First Lithium Minerals Corp. has expanded its Ascotan project in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile by staking 900 hectares of new mining concessions, increasing the total land package to approximately 6,400 hectares.

The land acquisition follows positive results from a sedimentary brine geochemical program that previously reported lithium concentrations of up to 1,299.5 mg/L in the Salar de Ascotan. Two of the newly staked mining concessions adjoin the project's immediate area, securing ground that First Lithium has identified as priority drill targets for its resource delineation strategy. The expanded footprint provides greater flexibility for future exploration programs and operations across the continental closed basin salar, which sits at an altitude of 3,716 metres.

The Salar de Ascotan has been designated by the Chilean government's National Lithium Strategy as a priority location for lithium exploration and development, aligning with national goals to enhance Chile's standing in the global lithium market. First Lithium has already established key operational groundwork at the project. The company received an official response from Chile's Environmental Evaluation Service stating that it is not obliged to enter the formal environmental impact assessment system for its drilling program, and it has signed a cooperation agreement with the Cebollar-Ascotan Indigenous Community.

First Lithium expects to commence an inaugural 1,500-metre drilling program at the Ascotan project during the 2026/27 exploration season. The planned drilling remains conditional upon access to capital and obtaining the necessary government permits, licences, and community agreements.

“Expanding the mining concessions at Ascotan broadens the project area and aligns with our long-term exploration and development goals. By incorporating new concessions and consolidating properties, we achieve greater flexibility for future exploration activities, which enhances our strategy for scaling the project.”

— Rob Saltsman, President & CEO

Read the full announcement: First Lithium Expands Ascotan Project with New Mining Concessions