Lithium South Development Corporation's Team Expansion
Lithium South Development Corporation (TSXV: LIS) is taking exciting strides in the development of its Hombre Muerto North (HMN) Lithium Project. The company has recently appointed Claudio C. Zalewski as the new Director of Development & Construction. This strategic move seeks to enhance the overall team capabilities and efficiently progress the HMN project.
Introducing Claudio C. Zalewski
Claudio C. Zalewski brings a wealth of experience to Lithium South, with over forty years in civil engineering and project delivery. His impressive background includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Universidad de Buenos Aires, and his extensive career spans numerous high-profile lithium projects.
Notable Project Experience
Throughout his career, Mr. Zalewski has held significant roles in several successful lithium initiatives, such as:
- Project Director for the Pastos Grandes Lithium Project, valued at approximately US$450 million.
- Engineering & Home-Office Construction Manager at the Centenario Lithium Project, a sizable US$550 million undertaking.
- Consultant for ADY Resources Rincon Lithium Project, which is situated in a promising lithium-producing area.
Fast-track Work Plan Implementation
As part of the fast-tracking efforts, Mr. Zalewski, along with the Chief Operating Officer, has identified four essential workstreams for the project.
Comprehensive Workstreams
- DFS Tender Package - The draft is ready for distribution to prospective bidders.
- Design Criteria - Consolidated design bases are being established.
- Financial Models - Templates are approximately 70% complete for both CAPEX and OPEX.
- Project Execution Plan - Revision A is currently under internal review.
Development Schedule Goals
Lithium South is devoted to finalizing a detailed development schedule that encompasses all project stages from the Feasibility Study award to construction and commissioning. The target timelines aim for the Feasibility Study tendering to initiate before the end of the third quarter in 2025, with full feasibility completion expected by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Positive Regulatory Changes for Project Success
Recent tax reforms and import regulations in Argentina have been positively received by Lithium South. The new Régimen de Incentivo a las Grandes Inversiones (RIGI) supports eligible projects exceeding US$200 million with a variety of incentives, including a 30-year stability regime on tax and customs, a flat 25% corporate income-tax rate, and additional tax relief measures. This framework significantly enhances the prospects for the HMN Lithium Project.
Strategic Project Options
In an exciting development, Lithium South has secured a Purchase Option for the Hydra X 1 and Hydra X 2 claim blocks located adjacent to its existing holdings on the Hombre Muerto Salar. This acquisition expands the company’s project area to over 10,000 hectares. The terms of the option include a purchase price of US$2 million, payable upon the project's construction commencement or upon sale.
Current Project Discussions
The company is actively engaging with various original equipment manufacturers (O.E.M.), mining firms, and financial groups to secure funding and support for the HMN Project's development. Discussions that began in early 2025 continue, though some parties are now outside their exclusivity periods. Despite market challenges, interest in the high-quality HMN Lithium Project remains robust.
About Lithium South Development Corp.
Lithium South is committed to developing the HMN Lithium Project, located in the heart of the lithium triangle in Argentina. With 100% ownership, the project is situated near established lithium production operations, highlighting the region's rich potential. The HMN project has an NI 43-101 compliant resource of 1,583,200 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) at an average lithium concentration of 736 milligrams per liter. The company is actively moving toward conducting a detailed Feasibility Study.
Company Leadership
Adrian F. C. Hobkirk
President and Chief Executive Officer
For Investor inquiries, please contact 855-415-8100 or visit www.lithiumsouth.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of Lithium South's recent hiring?
The primary goal is to enhance the project development capabilities to fast-track the HMN Lithium Project feasibility.
Who is Claudio C. Zalewski, and what is his role?
Claudio C. Zalewski is the new Director of Development & Construction at Lithium South, bringing decades of experience to the role.
What are the expected timelines for project feasibility?
The company aims to initiate Feasibility Study tendering by the end of Q3 2025 and complete it by late Q1 2026.
What recent changes have impacted the project positively?
The new tax and import regulations in Argentina, particularly the Régimen de Incentivo a las Grandes Inversiones (RIGI), are set to provide significant benefits for the HMN Project.
How has Lithium South expanded its holdings recently?
The company has secured a Purchase Option for additional claim blocks near its current projects, increasing its land holdings significantly.
