CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL, OTCQX:CTLHF) said that it has selected sites for a carbonation plant in Copiapó and port facilities for export of final lithium carbonate product as part of the pre-feasibility study for its Laguna Verde project in Chile.
Locating the lithium extraction (DLE) plant at the Laguna Verde site and the carbonation plant in Copiapó has numerous advantages contributing to a more robust PFS, CleanTech added.
Engineering for this configuration has extended the expected PFS delivery to the first quarter of 2025, said the statement.
Steve Kesler, CleanTech’s executive chairman, added: "With the recent announcement by the Chilean Government to prioritise six salt flats, including Laguna Verde, to start the process of awarding Special Operating Lithium Contracts (CEOLs), we are focused on the key aspects to advance the project, being permitting, completion of the PFS and production of battery grade lithium carbonate from our pilot plant.
"Progress has continued on central elements of the PFS with evaluation of plant location, power supply and transport options.
“As a leader in developing DLE-based projects in Chile, we aim to enter production in 2027 when the lithium market is expected to rebalance, providing a strong long-term growth outlook."