Argosy Minerals Limited announced that it has received official approval notification from the Government of Salta Province and its regulatory bodies ­ the Ministry of Production and Sustainable Development, and the Secretary of Mining and Energy ­ to grant the development of the next stage works at the Company's Rincon Lithium Project, comprising construction of a 2,000tpa lithium processing plant, on-going lithium production operations from the process plant, and all associated works in relation to these activities in accordance with standard environmental requirements set out in the notice approving the Company's Environmental Impact Report ("EIR"). The main items approved in the EIR comprise ­ construction of the lithium processing plant, camp/accommodation facilities, settling ponds for processing works, and access roads; industrial and chemical processing works; environmental management; effluent management; managing local/indigenous community matters; suppliers and contractor management; local employment objectives; water consumption; and contingency management. The official approval notice confirms the Company now has all the necessary permits to commence works for the development of the initial 2,000tpa modular lithium carbonate processing plant and all associated operations at the Rincon project site. The Company will now further escalate ongoing discussions with a number of potential capital providers for the 2,000tpa processing plant capital requirements. The EIR approval removes a major hurdle towards securing funding and will give confidence to these potential capital providers. Argosy will continue to review and consider all funding options during the near term, prior to confirming progress on the development works. In conjunction, Argosy will continue to focus on finalising strategic relationships and partnerships for the commercial development of the Rincon Lithium Project. Based on Argosy's current plans, development of the 2,000tpa processing plant is estimated for a 12-15 month construction timeframe (from commencement), with a 3-4 month commissioning period thereafter. The budgeted capital expenditure is estimated at USD 14.3 million (plus contingency &VAT). As per the Company's core strategy to continue delivering outcomes that will enhance value proposition, Argosy's focus and priority will continue being the 2,000tpa modular lithium carbonate processing plant operation as the next step in the scale-up development of the Rincon Lithium Project. As part of this next stage of works, the Company advises the 38 hectares of evaporation ponds constructed to supply concentrated lithium brine to the planned 2,000tpa processing plant are currently in full operation concentrating lithium brine. These evaporation ponds were completed in 2018 and are ready to immediately deliver concentrated lithium brine into the 2,000tpa plant upon commencement of such operations. Furthermore, the Company is continuing to progress works necessary to prepare applications for the enlarged commercial scale 10,000tpa operation project development approvals/permits and associated environmental impact assessment. In addition, the Company is currently scheduling a preliminary trial cargo comprising 5 tonnes of high-quality lithium carbonate produced from its industrial scale pilot plant operations for shipment during first quarter 2020 and delivering into the Sales Agreement executed with Mitsubishi Corporation RtM Japan Ltd. in March 2019.