Update on Exploration Stage Projects

CleanTech Lithium PLC

29 September 2023

 

29 September 2023 

CleanTech Lithium PLC ("CleanTech Lithium", "CTL" or the "Company")

Update on Exploration Stage Projects

CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF), an exploration and development company, advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition, announces an update on activities at two exploration stage projects - sampling results from the Llamara Project and commencement of initial geophysics at a new exploration project in the Salar de Atacama basin.

Llamara Highlights:

·    Llamara is a greenfield exploration project with a licence area of 605km² located within a large basin in Northern Chile

·    The maiden drill programme aimed to test the lithium prospectivity of two targets, firstly a subsurface brine aquifer and secondly a surface evaporite mineral

·    Brine samples collected from the first well were depleted in lithium while the first batch of surface samples recorded minor lithium enrichment along with high grades of boron

·    A second batch of surface sample results are pending, and the Company will then consider the next stage of exploration at the project

Salar de Atacama Highlights:

·    Applications lodged and now registered for new licences covering a total area of 377 km² in the Salar de Atacama basin, the leading lithium production base in the world

·    A geophysics programme has commenced with the first completed section identifying a subsurface brine aquifer target

·    Salar de Atacama is designated as a strategic salar by the Chilean government - any commercial development will require a joint venture with a state entity holding a majority (51%) stake, which the Company views as suitable for such a strategically important basin

·    Community engagement will also be crucial. CTL´s focus on Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), which removes the need for evaporation ponds, provides a compelling case for a new low impact approach to lithium production in the Salar de Atacama basin

·    Whilst CTL´s exploration stage projects provide upside, the Company remains fully focused on the advanced Laguna Verde (PFS underway) and Francisco Basin (Scoping Study completed) projects

Commenting, Aldo Boitano, Chief Executive Officer, of CleanTech Lithium PLC, said:

"While we continue to progress our key projects Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin, exploration at additional prospects in Chile is also advancing. At our Llamara project we are in the process of receiving and evaluating the results, while initial geophysics results from new licences applied for recently at the Salar de Atacama basin are very positive. We will continue to update the market on how we move forward with these projects."

Further Information

Llamara Project Exploration Update

The Llamara Project is a greenfield exploration project where a geophysics programme identified an interpreted subsurface brine aquifer that has not previously been drilled for lithium. A secondary target is a surface evaporite mineral that has been mapped in the licence area and has been sampled in other areas of the large Llamara basin and where sampling results indicated lithium enrichment of interest. As a result, the Company undertook an exploration programme at the project in recent months with two objectives:

(i)            Complete an exploration drill hole to intersect and sample the interpreted brine aquifer

(ii)           Complete a sediment sampling programme on the surface evaporite mineral

An initial exploration drill hole (LL01) intersected a gas bearing interval requiring the hole to be shut-in, as reported to the market on June 6, 2023.  A second drill hole (LL02) was completed to a depth of 550m.  Brine was intersected at 395m and a total of eight brine samples were collected from the start of the aquifer to the bottom of the well. The samples were submitted for analysis to ALS Chile with results showing low grades of lithium.

Sediment samples collected from the LL02 drill core were also analysed for lithium and showed a rising trend with depth, with the final sample taken at approximately 545m depth recording the highest value of 120ppm Lithium, indicating that there is an increasing trend of lithium with depth and that the brine aquifer below the 550m end of hole may have higher prospectivity.

Figure 1: Lithium Grade of Sediments Collected from LL02 Core Samples

The sampling programme on the surface evaporite deposit was completed with a total of 23 samples collected. There were two geologically distinct types of samples collected, the first characterised as loose sediment samples and the second being the hard evaporite mineral. Laboratory analysis has been completed on the loose sediment samples which showed minor lithium enrichment of up to 106ppm Lithium, while high boron grades were notable with three of the samples exceeding 20,000ppm Boron. Laboratory results are pending for the hard evaporite mineral samples which in the view of the Company´s geology team, will be more prospective for lithium. On receiving the final evaporite mineral sample results, the Company will evaluate and consider the next steps.

