CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL, OTCQB:CTLHF) cheered “an exciting milestone” as it told investors that equipment for its direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant in Chile has now begun arriving at the site in Copiapó.
The company, in a statement, noted that it ordered the US$2 million DLE plant in the first quarter of 2023 and the first of two parts of the plant (the DLE columns, and rotary valve) have now arrived.
The next shipment (comprising an electrical cabinet, pumps and auxiliary equipment) is expected in the coming weeks following recent completion of final testing in the manufacturers' facilities.
It noted that the project is expected to be finalised in the fourth quarter of 2023.
“Once operational, our aim is to produce up to 1 tonne per month of lithium carbonate using Direct Lithium Extraction, which, we believe, will be the future of lithium production in Chile,” said Cleantech Lithium chief executive Aldo Boitano.
“DLE is now moving into the mainstream as it offers a cleaner way of supplying battery grade lithium with higher purities and shorter production timelines versus other methods such as evaporation ponds.”
Boitano added: “The Pilot Plant is being installed at our facility in Copiapó where we now have our main operational base and hub for community and stakeholder engagement, which is critical to the success of our business.
“We will be updating the market shortly on other activities including the Scoping Study for Francisco Basin."