In a recent interview with Proactive, CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL, OTCQX:CTLHF)'s chief executive Aldo Boitano and non-executive director Maha Daoudi discussed the company's latest advancements and future prospects.
Hosted by Thomas Warner, the conversation delved into the progress of CleanTech Lithium’s direct lithium extraction (DLE) pilot plant in Copiapó, Chile, and insights from a recent trip to China.
Here’s how the interview went down.
Thomas Warner (TW): Welcome to Proactive London. Aldo, can you update us on the progress of your DLE pilot plant in Chile?
Aldo Boitano (AB): The pilot plant is progressing well. Since our founding in 2017, we've been focused on direct lithium extraction and testing. The plant, now in its larger form, is set to produce one tonne per month.
All components have arrived in Chile, and we're preparing for commissioning by year's end. This development is crucial for supplying lithium to various manufacturers and trading houses, and it will aid our discussions with potential vendors and end-users.
TW: Are you still on track with the PFS for Laguna Verde?
AB: Yes, we're on track. Both the PFS and the pilot plant are part of the same overarching project. The PFS, importantly, involves the metallurgical process, which spans from extracting lithium from brine to producing lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, or lithium chloride, depending on the battery types they're used in.
This process is progressing well and involves considerable work, providing increased certainty for the company. The combination of the PFS and the pilot plant is crucial for initiating discussions with strategic investors and partners who will fund our future growth. We plan to build a large plant and commence production thereafter, which is a significant part of our combined announcement.
TW: Maha, could you share insights from your recent trip to China?
Maha Daoudi (MD): The trip was extremely constructive. We had the opportunity to work with local specialist consultants, who I've collaborated with for many years. They arranged meetings with chairmen and CEOs of the most significant companies involved in DLE technology. The trip was intense, with a tight schedule, but it was incredible to see the advancements in technology firsthand, especially how the Chinese are progressing in processing raw brines.
This is crucial for them, given the challenging nature of their resources. We witnessed significant progress, visiting plants and meeting with top executives. Spending time on the ground was enlightening and highly supportive for the future of CTL projects. This experience has been invaluable, and I'm excited about the future, as we now have an amazing opportunity to advance the CTN project.
TW: Maha, as a non-executive director, how do you view the company's performance in 2023?
MD: Indeed, understanding the future requires reflecting on the past. I joined the company in April, and in just seven or eight months, I'm thrilled with the developments we've achieved. It's enlightening to see the company's progress, not only in processing and metallurgy, which are critical to our project, but also in our engagement with stakeholders and local communities.
Having been in the industry for over 25 years, the level of interaction and connection with local communities here stands out. It's gratifying to see such involvement, which is not commonly observed in the industry.
Additionally, I must commend the expertise and professionalism of our team. It's a pleasure to work alongside the other board members and the local team. For instance, during our trip to China, we were joined by Chilean delegates specializing in metallurgy. Their knowledge and expertise were impressive. I believe we are well-aligned for success, and I am proud to be part of this team.
TW: Aldo, looking ahead, what milestones can we expect in the coming year?
AB: We'll keep the market updated on our pilot plant's installation and commissioning, our ongoing community work, and metallurgical testing. These efforts contribute to the PFS. We're also focusing on new programs and appointments, like Montgomery for hydrogeology and reinjection work. It's an exciting time as we move the project forward and provide more certainty.