg/l lithium. Based on existing drilling, which has been relatively shallow, the LSC resource only considers the top 100 meters from surface in its calculations. Certain applicable studies now indicate brine potential down to 500 meters.



NOA's exploration program has made significant progress, with the company doubling its maiden resource estimate to the current 4.7 million tonnes of LCE at 525 mg/L lithium concentration within less than 12 months of being listed. The company has filed an updated NI 43-101 technical report, which includes the results of the fifth drill hole at its Rio Grande project and the controlled source audio-magnetotelluric (CSAMT) survey that was completed on all properties at the Rio Grande project.

The updated resource estimate indicates a substantial increase in measured resources, with 2,094,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) of measured resource, 2,658,000 tonnes of LCE of measured and indicated resource combined, and an aggregate Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 4,697,000 tonnes of LCE with an average estimated concentration of 525 mg/l. This revised MRE demonstrates the project's significant potential and can positively impact the company's valuation, as it shows a larger resource base that could support future production and revenue generation.

NOA's progress at the Rio Grande Project highlights the company's commitment and success in exploration and claims acquisition. The company has rapidly consolidated one of the largest lithium brine claim portfolios in the region, totaling over 140,000 hectares, which is not owned by a producing company. This extensive claim portfolio gives NOA a significant competitive advantage in the region.

The global demand for lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. This demand, coupled with potential supply constraints, could drive lithium prices higher, making NOA's exploration activities more economically viable. As NOA continues its 2025 exploration activities at the Rio Grande Project, investors should closely monitor the company's progress and the potential impact on its valuation.