Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) has revealed that the brine from the Paradox Lithium Project in Utah is continuing to successfully produce a lithium hydroxide (LiOH) product, but with much higher recovery rates than previously reported.
READ: Anson Resources shares surge on producing first lithium hydroxide product
The company’s shares are trading about 19% higher intra-day following new results from the test work being carried out by Lilac Solutions, using the Lilac IX process for the extraction of lithium from brines.
The improved lithium recoveries are a further step forward in determining the final extraction process to be implemented to produce either lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide using the Lilac IX process.
In the latest testing, supersaturated brine was passed through the Lilac IX process to produce a concentrated lithium sulphate solution at 10,000 – 15,000 mg/l lithium.
Lilac Solutions phase I proposed extraction flow sheet
The average recovery of lithium from the brine to the eluate was about 80%, a significant improvement to that of the original lithium hydroxide product.
The lithium eluate can be processed downstream into battery grade lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide using conventional processes with a recovery of greater than 90%.
After the downstream processing, it is estimated that the overall lithium recovery (that is, after the extraction and downstream processing) will be about 70%.
This compares favourably with lithium recoveries below 50% for conventional operations in the South American Salars with higher grades.
Lilac Solutions’ test laboratory being visited by Anson’s CEO
Anson has now completed the evaluation of three separate technical processes for the extraction of lithium from brines at the Paradox Lithium Project:
(i) Traditional solar evaporation;
(ii) Outotec’s solvent extraction; and
(iii) Lilac’s ion extraction process.
Based upon the results, Anson has resolved to move to the next stage of project development by commissioning the design and construction of a pilot plant incorporating the production flow chart developed by Lilac Solutions’ phase I engineering project.
READ: Anson Resources lodges re-entry application for two wells at Paradox Lithium Project
Anson executive chairman Bruce Richardson said: “The results that have been achieved by the Lilac Process have been exceptional.
“To ensure that the best economic results could be achieved several different extraction methodologies have been tested.
“As an early adopter of the Lilac process, the company will gain a significant advantage over traditional brine producers by utilising a new technology that provides an improved recovery rate, a faster production process with less environmental impact and as a result improved economics.”