Salar de Atacama Project - New Licence Applications and Geophysics Update

From June to August 2023 the Company submitted applications over areas in the Salar de Atacama basin as shown in Figure 2.  The applications, covering a total area of 377 km², have now been registered on the Chilean Mining Register and it is expected these licences will be granted in the next few months. Salar de Atacama is the largest lithium production base in the world where the two leading producers of battery grade lithium, SQM and Albemarle, have extensive licence positions.  Several of CTL´s application blocks are adjacent to SQM´s licences. Information derived from publicly available Environmental Studies, conducted by SQM and other organizations suggests that the lithium-rich brine deposits extend beyond the core salar region inside the basin. This underscores the promising potential for CTL´s applications in these areas of significant prospective lithium reserves.  A geophysics programme comprising both Transient Electro Magnetic (TEM) and Magnetotellurics (MT) lines has commenced with the planned lines shown in Figure 3. MT allows for the depth profile to extend to 1000m.

Figure 2: CTL Licence Applications                                          Figure 3: Planned Geophysics Lines

The geophysics contractor recently completed a section of seven stations spaced 200m apart on the first west-east transect located on the southern licence block. The resistivity profile based on the completed section extends to 1,200m in depth, as shown in Figure 4. The profile shows a low resistivity anomaly starting from a depth of 400m with an approximate thickness of 200m which deepens to the south-east.  This is interpreted to be a sub-surface hypersaline aquifer which provides a target for further exploration evaluation.

Figure 4: MT-TEM Resistivity Profile Salar de Atacama South Block

The Salar de Atacama is by far the largest lithium production base in the world producing approximately 25% of the world´s battery grade lithium.  Unlike CleanTech Lithium's Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin projects, under Chile´s National Lithium strategy, Salar de Atacama has been designated a strategic asset which means any commercial development will require a joint venture with a state entity holding a majority (51%) stake. The Company welcomes this framework for any potential development in such a strategically important site.

In addition, indigenous and local communities live within the Salar de Atacama basin and have a strong voice on lithium developments. The Company will follow its established policy of early community engagement before undertaking any ground disturbance exploration activities.  Furthermore, CTL´s focus on Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) provides a compelling case for a new low impact approach to lithium production in the Salar de Atacama basin.

Existing producers pump brine from the upper 50m of the salar sub-surface and use evaporation ponds to concentrate the brine, resulting in a large volume of water being lost to the atmosphere which depletes the shallow aquifers that are also used by local communities.  Exploration and any potential development activities by CleanTech Lithium will focus on the deeper aquifer outside the salar margin and on introducing a new model for sustainable lithium extraction in the basin, utilising DLE technology where the spent brine is reinjected into the basin aquifers minimising aquifer depletion.  

Competent Person

The information in this release relates to drilling results, geology, brine assays reports and sediment sampling are based on information compiled by Christian Gert Feddersen Welkner, who is an independent Qualified Person to the Company and is a Member of Comision Calificadora de Competencias en Recursos y Reservas Mineras Chile that is a 'Recognised Professional Organisation' (RPO). Mr Feddersen has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. Mr Feddersen consents to the inclusion in the press release of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

Llamara - JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1 report template

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)

