Pursuit Minerals (PUR) has confirmed encouraging preliminary results from the initial diamond drilling phase at its Rio Grande Sur lithium project in Argentina. The company successfully completed its first packer test in drill hole DDH-3 at the Mito tenement, effectively recovering brine samples from the targeted aquifer for upcoming laboratory analysis. Initial field measurements, including a specific gravity of 1.220 g/cm³ and an electrical conductivity of 201 mS, indicate the presence of highly saline formation brine, aligning with the firm’s existing geological and geophysical interpretations of the area.

The drilling campaign at the Mito tenement is designed to evaluate a large conductive system previously identified through advanced Controlled-Source Audio-frequency Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) reprocessing. Geological logging of the drill core has already confirmed the presence of the anticipated sedimentary sequence. This physical validation of the subsurface model provides early support for the hypothesis that the conductive feature represents a coherent, basin-scale system capable of hosting lithium-bearing brines.

Regarding the progress of the program, Managing Director & CEO Aaron Revelle noted:

"DDH-3 is performing exceptionally well and is delivering exactly the type of geological and hydrogeological results we were targeting. Although laboratory lithium assays are still pending, the successful recovery of highly saline formation brine and geological observations to date provide compelling early validation of our exploration model."

The current drill hole remains active and is advancing toward a planned target depth of 700 metres. This depth is critical for testing the full extent of the conductive body, which the company’s geophysical models suggest extends from 250 metres to beyond one kilometre. As the program continues, additional packer tests are scheduled at various intervals to further evaluate the hydrogeological characteristics of the basin. While these early field observations are positive, the company maintains that definitive conclusions regarding lithium grades await the results of laboratory assays currently in progress. These findings will be essential to refining the structural understanding of the site and assessing its potential to contribute to future resource growth.

Read the full announcement: Exceptional Drilling Progress at DDH-3