Located in Fish Lake Valley, approximately 25 miles from Clayton Valley, which contains the only lithium producer in the United States and the only lithium brine producer in North America. Clayton Valley has been in production since 1967. Lithium brine has been known in Fish Lake Valley since the middle of the last century and received attention from the US Geological Survey during the 1970's during a lithium reconnaissance program to identify exploration targets similar to Clayton Valley. Fish Lake Valley is one of the two most prospective areas identified in that study. In spite of this recommendation, the valley does not appear to have received much serious attention. We believe that there are significant geological similarities between Clayton Valley and Fish Lake Valley and that these contribute to a trap in which lithium brine may have accumulated. The cross section below illustrates how gently dipping sediments cut by faults create traps where brines can. (Example from Clayton Valley.)

In addition to the potential for lithium bearing brine, lithium is found in the playa sediments. Extraction of this lithium using solution mining technology will be investigated. Brine is the preferred source of lithium due to its lower cost of extraction compared with pegmatite mining. Brine operations are the only lithium mines that can cover the cost of producing lithium without credits from additional commodities.

Forty-eight placer claims have been staked (960 acres) covering key prospective areas. Exploration can utilize seismic surveys, drilling and geochemical methods to prospective lithium areas. Exploration can effectively be conducted year round. Sites are road accessible.

Drilling and surface brine sampling was conducted by the USGS during the 1970s.

Lithium in sediments is important in evaluating the potential of Fish Lake Valley. At Clayton Valley, modern brines are believed to be developing by dissolving lithium deposited in ancient playas. Lithium in surface brines were measured in 30 samples. Of these samples, 6 were ≥160 ppm Li and 2 more were ≥ 100 ppm Li. At Clayton Valley, brine concentrations used to feed the production system are believed to average 160 ppm Li

Please refer to the map below for a relative position of where TNR's assets are compared to Silver Peak, the only lithium brine producer in North America.