Argosy Minerals Limited (ASX:AGY) has started operations at the stage I pilot plant in Argentina with the first batch of lithium brine concentrate expected to produce 1 to 2 tonnes of lithium carbonate (LCE).
Commissioning and processing test work for lithium brine concentrate from the Rincon Lithium Project in the world-renowned Lithium Triangle of Salta province will progress throughout April.
During this phase, Argosy will fine-tune the process until production of in-specification quality battery-grade LCE product is consistent and satisfactory for customer samples and initial commercial sales.
READ: Argosy Minerals to begin processing lithium brine concentrate from Argentine project
Managing director Jerko Zuvela said: “Argosy continues its fast-tracked development strategy, with another major step taken toward building a sustainable battery-grade lithium production company.
"I would like to congratulate the operations team at this key milestone, and we will continue to progress to deliver on our near-term objectives of producing battery-grade LCE product.”
Ensuring consistent product
The commissioning and test phase includes refining the chemical balances, formulations and equipment settings to ensure product quality consistency.
This will also ensure the plant is operating in the most effective and efficient manner to deliver into future sales agreements.
The Rincon project is in the world-renowned Lithium Triangle region.
Argosy’s Rincon personnel, including joint venture partner Pablo Alurralde, are focused on realising the principal milestone – a scalable, cost-effective chemical process solution to produce battery-grade LCE product.
This will position Argosy for all development stages at Rincon.
READ: Argosy Minerals secures approval for more lithium evaporation ponds in Argentina
Argosy is confident that the project has a clear conceptual pathway to production of lithium and has adopted a fast-track strategy.
This is supported by historical results and Pablo Alurralde’s previous operating and production experience from the project area and over the broader Salar del Rincon.
The company is committed to building a sustainable lithium production company, leveraged to forecast growth in the lithium-ion battery sector.