Criteria	JORC Code explanation	Commentary
Sampling techniques	·    Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. ·    Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. ·    Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. ·    In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.	·      Subsurface brine samples were collected using a specialized packer sampling technique. A packer bit tool supplied by the drilling company Big Bear was utilized. Following the sealing of the sampling support, a thorough purging procedure was executed until no traces of drilling mud were discernible. Subsequently, a thirty-minute waiting period was observed to facilitate the ingress of brine into the drilling rods through the slots in the packer tool, enabling to proceed with the sampling process using a double valve bailer. ·      Successive one-liter samples were collected, with a half-hour interval between each, using a double valve bailer made of steel. For each sample, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) using a Hanna Multiparameter model HI98192 based on conductivity were measured. The final two samples that exhibited consistent and stable TDS values were designated as the Original and Reject samples, signifying their non-contaminated status. ·    Packer samples were obtained every 27 m support in general due the tools movement involved to take every sample. ·    For all samples, the materials and sampling bottles were first flushed with 100 cc of brine water before receiving the final sample ·    Two Packer samples were obtained in well LL01 and eight, in well LL02.   ·    Ten selected 500 grams entire core pieces were selected from LL02 drillhole for laboratory analysis. ·    1 km X 1 km surface soil samples between 2 to 3 kilograms were obtained from Llamara south tenements for analysis
Drilling techniques	·    Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).	·    On both wells LL01 and LL02, diamond drilling with PQ3 diameter down to 197.7 m and 149 m respectively. Below that depth the drilling diameter was reduced to HQ3 to the end of hole. ·    In both diameters, a triple tube was used for the core recovery. ·    Packer bit provided by Big Bear was used to obtain brine samples.
Drill sample recovery	·    Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. ·    Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. ·    Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.	·    Diamond Core recovery were assured by direct supervision and continuous geotechnical logging done by ROKO geological consultants
Logging	·    Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. ·    Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. ·    The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.	·    Continue geological and geotechnical logging took place during drilling done by ROKO geological consultants ·    For the sub surface brine packer samples conductivity-based TDS, Temperature °C and pH parameters were measured during the sampling
Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation	·    If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. ·    If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. ·    For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. ·    Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. ·    Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. ·    Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.	·      During LL02 brine samples batch preparation process, the samples were transferred to new sampling bottles. Standard (internal standard composed by known stable brine), Duplicates and Blank samples (distilled water) were randomly included in the batch in the rate of one every ten original samples. After check samples insertion, all samples were re-numbered before submitted to laboratory. Before transferring each sample, the materials used for the transfer were flushed with distilled water and then shacked to remove water excess avoiding contamination.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests	·    The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. ·    For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. ·    Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established.	·      Brine samples were assayed on ALS Life Science Chile laboratory by the following analysis: ·      Total Metals Full Elemental Swift analysis method using ICP-OES, described on QWI-IO-ICP-OES- 01 Edisión A, Modification 0 EPA 3005A; EPA 200.2 ·      Alkalinity by method described in QWI-IO-ALC-01 Emisión B mod. 4 ·      Anions by crotomography by method described in QWI-IO-ANA-01 Emisión B, mod. 7 QWI-IO-EXT-01 Emisión B, mod. 3 Density by method described on QWI-IO-Density-02 (Issue A Modification 1). ·      Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) with method described in QWI-IO-SDT-01 Emisión B mod. 5 ·      Sulfate according method described on 4500-SO42-. ·      Duplicates were obtained randomly during the brine sampling. Also, Blanks (distilled water) and Standards were randomly inserted during the laboratory batch preparation on LL02 well samples. ·      Standards were internally prepared on the Copiapó warehouse installations, using 200 liters of brine obtained from well LV02 during the development process. Standard nominal Lithium grade was calculated in a round robin process that include 04 laboratories (Ch. Feddersen Standards preparation, statistical analysis, nominal valuation & laboratories analysis, February 2023) ·      Core samples were assayed on AGS laboratory in Coquimbo by Fusion ICP-OES method ·      Soil samples were assayed on ALS laboratory by Soil ICP-MS method
Verification of sampling and assaying	·    The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. ·    The use of twinned holes. ·    Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. ·    Discuss any adjustment to assay data.	·    Brine, core and soil samples batches were prepared by ROKO consultant personnel according the Competent Person instructions.
Location of data points	·    Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. ·    Specification of the grid system used. ·    Quality and adequacy of topographic control.	·    Surface samples coordinates were captured with non-differential hand held GPS ·    Drillhole collars were captured with non-differential hand held GPS. Position was verified by the mining concessions field markings. Total station topographic capture of the drillhole collars is pending ·    The coordinate system is UTM, Datum WGS84 Zone 19K
Data spacing and distribution	·    Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. ·    Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. ·    Whether sample compositing has been applied.	·    Packer brine samples were taken in general every 27 m ·    Surface soil samples were obtained in a 1 km X 1 km grid ·    The author believes that the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate to report Exploration Results
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure	·    Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. ·    If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.	·    The drilling orientation and surface sampling is direct
Sample security	·    The measures taken to ensure sample security.	·    All brine samples were marked and keep on site before transporting them to Copiapó city warehouse ·    The brine water samples were transported without any perturbation directly to a warehouse in Copiapó city, were laboratory samples batch was prepared and stored in sealed plastic boxes, then sent via currier to ALS laboratory in Santiago. All the process was made under the Competent Person instructions. ·    ALS personnel report that the samples were received without any problem or disturbance
Audits or reviews	·    The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.	·    The assay data was verified by the Competent Person against the assay certificate. ·      No audits has been done in Llamara

