Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7, OTC:ESMAF) has moved to fill a gap in the North American market, initiating metallurgical testing on various source of hard rock lithium spodumene to develop a flow sheet for its proposed Québec Lithium Processing Hub (QLPH) Refinery.
LU7 is designing the QLPH Refinery to mirror the renowned Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate plant – the largest-capacity battery-grade lithium carbonate plant in the Asia Pacific, considered a global benchmark for lithium refineries – while also incorporating all the enhancements made during commissioning and startup.
Lithium expert Dr Jingyuan Liu is leading the testing protocols for the refinery, with the aim of demonstrating the process’ viability in generating battery-grade lithium carbonate from various spodumene concentrates available in the market.
One-stop shop for lithium processing
Significantly, Lithium Universe is developing the QLPH Refinery to be capable of processing all kinds of spodumene lithium sourced from anywhere in the world, having already collected samples from Australia and South America featuring various lithium grades which are now undergoing metallurgical processing.
This strategy would allow the company to begin processing economical amounts of lithium even before the supply of lithium from Canada is fully developed.
“I appreciate Dr Jingyuan Liu's outstanding efforts and connections that enabled the initiation of this test work program six months post-listing,” Lithium Universe chair Iggy Tan said.
“Despite the decline in lithium prices affecting numerous industry players, Lithium Universe is full steam ahead.
“We view the current short-term dip in lithium prices as an advantageous window to finalise feasibility studies before the onset of the next cycle.
“These moments present tangible opportunities for our organisation.”
The first program of testing produced purities of 99.7% lithium carbonate, above the battery-grade specifications of 99.5% lithium carbonate, a powerful first proof of concept for the QLPH.
At the same time, LU7 is narrowing down a site on which to build its refinery. The current proposal includes port and river access, allowing spodumene imports from Africa and South America.