# Lithium Argentina Expands Cauchari-Olaroz Resource Estimate; Supports Stage 2 Development Plan Canonical Atlas analysis: https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/lithium-argentina-expands-cauchari-olaroz-resource-estimate-supports-stage-2-dev--d01404a6-31c9-4d3c-a740-214a6fd17728 Original source: https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/LAR/news/7790009496849268/lithium-argentina-expands-cauchari-olaroz-resource-estimate-supports-stage-2-dev Publisher: tmx Original announcement: 2026-03-11T20:11:37.000Z Analysis by Minestarters Atlas Atlas analysis published: Unknown date Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Lithium Argentina AG - Ticker: LAR - Exchange: TSX - Region: Jujuy Province, Argentina - Primary commodity: Lithium - Secondary commodities: None reported - Document categories: Resource update, Other - Extracted: 2026-09-18 06:53:02 UTC Narrative sentiment: 0.60 · Bullish ## Minestarters Atlas summary Lithium Argentina has updated its Cauchari-Olaroz resource and reserve estimates, significantly expanding the Measured and Indicated lithium resource by 42% to 28.1 Mt LCE. While total reserves decreased by 28% to align with the Stage 1 production capacity of 40,000 tpa, the update incorporates new drilling and improved hydrological modeling to support Stage 2 development. Reasoning: The announcement reports a substantial expansion of the lithium resource base \(M&I up 42%\) driven by new drilling and improved hydrological modeling, though total reserves are lower as they are now constrained to the Stage 1 production profile. - Positive factor: Significant M&I resource growth \(42%\) - Positive factor: Measured resource expansion \(367%\) - Positive factor: Inferred resource expansion \(104%\) - Positive factor: Incorporation of production data and hydrological modeling - Positive factor: Reserve model aligns with Stage 1 production - Negative factor: Total P&P reserves decreased by 28% due to alignment with Stage 1 capacity Facts used in scoring: 5 ## Classification and evidence **Tonnage Growth** Polarity: positive Definition: Tonnage increase reaching the strong tier vs prior estimate, with grade maintained or improved. Why it applies: Total M&I LCE resource increased by 42% compared to the 2019 estimate. Evidence · text > Increased Measured and Indicated \(“M&I”\) resource estimate by 42% to 28.1 Mt of LCE **Category Upgrade** Polarity: positive Definition: Resource confidence improved — Inferred upgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Measured. De-risking signal. Why it applies: Measured resource LCE increased from 3.6 Mt to 16.8 Mt. Evidence · table > 16.8 Context: 3.6 **QP/CP Signed** Polarity: positive Definition: Qualified Person \(QP\) or Competent Person \(CP\) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association \(e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo\) with relevant experience. Why it applies: Mark King, PhD. PGeo, FGC is named as the independent Qualified Person for the 2026 estimate. Evidence · text > The independent Qualified Person for the 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate is Mark King, PhD. PGeo, FGC. **NI 43-101 Compliant** Polarity: positive Definition: Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 \(Canada\) — high reporting standard. Why it applies: The company states the estimate is prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM guidelines. Evidence · text > in accordance with the guidelines for lithium brines set forth by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum \(CIM 2012\), National Instrument 43-101 **Cut-off Disclosed** Polarity: positive Definition: Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison. Why it applies: A lithium grade cutoff of 300 mg/L is explicitly stated. Evidence · text > A lithium grade cutoff of 300 mg/L is used to define the Mineral Resource Estimates in both 2019 and 2026. **Tonnage Decline** Polarity: negative Definition: Resource tonnage decreased vs prior estimate — pit optimization removed marginal material or geological model revised down. Why it applies: Total Proven and Probable reserves decreased by approximately 28% compared to the 2019 estimate. Evidence · text > Total Proven and Probable reserves decreased by approximately 28% **Resource Update** Polarity: neutral Definition: Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress. Why it applies: The source explicitly discloses a revised resource estimate Evidence · text > increased resource ## Extracted facts Stored fact records: 5. Some facts used in scoring do not have a stored record. ## Resource Estimates (5) ### measured [Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/lithium-argentina-expands-cauchari-olaroz-resource-estimate-supports-stage-2-dev--d01404a6-31c9-4d3c-a740-214a6fd17728#fact-resource-facts-0) Cauchari-Olaroz · lithium #### Identity - Project: Cauchari-Olaroz - Commodity: lithium - Region: argentina - Reported Region: Jujuy Province, Argentina - Ticker: LAR #### Resource scope - Estimate type: resource - Effective date: 2025-12-31T00:00:00.000Z - Reporting standards: ni\_43\_101 - QP Signed: Yes - Qualified person names: Mark King - Resource group id: resource:96258b25720d4a5ef0b7 - Ownership percent: 44.8 % #### Resource Data - Category: measured - Tonnes: 16844844 - Grade: 557 - Grade Unit: mg/L - Contained Metal: 16844844 - Contained Unit: t - Cutoff Grade: 300 - Cutoff Unit: mg/L #### Prior Estimate - Resource Date: 