Metallurgical test work from the Mina do Barroso project owned by Savannah Resources PLC (LON:SAV) continues to show that a conventional 6% Li₂O low-impurity concentrate can be produced with high recoveries.
Drill core samples taken from the Grandao deposit have produced concentrates containing 6%-6.5% Li2O, with corresponding lithium recoveries in excess of 80%.
WATCH: Savannah Resource s 'building a world-class team' as it advances Mina do Barroso towards feasibility
The Grandao deposit currently represents the first five years of mine production.
The lithium concentrates produced have low iron and impurity levels, with market research and initial customer discussions indicating that such concentrates should be suitable for conversion to either lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide for use in lithium-ion batteries.
Planning is now underway to run a pilot programme on a bulk sample of ore to define the process flow sheet to a level suitable for final plant design.
"To see such excellent results from the metallurgical test work is encouraging as it continues to validate Mina do Barroso as a conventional lithium project in terms of the process flow-sheet and the product produced,” said chief executive David Archer.
“Ongoing test work will continue to help refine our understanding of the behaviour of the produced material and I look forward to continuing to update our shareholders over the coming months.''
In late morning trading, shares in Savannah Resources were 1% higher at 4.95p.
In a note to clients, analysts at ‘house’ broker finnCap commented: “This is a major step forward for the project, as not all spodumene deposits are suitable for the production of high-grade saleable concentrates. We maintain our 20p price target.”
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