Lithium Australia NL (ASX:LIT) has launched its preliminary feasibility study (PFS) on the Sadisdorf lithium-tin deposit in Germany.
The study will evaluate the direct production of cathode powders, and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) in particular, from mica feed material.
This mica is usually considered waste from tin mining operations.
Cathode materials do not require cobalt or nickel
The LFP battery is a type of lithium-ion battery that notably does not contain cobalt or nickel in the cathode material, unlike other lithium-ion batteries.
The combination of domestic supply of materials, direct production of cathode powders, and local manufacture of LFP batteries provide valuable supply chain security.
Lithium Australia has a suite of technologies, all tested at pilot scale, to deliver high-performance LFP cathode materials from domestic sources into such markets, thereby improving energy security.
Pursuing similar opportunities in Australia and Mexico
Recently Lithium Australia initiated the Australian Battery Consortium, in order to pursue similar opportunities in Australia.
Lithium Australia also plans to monetise its control position in the Electra project in Mexico.
There, it holds ground both north and south of Bacanora Lithium’s giant Sonora lithium clay deposit and has identified significant mineralisation in that ground.
READ: Lithium Australia on a batteries journey
Lithium Australi's strategy is to close the loop on the energy-metal cycle.