2025-12-31 #### Review - Needs Review: No - Historical: No #### Dates - Event date: 2026-03-11T00:00:00.000Z Reasoning: Significant increase in measured resource tonnage and grade confidence. - Positive factor: Massive expansion of measured category Evidence · table > 16,844,844 Context: 5.94E+ 10 #### Tags used in scoring **Measured Resource** Polarity: positive Definition: Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves. Why it applies: category is "measured" **Cut-off Disclosed** Polarity: positive Definition: Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison. Why it applies: cutoff\_grade is stated **QP/CP Signed** Polarity: positive Definition: Qualified Person \(QP\) or Competent Person \(CP\) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association \(e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo\) with relevant experience. Why it applies: qp\_signed is true **NI 43-101 Compliant** Polarity: positive Definition: Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 \(Canada\) — high reporting standard. Why it applies: reporting\_standards includes ni\_43\_101 **Resource Update** Polarity: neutral Definition: Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress. Why it applies: the release compares against a previous estimate **PEA-Supporting** Polarity: neutral Definition: Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study. Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports ### indicated [Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/lithium-argentina-expands-cauchari-olaroz-resource-estimate-supports-stage-2-dev--d01404a6-31c9-4d3c-a740-214a6fd17728#fact-resource-facts-1) Cauchari-Olaroz · lithium #### Identity - Project: Cauchari-Olaroz - Commodity: lithium - Region: argentina - Reported Region: Jujuy Province, Argentina - Ticker: LAR #### Resource scope - Estimate type: resource - Effective date: 2025-12-31T00:00:00.000Z - Reporting standards: ni\_43\_101 - QP Signed: Yes - Qualified person names: Mark King - Resource group id: resource:42a7e9d5b8f8d3951d04 - Ownership percent: 44.8 % #### Resource Data - Category: indicated - Tonnes: 11299172 - Grade: 571 - Grade Unit: mg/L - Contained Metal: 11299172 - Contained Unit: t - Cutoff Grade: 300 - Cutoff Unit: mg/L #### Prior Estimate - Resource Date: 2025-12-31 #### Review - Needs Review: No - Historical: No #### Dates - Event date: 2026-03-11T00:00:00.000Z Reasoning: Standard indicated resource component of the update. Evidence · table > 11,299,172 Context: 3.87E+ 10 #### Tags used in scoring **Indicated Resource** Polarity: positive Definition: Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves. Why it applies: category is "indicated" **Cut-off Disclosed** Polarity: positive Definition: Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison. Why it applies: cutoff\_grade is stated **QP/CP Signed** Polarity: positive Definition: Qualified Person \(QP\) or Competent Person \(CP\) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association \(e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo\) with relevant experience. Why it applies: qp\_signed is true **NI 43-101 Compliant** Polarity: positive Definition: Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 \(Canada\) — high reporting standard. Why it applies: reporting\_standards includes ni\_43\_101 **Resource Update** Polarity: neutral Definition: Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress. Why it applies: the release compares against a previous estimate **PEA-Supporting** Polarity: neutral Definition: Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study. Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports ### inferred [Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/lithium-argentina-expands-cauchari-olaroz-resource-estimate-supports-stage-2-dev--d01404a6-31c9-4d3c-a740-214a6fd17728#fact-resource-facts-2) Cauchari-Olaroz · lithium #### Identity - Project: Cauchari-Olaroz - Commodity: lithium - Region: argentina - Reported Region: Jujuy Province, Argentina - Ticker: LAR #### Resource scope - Estimate type: resource - Effective date: 2025-12-31T00:00:00.000Z - Reporting standards: ni\_43\_101 - QP Signed: Yes - Qualified person names: Mark King - Resource group id: resource:fe92588ee082f8bfc630 - Ownership percent: 44.8 % #### Resource Data - Category: inferred - Tonnes: 9614004 - Grade: 567 - Grade Unit: mg/L - Contained Metal: 9614004 - Contained Unit: t - Cutoff Grade: 300 - Cutoff Unit: mg/L #### Prior Estimate - Resource Date: 2025-12-31 #### Review - Needs Review: No - Historical: No #### Dates - Event date: 2026-03-11T00:00:00.000Z Reasoning: Strong growth in the inferred category adds to the project's long-term potential. - Positive factor: Significant expansion of inferred resource Evidence · table > 9,614,004 Context: 2.77E+ 10 #### Tags used in scoring **Inferred Resource** Polarity: negative Definition: Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone. Why it applies: category is "inferred" **Cut-off Disclosed** Polarity: positive Definition: Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison. Why it applies: cutoff\_grade is stated **QP/CP Signed** Polarity: positive Definition: Qualified Person \(QP\) or Competent Person \(CP\) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association \(e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo\) with relevant experience. Why it applies: qp\_signed is true **NI 43-101 Compliant** Polarity: positive Definition: Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 \(Canada\) — high reporting standard. Why it applies: reporting\_standards includes ni\_43\_101 **Resource Update** Polarity: neutral Definition: Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress. Why it applies: the release compares against a previous estimate **PEA-Supporting** Polarity: neutral Definition: Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study. Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports ### proven [Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/lithium-argentina-expands-cauchari-olaroz-resource-estimate-supports-stage-2-dev--d01404a6-31c9-4d3c-a740-214a6fd17728#fact-resource-facts-3) Cauchari-Olaroz · lithium #### Identity - Project: Cauchari-Olaroz - Commodity: lithium - Region: argentina - Reported Region: Jujuy Province, Argentina - Ticker: LAR #### Resource scope - Estimate type: reserve - Effective date: 2026-01-01T00:00:00.000Z - Reporting standards: ni\_43\_101 - QP Signed: Yes - Qualified person names: Mark King - Resource group id: resource:b8bf0726fb95c43e8a38 - Ownership percent: 44.8 % #### Resource Data - Category: proven - Tonnes: 0.4 - Grade: 588 - Grade Unit: mg/L - Contained Metal: 0.4 - Contained Unit: mt - Cutoff Grade: 300 - Cutoff Unit: mg/L #### Prior Estimate - Resource Date: 2026-01-01 #### Review - Needs Review: No - Historical: No #### Dates - Event date: 2026-03-11T00:00:00.000Z Reasoning: Proven reserves show growth due to improved hydrogeological understanding. - Positive factor: Proven reserves increased by 45% vs 2019 Evidence · table > 0.4 Context: 227,782,565 #### Tags used in scoring **Proven Reserve** Polarity: positive Definition: Measured Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors. Why it applies: category is "proven" **Cut-off Disclosed** Polarity: positive Definition: Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison. Why it applies: cutoff\_grade is stated **QP/CP Signed** Polarity: positive Definition: Qualified Person \(QP\) or Competent Person \(CP\) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association \(e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo\) with relevant experience. Why it applies: qp\_signed is true **NI 43-101 Compliant** Polarity: positive Definition: Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 \(Canada\) — high reporting standard. Why it applies: reporting\_standards includes ni\_43\_101 **Resource Update** Polarity: neutral Definition: Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress. Why it applies: the release compares against a previous estimate **PEA-Supporting** Polarity: neutral Definition: Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study. Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports ### probable [Link to this fact](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/lithium-argentina-expands-cauchari-olaroz-resource-estimate-supports-stage-2-dev--d01404a6-31c9-4d3c-a740-214a6fd17728#fact-resource-facts-4) Cauchari-Olaroz · lithium #### Identity - Project: Cauchari-Olaroz - Commodity: lithium - Region: argentina - Reported Region: Jujuy Province, Argentina - Ticker: LAR #### Resource scope - Estimate type: reserve - Effective date: 2026-01-01T00:00:00.000Z - Reporting standards: ni\_43\_101 - QP Signed: Yes - Qualified person names: Mark King - Resource group id: resource:dcf3cf296b401b1b754d - Ownership percent: 44.8 % #### Resource Data - Category: probable - Tonnes: 1 - Grade: 572 - Grade Unit: mg/L - Contained Metal: 1 - Contained Unit: mt - Cutoff Grade: 300 - Cutoff Unit: mg/L #### Prior Estimate - Resource Date: 2026-01-01 #### Review - Needs Review: No - Historical: No #### Dates - Event date: 2026-03-11T00:00:00.000Z Reasoning: Probable reserves form the bulk of the current reserve base. Evidence · table > 1.0 Context: 526,320,091 #### Tags used in scoring **Probable Reserve** Polarity: positive Definition: Indicated Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors. Why it applies: category is "probable" **Cut-off Disclosed** Polarity: positive Definition: Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison. Why it applies: cutoff\_grade is stated **QP/CP Signed** Polarity: positive Definition: Qualified Person \(QP\) or Competent Person \(CP\) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association \(e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo\) with relevant experience. Why it applies: qp\_signed is true **NI 43-101 Compliant** Polarity: positive Definition: Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 \(Canada\) — high reporting standard. Why it applies: reporting\_standards includes ni\_43\_101 **Resource Update** Polarity: neutral Definition: Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress. Why it applies: the release compares against a previous estimate **PEA-Supporting** Polarity: neutral Definition: Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study. Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports ## How Atlas produces this analysis Minestarters Atlas uses automated extraction to summarize mining announcements, identify reported measurements, and classify supporting evidence. Sentiment reflects the extracted narrative and classification rules; it is an interpretation, not a reported measurement. Evidence quotes and context are provided where available. Missing data, low-confidence results, and review flags indicate limitations. Check the original publisher announcement before relying on an interpretation.