InternationalLithium Corp. and strategic partner approved abudget of US$12 million to accelerate the exploration and development programcurrently underway at the Mariana lithium project in Argentina, according to aJuly 18 statement.

The approved budget will complete definitive technicalstudies critical for the filing of environmental permit applications to conductpilot scale evaporation testing at Mariana.

A maiden resource for a portion of Salar de Llullaillacowill be calculated in the fall or winter, the company added.

Ganfeng holds an 80% stake in Mariana, while InternationalLithium holds the remaining 20%.