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

Criteria	JORC Code explanation	Commentary
Mineral tenement and land tenure status	·    Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. ·    The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.	·    CleanTech Lithium holds in Llamara 60,500 hectares of Exploration Mining Concessions were the company have preferential rights over 58,335 hectares. ·    All prohibition certificates in favour of CLS Chile SpA The Competent Person relies in the Mining Expert Surveyor Mr, Juan Bedmar. ·    All concession acquisition costs and taxes have been fully paid and that there are no claims or liens against them ·    There are no known impediments to obtain the licence to operate in the area
Exploration done by other parties	·    Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.	·    Exploration works has been done by several parties on clay lithium potential.
Geology	·    Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation.	·    Llamara corresponds a salar and paleo salar with Lithium in brine potential and Lithium potential in clay beds and surface saline deposits
Drill hole Information	·    A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: o easting and northing of the drill hole collar o elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar o dip and azimuth of the hole o down hole length and interception depth o hole length. ·    If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case.	·    The following drillhole coordinates are in WGS84 zone 19 K Datum ·    LL01 E467,000 N7,617,000 ELEV 1,134 m a.s.l. Azimuth 0°, dip -90°, Length 293 m ·    LL02 E461,000 N7,617,000 ELEV 1,065 m a.s.l. Azimuth 0°, dip -90°, Length 550 m
Data aggregation methods	·    In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. ·    Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. ·    The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.	·    Not applied at this exploration level
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths	·    These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. ·    If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. ·    If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width not known').	·    The relationship between aquifer widths and intercept lengths are direct
Diagrams	·    Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.	·    Addressed in the report
Balanced reporting	·    Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.	·    All results have been included.
Other substantive exploration data	·    Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.	·    Natural gas reservoir was intercepted with LL01 drillhole at 293 m. This situation doesn't permit the further drilling on this position due safety considerations. Natural gas potential should be studied in the future.
Further work	·    The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). ·    Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.	·      Make a Magneto Telluric geophysical survey to study the brine potential in high depth in the tenements area. Depending on the results consider to drill a deep exploration drillhole.

Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources

(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2, also apply to this section.)

