ACME's project area is contiguous and adjacent to the northwest of Albemarle's lithium brine operation in Clayton Valley, which has been in operation since 1966, and the only currently producing lithium brine plant in the US.

The results of the Phase 1 drilling programme completed in July 2022 provided strong evidence of lithium enriched brines in multiple aquifers. Specifically, the Phase 1 (DH-1) exploration hole penetrated the lower gravel unit, resulting in some of the highest lithium values of up to 130mg/L in brine samples collected in the Phase 1 programme. The lower gravel unit presents a deep, laterally expansive aquifer, which overlies bedrock throughout a significant portion of Clayton Valley.

Drilling of TW-1 has commenced by Harris-Earth Drilling. TW-1 will target the lower gravel unit which extends from approximately 1250 to 1820ft below ground surface (bgs). A pumping test is planned from TW-1 to further characterise the hydrogeology and chemistry of the lithium-enriched lower gravel unit aquifer.

Completion of DH-1A increases the depth of the lower gravel unit from approximately 1250 to 1820ft bgs. The underlying bedrock was drilled to a depth of 1940ft bgs and a zone-isolated brine sample was collected using a down-hole Ardvark packer system from approximately 1880 to 1840ft bgs.

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