ioneer Ltd (ASX:INR) has appointed Fluor as the engineering and design firm to complete the definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada.
Fluor’s appointment follows the release last month of a pre-feasibility study (PFS) outlining Rhyolite Ridge as a low-cost lithium operation valued at US$1.8 billion.
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ioneer’s managing director Bernard Rowe said: “We are extremely pleased to have Fluor working with us to deliver the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project.
“Fluor was chosen because of its capabilities, integrity and proven track record of delivering value.
“A key aspect of Fluor’s selection was its strong and highly experienced technical team based in the United States.”
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Fluor will also provide engineering, procurement and construction management services as the project advances.
Fluor’s president of mining & metals Tony Morgan said: “As one of the world’s largest undeveloped lithium-boron deposits and one of the largest greenfield resource projects in the United States, Rhyolite Ridge will be a flagship project for Fluor, our client ioneer and the United States.
“We’ve assembled a strong and highly experienced team to deliver this exciting project.
“Fluor’s integrated project team is one of the most experienced in the mining and processing industry with the resources, expertise and knowledge to meet the cost, safety and fast-track schedule needs of our client.”
First production planned for 2021
Annual production for the Rhyolite Ridge is planned to be 20,200 tonnes of lithium carbonate and 173,000 tonnes of boric acid.
First production of these critical materials is expected in 2021.