Criteria	JORC Code explanation	Commentary
Database integrity	·    Measures taken to ensure that data has not been corrupted by, for example, transcription or keying errors, between its initial collection and its use for Mineral Resource estimation purposes. ·    Data validation procedures used.	·    Cross-check of laboratory assay reports and Database ·    All databases were built from original data by the Competent Person
Site visits	·    Comment on any site visits undertaken by the Competent Person and the outcome of those visits. ·    If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why this is the case.	·    A site visit was undertaken by the Competent Person in several times on January, April and May, 2023. The outcome of the visits were the drillholes organization and installation, Roko geological personnel Packer sampling protocol training and drilling & sampling supervision.
Geological interpretation	·    Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of ) the geological interpretation of the mineral deposit. ·    Nature of the data used and of any assumptions made. ·    The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations on Mineral Resource estimation. ·    The use of geology in guiding and controlling Mineral Resource estimation. ·    The factors affecting continuity both of grade and geology.	·    For the Sub-Surface Resource, the geological interpretation was made based on the public DGA seismic geophysics and ENAMI Hylarico01 drillhole. ·    Drillholes confirm the geological interpretations
Dimensions	·    The extent and variability of the Mineral Resource expressed as length (along strike or otherwise), plan width, and depth below surface to the upper and lower limits of the Mineral Resource.	·    Not applied for Exploration Results
Estimation and modelling techniques	·    The nature and appropriateness of the estimation technique(s) applied and key assumptions, including treatment of extreme grade values, domaining, interpolation parameters and maximum distance of extrapolation from data points. If a computer assisted estimation method was chosen include a description of computer software and parameters used. ·    The availability of check estimates, previous estimates and/or mine production records and whether the Mineral Resource estimate takes appropriate account of such data. ·    The assumptions made regarding recovery of by-products. ·    Estimation of deleterious elements or other non-grade variables of economic significance (eg sulphur for acid mine drainage characterisation). ·    In the case of block model interpolation, the block size in relation to the average sample spacing and the search employed. ·    Any assumptions behind modelling of selective mining units. ·    Any assumptions about correlation between variables. ·    Description of how the geological interpretation was used to control the resource estimates. ·    Discussion of basis for using or not using grade cutting or capping. ·    The process of validation, the checking process used, the comparison of model data to drill hole data, and use of reconciliation data if available.	·      Not applied for Exploration Results
Moisture	·    Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or with natural moisture, and the method of determination of the moisture content.	·    Not applicable for brine resources
Cut-off parameters	·    The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality parameters applied.	·    No cut-off grade was applied
Mining factors or assumptions	·    Assumptions made regarding possible mining methods, minimum mining dimensions and internal (or, if applicable, external) mining dilution. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential mining methods, but the assumptions made regarding mining methods and parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the mining assumptions made.	·      Not applied for Exploration Results
Metallurgical factors or assumptions	·    The basis for assumptions or predictions regarding metallurgical amenability. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential metallurgical methods, but the assumptions regarding metallurgical treatment processes and parameters made when reporting Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the metallurgical assumptions made.	·      Not applied for Exploration Results
Environmen-tal factors or assumptions	·    Assumptions made regarding possible waste and process residue disposal options. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider the potential environmental impacts of the mining and processing operation. While at this stage the determination of potential environmental impacts, particularly for a greenfields project, may not always be well advanced, the status of early consideration of these potential environmental impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have not been considered this should be reported with an explanation of the environmental assumptions made.	·    The main environmental impacts expected is the main plant installations, the surface disturbance associated with production wells and brine mixing ponds. These impacts are not expected to prevent project development
Bulk density	·    Whether assumed or determined. If assumed, the basis for the assumptions. If determined, the method used, whether wet or dry, the frequency of the measurements, the nature, size and representativeness of the samples. ·    The bulk density for bulk material must have been measured by methods that adequately account for void spaces (vugs, porosity, etc), moisture and differences between rock and alteration zones within the deposit. ·    Discuss assumptions for bulk density estimates used in the evaluation process of the different materials.	·    Not applied for Exploration Results.
Classification	·    The basis for the classification of the Mineral Resources into varying confidence categories. ·    Whether appropriate account has been taken of all relevant factors (ie relative confidence in tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data, confidence in continuity of geology and metal values, quality, quantity and distribution of the data). ·    Whether the result appropriately reflects the Competent Person's view of the deposit.	·    Not applied for Exploration Results
Audits or reviews	·    The results of any audits or reviews of Mineral Resource estimates.	·      No audits or reviews has been taken
Discussion of relative accuracy/ confidence	·    Where appropriate a statement of the relative accuracy and confidence level in the Mineral Resource estimate using an approach or procedure deemed appropriate by the Competent Person. For example, the application of statistical or geostatistical procedures to quantify the relative accuracy of the resource within stated confidence limits, or, if such an approach is not deemed appropriate, a qualitative discussion of the factors that could affect the relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate. ·    The statement should specify whether it relates to global or local estimates, and, if local, state the relevant tonnages, which should be relevant to technical and economic evaluation. Documentation should include assumptions made and the procedures used. ·    These statements of relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate should be compared with production data, where available.	·    Not applied for Exploration Results

