Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR) has generated its first batch of spodumene concentrate from the Mavis Lake Lithium Project in Canada.
The battery metals explorer kicked off its metallurgical test-work program back in October 2022, when it set out to determine whether spodumene from the Ontario project was amendable to dense media separation (DMS) techniques.
Samples from Mavis Lake were delivered to SGS Canada, where they were compiled to create two composites: a representative sample that delivered 1.2% lithium oxide and a high-grade composite, clocking in at 1.6% lithium oxide.
Critical’s test-work program is taking place alongside a fully funded 20,000-metre drilling program, designed to spotlight lithium along the Mavis Lake Main Zone.
Planning pathway to production
Critical Resources managing director Alex Cheeseman said the company had taken a firm step forward with its development plans for Mavis Lake.
“The outcomes of the metallurgical test work will directly support a scoping study and significantly assist us with planning our pathway to production,” he explained.
“Whilst the full results from the test work will not be known until the program is completed, initial indications are that the Mavis Lake spodumene is amenable to beneficiation via DMS processing.
“With a major drill campaign underway, our knowledge of the mineralisation and the characteristics of the Mavis Lake Main Zone continue to grow – setting the foundations for the next phase in this exciting project.”
What’s next?
The first lot of test work has concluded on the high-grade sample, while work on the representative composite should kick off shortly.
Once all test work has been completed, final products will be assayed to determine concentrate grade, impurity profile and recovery/yield estimates.
More broadly, Critical’s current testing program will continue through to mid-February, with final results expected towards the end of Q1.
The test work program is a key precursor towards initial scoping study work, which will ultimately steer Mavis Lake towards a development course.
The company will provide further updates on the project’s direction in the coming weeks.