Why Is This Lithium Explorer Gaining Attention In Chile?

Highlights:

• First Lithium Minerals shared results from a recent geochemical survey at its Ascotán Project in northern Chile.

• The survey outlined lithium and boron anomalies across multiple target areas within the salar basin.

• The company continues to explore new zones in an emerging lithium-rich region with ongoing ground work.

First Lithium Minerals Corp. (TSXV:FLM) is part of the lithium exploration sector, focusing on resource identification and development in South America. The company recently released findings from its geochemical program at the Ascotán Project, located in the northern part of Chile. This region is situated within a broader lithium triangle known for hosting salar basins containing mineral-rich brines.

The Ascotán Project spans across a salar basin that lies near major international transportation infrastructure. This location places the company in proximity to known lithium-producing areas, as well as border access to neighboring countries with similar geological environments.

Details From the Geochemical Program

The reported survey was carried out over a previously unexplored portion of the Ascotán salar. The sampling campaign involved extensive grid-based surface sampling, aimed at understanding the geochemical signature across different zones of the basin.

Samples collected from multiple sites revealed variations in lithium and boron concentrations. These anomalies were located across various sectors, leading to the delineation of three primary zones that displayed significant geochemical signatures. Each zone showed a spatial relationship with known geological features such as alluvial fans and inflow areas.

The company used shallow pit sampling as its core method, involving the excavation of small surface pits to retrieve brine and sediment material. Each site was georeferenced and systematically logged to support future project modeling and follow-up programs.

Geological Features of Interest Within Ascotán

The Ascotán salar lies within a closed basin surrounded by volcanic uplifts, a common setting for lithium-enriched brine deposits. The basin contains evaporite layers and sedimentary infill that trap and concentrate lithium-bearing fluids over time.

Surface features such as alluvial fans and inflow zones contribute to the brine accumulation process. These natural geological pathways transport mineral-rich fluids into the salar basin, where they become trapped through evaporation and subsurface percolation.

The Ascotán Project is also positioned within an area that benefits from high elevation and arid climate conditions, both of which support evaporite concentration processes necessary for brine resource formation.

Proximity to Other Salar Systems and Transport Infrastructure

The project area is located near several other salar systems in northern Chile, including well-known basins with established lithium production. Additionally, the property is accessible via international highways that connect to Chilean ports and regional service centers. A railway line also passes near the basin, providing logistical options for future activities.

Such infrastructure access can enable smoother operations for survey expansion, technical work, and long-term site management. The project’s geographical setting in a recognized lithium district enhances its relevance within the broader resource landscape of South America.

Next Steps for Exploration Planning

Ongoing ground-based activities are expected to focus on mapping and confirming the extent of identified anomalies. Field crews are assessing specific targets for further work, including options for geophysical investigations and follow-up sampling.

Further studies may include hydrogeological assessment to understand brine saturation levels within the salar system. Geochemical mapping and technical reviews are continuing to refine the structural layout and brine flow patterns within the basin. Data collected from these efforts may support future decisions regarding resource evaluation strategies.