Salar de Atacama - JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1 report template

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)

Criteria	JORC Code explanation	Commentary
Sampling techniques	·    Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. ·    Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. ·    Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. ·    In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.	·      No sampling has been executed in the tenements
Drilling techniques	·    Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).	·    No drilling has been executed in the tenements
Drill sample recovery	·    Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. ·    Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. ·    Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.	·    No drilling has been executed in the tenements
Logging	·    Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. ·    Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. ·    The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.	·    No drilling or sampling has been executed in the tenements
Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation	·    If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. ·    If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. ·    For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. ·    Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. ·    Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. ·    Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.	·      No sampling has been executed in the tenements
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests	·    The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. ·    For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. ·    Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established.	·      No sampling has been executed in the tenements ·      For the TEM Geophysical survey a Zonge Engineering and Research Organization, USA equipment was used, composed by a multipurpose digital receiver model GDP-32 and a transmitter TEM model ZT-30, with batteries as power source. ·      For the Magneto Telluric geophysical survey a Zonge Engineering and Research Organization, USA equipment was used, composed by a eight channel receptor model GDP-32 II, a magnetic sensor model MT ANT/4 and a second magnetic sensor model MT ANT/6. ·      Stations coordinates are been captured with non-differential hand held GPS
Verification of sampling and assaying	·    The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. ·    The use of twinned holes. ·    Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. ·    Discuss any adjustment to assay data.	·    No sampling has been executed in the tenements
Location of data points	·    Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. ·    Specification of the grid system used. ·    Quality and adequacy of topographic control.	·    No drilling or sampling has been executed in the tenements ·    For the TEM geophysical survey 20 stations with a 1 km to 1.5 km separation are planned as complement of the Magneto Telluric survey. This work is actually ongoing on the south-west and the eastern tenements near the Peine locality ·    For the Magneto Telluric geophysical survey, 131 stations with a 200 m separation are planned with the purpose to reach 800 m depth. This work is actually ongoing on the south-west and the eastern tenements near the Peine locality ·    Stations coordinates are been captured with non-differential hand held GPS ·    The coordinate system is UTM, Datum WGS84 Zone 19K
Data spacing and distribution	·    Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. ·    Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. ·    Whether sample compositing has been applied.	·    No sampling has been executed in the tenements
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure	·    Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. ·    If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.	·    No drilling or sampling has been executed in the tenements
Sample security	·    The measures taken to ensure sample security.	·    No sampling has been executed in the tenements
Audits or reviews	·    The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.	·    No sampling has been executed in the tenements

