Patagonia Lithium Ltd (PL3) has reached a depth of 116 metres at its Cilon project in Argentina, marking significant progress in its ongoing drilling programme. As of July 7, 2026, the company successfully completed its first packer test at the well, designated JAM 26-08. This result follows an update from July 6, which reported the well depth at just 38 metres, highlighting the rapid advancement of the current drilling activity.

The initial packer test returned a specific gravity of 1.04 g/cm³, a reading the company noted as notably high for such a shallow depth. This high specific gravity, alongside a total dissolved solids measurement of 37.61 ppt and an alkaline pH of 12.13, provides early, positive indicators regarding the potential for lithium-bearing brines.

"The first packer test result is extremely positive and a specific gravity of 1.04 gm/cm3 is unusual at that shallow depth and is possibly the volcanics breaking down due to the highly alkaline solutions at that depth and creating higher dissolved solids - which is positive for lithium."

— Phillip Thomas, Executive Chairman

Drilling is proceeding at a consistent pace of 36 metres per 24 hours as the team works toward a final target depth of 600 metres. The operational plan includes additional data collection as the hole deepens, with the next packer test scheduled for the 120-125 metre interval.

Looking ahead, the company intends to conduct a total of ten packer tests throughout the duration of the drilling process. Once these initial ten tests are complete, samples will be submitted for laboratory assay to determine the precise lithium concentration and the presence of other elements. Management expects these laboratory results to be available within approximately one week of submission.

Read the full announcement: Positive Drilling Progress at Cilon Lithium Well 8