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Lake Resources Advances Kachi Approvals as Argentina Lithium Focus Builds

• Kachi EIA: Catamarca obs; responses due; aim Q3 2026.

• Power: grid/solar/battery options to cut costs.

• Lilac: 200 tpy media; Traxys offtake; 87% Li recovery.

Lake Resources (ASX: LKE) has advanced the approval pathway for its Kachi lithium brine project in Argentina while continuing work on power solutions designed to lower operating costs and strengthen the project’s development case.

The March quarter centred on engagement with Catamarca environmental and mining authorities over the project’s Exploitation Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with formal observations now received and responses under preparation.

Lake is targeting Exploitation EIA approval in the third quarter of calendar 2026, although the final timing remains subject to Catamarca government processes.

The company finished the quarter with $10.6 million in cash and no debt while keeping its focus on permitting, power optimisation, strategic partner engagement, and lithium carbonate offtake discussions.

Kachi Approval Pathway Progresses

Lake received formal observations from the Catamarca Mining Ministry during the quarter, marking the next step in the Exploitation EIA review process for Kachi.

Those observations have been assessed, with responses expected to be submitted during the current quarter before the project moves into the public consultation phase.

The process sits at the centre of Lake’s near-term work program as it seeks final approval for the planned development of Kachi in Argentina’s Catamarca province.

Management also maintained engagement with potential offtakers and strategic partners through Goldman Sachs as Lake works to support the full development and construction pathway for the project.

Power Work Targets Cost Reductions

Lake continued to assess alternative power solutions for Kachi to further de-risk the project and reduce operating costs.

The work includes ongoing engagement with power provider YPF Luz over the Northern Power-Line grid-based option that formed part of the August 2025 definitive feasibility study addendum.

Lake is also assessing other grid-based options with potentially closer interconnection access, alongside improved economics for solar and battery energy storage systems.

That power optimisation work is designed to support Kachi’s position as a tier-one lithium asset with first-quartile operating costs.

Argentina Investment Setting Sharpens

Lake chief executive officer David Dickson participated in a three-day New York roadshow during Argentina Week, which was organised by JPMorgan, Bank of America, and other major financial institutions and led by President Javier Milei.

The event focused on presenting Argentina as an investment destination for global investors, with critical minerals, natural resources, and energy transition projects central to discussions.

Lake also highlighted recent developments in US-Argentine relations, including cooperation around critical minerals, trade and investment, financing, and energy security.

The company’s inclusion in the All Ordinaries during the quarter added another corporate milestone as it continues positioning Kachi within a broader lithium investment cycle.

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Source: SmallCaps​​​​​​​