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

Criteria	JORC Code explanation	Commentary
Mineral tenement and land tenure status	·    Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. ·    The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.	·    CleanTech Lithium holds in Salar de Atacama 26,600 hectares of Exploration Mining applications in favour of CLS Chile SpA. ·    All concession acquisition costs and taxes have been fully paid and that there are no claims or liens against them ·    There are no known impediments to obtain the licence to operate in the area ·    The Competent Person relies in the Mining Expert Surveyor Mr, Juan Bedmar.
Exploration done by other parties	·    Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.	·    Extensive Lithium exploration and exploitation activities has been executed, mainly by Sociedad Química y Minera Chile S.A. (SQM) and Albemarle
Geology	·    Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation.	·    CLS´s tenements in Salar de Atacama corresponds to marginal facies of a Mature Halite Salar (Huston et. al., 2011)
Drill hole Information	·    A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: o easting and northing of the drill hole collar o elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar o dip and azimuth of the hole o down hole length and interception depth o hole length. ·    If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case.	·    No drilling or has been executed in the tenements
Data aggregation methods	·    In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. ·    Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. ·    The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.	·    Not applied at this exploration level
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths	·    These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. ·    If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. ·    If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width not known').	·    No drilling or sampling has been executed in the tenements
Diagrams	·    Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.	·    Addressed in the report
Balanced reporting	·    Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.	·    All results have been included.
Other substantive exploration data	Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.	·    None
Further work	·    The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). ·    Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.	·      Complete the TEM and Magneto Telluric geophysical survey in the tenements. Depending on the results consider to drill exploration drillholes.

Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources

(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2, also apply to this section.)

Criteria	JORC Code explanation	Commentary
Database integrity	·    Measures taken to ensure that data has not been corrupted by, for example, transcription or keying errors, between its initial collection and its use for Mineral Resource estimation purposes. ·    Data validation procedures used.	·    No drilling or sampling has been executed in the tenements
Site visits	·    Comment on any site visits undertaken by the Competent Person and the outcome of those visits. ·    If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why this is the case.	·    No visits have been done recently by the Competent Person under CTL´s consultancy ·    The Competent Person has visited and knows very well the area under consulting for other parties
Geological interpretation	·    Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of) the geological interpretation of the mineral deposit. ·    Nature of the data used and of any assumptions made. ·    The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations on Mineral Resource estimation. ·    The use of geology in guiding and controlling Mineral Resource estimation. ·    The factors affecting continuity both of grade and geology.	·    No geological interpretation further the general mineralization type classification has been done in the tenements
Dimensions	·    The extent and variability of the Mineral Resource expressed as length (along strike or otherwise), plan width, and depth below surface to the upper and lower limits of the Mineral Resource.	·    Not applied for Exploration Results
Estimation and modelling techniques	·    The nature and appropriateness of the estimation technique(s) applied and key assumptions, including treatment of extreme grade values, domaining, interpolation parameters and maximum distance of extrapolation from data points. If a computer assisted estimation method was chosen include a description of computer software and parameters used. ·    The availability of check estimates, previous estimates and/or mine production records and whether the Mineral Resource estimate takes appropriate account of such data. ·    The assumptions made regarding recovery of by-products. ·    Estimation of deleterious elements or other non-grade variables of economic significance (eg sulphur for acid mine drainage characterisation). ·    In the case of block model interpolation, the block size in relation to the average sample spacing and the search employed. ·    Any assumptions behind modelling of selective mining units. ·    Any assumptions about correlation between variables. ·    Description of how the geological interpretation was used to control the resource estimates. ·    Discussion of basis for using or not using grade cutting or capping. ·    The process of validation, the checking process used, the comparison of model data to drill hole data, and use of reconciliation data if available.	·      Not applied for Exploration Results
Moisture	·    Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or with natural moisture, and the method of determination of the moisture content.	·    Not applicable for brine resources
Cut-off parameters	·    The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality parameters applied.	·    No drilling or sampling has been executed in the tenements
Mining factors or assumptions	·    Assumptions made regarding possible mining methods, minimum mining dimensions and internal (or, if applicable, external) mining dilution. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential mining methods, but the assumptions made regarding mining methods and parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the mining assumptions made.	·      Not applied for Exploration Results
Metallurgical factors or assumptions	·    The basis for assumptions or predictions regarding metallurgical amenability. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential metallurgical methods, but the assumptions regarding metallurgical treatment processes and parameters made when reporting Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the metallurgical assumptions made.	·      Not applied for Exploration Results
Environmen-tal factors or assumptions	·    Assumptions made regarding possible waste and process residue disposal options. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider the potential environmental impacts of the mining and processing operation. While at this stage the determination of potential environmental impacts, particularly for a greenfields project, may not always be well advanced, the status of early consideration of these potential environmental impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have not been considered this should be reported with an explanation of the environmental assumptions made.	·    The main environmental impacts expected is the main plant installations, the surface disturbance associated with production wells and brine mixing ponds. These impacts are not expected to prevent project development
Bulk density	·    Whether assumed or determined. If assumed, the basis for the assumptions. If determined, the method used, whether wet or dry, the frequency of the measurements, the nature, size and representativeness of the samples. ·    The bulk density for bulk material must have been measured by methods that adequately account for void spaces (vugs, porosity, etc), moisture and differences between rock and alteration zones within the deposit. ·    Discuss assumptions for bulk density estimates used in the evaluation process of the different materials.	·    Not applied for Exploration Results.
Classification	·    The basis for the classification of the Mineral Resources into varying confidence categories. ·    Whether appropriate account has been taken of all relevant factors (ie relative confidence in tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data, confidence in continuity of geology and metal values, quality, quantity and distribution of the data). ·    Whether the result appropriately reflects the Competent Person's view of the deposit.	·    Not applied for Exploration Results
Audits or reviews	·    The results of any audits or reviews of Mineral Resource estimates.	·      No audits or reviews has been taken
Discussion of relative accuracy/ confidence	·    Where appropriate a statement of the relative accuracy and confidence level in the Mineral Resource estimate using an approach or procedure deemed appropriate by the Competent Person. For example, the application of statistical or geostatistical procedures to quantify the relative accuracy of the resource within stated confidence limits, or, if such an approach is not deemed appropriate, a qualitative discussion of the factors that could affect the relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate. ·    The statement should specify whether it relates to global or local estimates, and, if local, state the relevant tonnages, which should be relevant to technical and economic evaluation. Documentation should include assumptions made and the procedures used. ·    These statements of relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate should be compared with production data, where available.	·    Not applied for Exploration Results

