Enertopia Corp (CNSX:TOP) says its development partner Genesis Water Technologies Inc (GWT) has kicked off the second phase of testing the Clayton Valley project material to recover lithium.
The goals of this larger test are to achieve lithium recovery rates of greater than 80% and achieve minimum purity of 99.5% such that battery grade standard is achieved., it told investors.
Lithium is of course a very important component in the manufacture of electric vehicles.
Initial tests using feedstock from Enertopia's Clayton Valley project in Nevada has already shown remarkably high Lithium recovery numbers, the firm noted.
"In excess of 95% of contained lithium in the samples was taken into solution using weak acid solution and up to 75% of lithium in samples was taken into solution using only deionized water."
If the technique is proven economically viable, the project could be fast tracked to production, namely take months rather than the years, which are typically required to build and commission most mining projects - and at a far smaller capex.
"Genesis Water Technologies looks forward to promising results from this phase of testing analysis and anticipates that achievement of the goal of obtaining battery grade lithium with high recovery yield will prove economically viable," said Nick Nicholas of GWT.
"At Genesis Water Technologies, we utilize innovation in water. We are excited to partner with Enertopia to become leaders in the lithium evolution."
"Modern technology is revolutionizing ways to mine and protect our environment. We are enthusiastic in becoming leaders in this evolution," added Enertopia president and chief executive Robert McAllister.