European Metals Holdings Ltd (AIM:EMH, ASX:EMH, OTCQX:EMHLF) is revising the timeline for the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and therefore constriction of its Cinovec Lithium joint venture.
The revision comes as the Czech-based lithium processing plant’s location moves from Dukla to Prunéřov.
Given the change of location, additional geotechnical work is currently underway to confirm the optimal construction method and layout at the new site.
Results from this geotechnical work are expected to be available at the end of September.
DRA Global is then expected to provide a detailed timeline and begin the DFS finalisation program of work.
Improvements in the Front-End Comminution and Beneficiation (FECAB) process flowsheet have been a key focus.
European Metals has tested changes from beneficiation by magnetic separation to a process incorporating both magnetic separation and flotation, achieving a total FECAB lithium recovery of over 87%.
Further testwork has shown potential for complete elimination of the magnetic separation step and increased flotation performance, potentially raising lithium recovery to over 94%.
The Lithium Chemical Plant (LCP) process has also been optimised.
European Metals has eliminated sodium sulphate as a reagent, which reduces operating costs and has demonstrated a higher overall lithium recovery in the LCP circuit through recycling of the mixed sulphate waste stream.
In addition to technical progress, European Metals has submitted an initial application for Just Transition Fund (JTF) support, requesting approximately €31 million for preliminary mine portal area works.
European Metals’ executive chairman Keith Coughlan stated: "Whilst it is disappointing to not be able to provide a completion timeline for the Definitive Feasibility Study at this time, it is very pleasing to see the positive outcomes of the recent testwork optimising our processing plant, in particular in respect to reductions in capex and opex."