For further information contact:
CleanTech Lithium PLC
Aldo Boitano/Gordon Stein	Jersey office: [phone] Chile office: [phone]
	Or via Celicourt
Celicourt Communications	[phone]
Felicity Winkles/Philip Dennis/Ali AlQahtani	[e-mail]
Dr. Reuter Investor Relations Dr. Eva Reuter Porter Novelli - Chile Ernesto Escobar Harbor Access - North America Jonathan Paterson/Lisa Micali Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser) Roland Cornish/Asia Szusciak	[phone] [phone] [e-mail] [phone] [phone]
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Joint Broker)	[phone]
Daniel Fox-Davies Canaccord Genuity Limited (Joint Broker) James Asensio Gordon Hamilton	[e-mail] [phone]

Notes

About CleanTech Lithium

CleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF) is an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition. Committed to net-zero, CleanTech Lithium's mission is to produce material quantities of battery grade using sustainable Direct Lithium Extraction technology, powered by renewable energy, the Company plan to be the leading supplier of 'green' lithium to the EV and battery manufacturing market.

CleanTech Lithium has four lithium projects - Laguna Verde, Francisco Basin, Llamara and Salar de Atacama - located in the lithium triangle, the world's centre for battery grade lithium production. The two major projects: Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin are situated within basins controlled by the Company, which affords significant potential development and operational advantages. All four projects have direct access to existing infrastructure and renewable power.

CleanTech Lithium is committed to using renewable power for processing and reducing the environmental impact of its lithium production by utilising Direct Lithium Extraction. Direct Lithium Extraction is a transformative technology which removes lithium from brine, with higher recoveries and purities. The method offers short development lead times, low upfront capex, with no extensive site construction and no evaporation pond development so there is no water depletion from the aquifer. www.ctlithium.com

 

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