Nevada Lithium Resources Inc (TSX-V:NVLH, OTCQB:NVLHF) said initial results from metallurgical testing at its Bonnie Claire lithium project show high lithium recoveries and potential for additional boric acid production.
The test work is aimed at refining a conceptual acid-leach circuit for the Nevada-based project.
Testing will inform an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) expected in April 2025, the company said in a statement.
Preliminary results indicate lithium recoveries above 95% with moderate sulfuric acid consumption, while boron-rich material in the deposit allows for boric acid co-production, the company said. Additionally, early estimates suggest that steam turbine generators could provide more than half of the plant’s electrical needs, reducing reliance on external power sources.
“The initial lithium and boron recovery factors are very high, confirm earlier test work, and are comparable to those of our peers in Nevada,” CEO Stephen Rentschler said in a statement.
Earlier Nevada Lithium retained Fluor and Kemetco to oversee the test work.
Fluor, which has worked on lithium projects including Ioneer’s Rhyolite Ridge and Albemarle’s Meishan Project, is managing the process development. Global Resource Engineering will oversee the updated PEA, which will include assessments of metallurgy, capital expenditures, and operating costs.
“We think that Fluor’s participation in our project clearly reflects the increasing industry recognition of Bonnie Claire’s position among the world’s top tier of lithium and boron projects,” Rentschler added.
Nevada Lithium aims to position Bonnie Claire among the top lithium and boron projects globally, as demand for battery metals continues to rise.