Lab testing has indicated potentially higher recoveries of lithium than previously predicted at the Cinovec deposit in the Czech Republic, according to European Metals Holdings Limited (LON:EMH).
Roasting the ore at a higher temperature increased lithium recovered from the leach process to 94-95%.
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Using the cheaper alternative of limestone rather than lime also had no impact on lithium recovery, the tests found.
Both findings potentially mean significant cost savings in processing, EMH added in a statement.
Keith Coughlan, managing director, said the work was part of the optimisation process following on from last year’s preliminary feasibility study.
The PFS indicated Cinovec will be a bottom half cost curve producer, but higher recoveries and lower costs will only enhance its economics, he said.
Coughlan expects the small-scale roast/leach testwork to finish soon with the next phase to be locked cycle, pilot scale and equipment selection testing for the Definitive Feasibility Study.
EMH owns 100% of Cinovec, which has an initial Probable Ore Reserve of 34.5Mt at 0.65% Li2O or enough for at least 20 years mining at an output of 20,800tpa of lithium carbonate.
That resource makes Cinovec the largest lithium deposit in Europe, the fourth largest non-brine deposit in the world while it also has significant tin resources.