Resources now total 27.8 million tonnes grading 1.42% lithium oxide for 393,000t of contained lithium oxide.

Birimian said further additions and upgrades to the resources were likely.

The key for Birimian remains to confirm the project’s development credentials and expeditiously advance Bougouni towards production.

Birimian has indicated production is being targeted in 2018, and that the project may cost about $US50 million to get up and running.

There are multiple lithium projects targeting production in the next 2-3 years, while the demand side of the equation is painted as being very positive.

Increasing and enhancing the resources at Bougouni may help attract a third party bid or joint venture.

The project was subject of a failed $A107 million bid earlier this year.

Birimian had cash at the start of the current quarter of $7.6 million.

Shares in Birimian closed Monday at 26c, capitalising the company at $50 million. The stock peaked at around 50c last September.