Galan Lithium Ltd. secured approval from authorities in Argentina to undertake a maiden drill program at the Candelas lithium brine project.

Field activities are already underway to prepare for the drill program, which is slated to begin in early January 2019.

The initial drill hole will aim to test the geophysical model and provide detailed data on the stratigraphy within the Candelas channel to over 400 meters deep, with results to be used to plan subsequent drilling.

The program will comprise five holes to be drilled over 12 to 15 kilometers along the extent of the Candelas channel.

The company said Dec. 13 that it will award a series of local contracts for drilling, camp establishment and technical assistance, among others.