Lithium Australia NL (ASX:LIT) has demonstrated proof-of-concept production of high-purity lithium carbonate from spodumene process solutions at its Sileach™ pilot plant.
The lithium carbonate feed solutions were produced by processing of Pilgangoora spodumene concentrates at the pilot plant.
A high purity product was produced grading 99.8% lithium carbonate, notably from a low-grade spodumene concentrate.
The concentrate grades processed were intentionally selected to have a grade lower than commercial concentrate grades to demonstrate the flexibility of Sileach™ in processing a wide range of materials.
Adrian Griffin, managing director, commented: “The ability of Sileach™ to cope with the high levels of contamination in the spodumene concentrate, and still produce a high-purity lithium carbonate is a great achievement.
“The ability to produce by-products that are not available with conventional processing of spodumene shows great potential.”
Lithium Australia is a dedicated developer of disruptive lithium extraction technologies, and 100% owner of the Sileach™ process for the recovery of lithium from silicates.