European Lithium Ltd (ASX:EUR) (FRA:PF8) (VSE:ELI) (AQSE:EUR) is on track to complete the metallurgical test work component of a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the advanced Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria.
The complex and comprehensive test work will be completed within the next two months, within budget and ahead of schedule.
Integrated European supply strategy
During a visit to the pilot plant facilities of Dorfner/Anzaplan, which is undertaking the work, EUR was advised that the Wolfsberg bulk sample provided was advantageous for the final design of a lithium hydroxide plant.
European Lithium is developing the Wolfsberg project with the intention of becoming the first local lithium supplier into an integrated European battery supply chain.
The company also plans to supply spodumene, quartz and feldspar products to the European glass and ceramics industry.
Pilot plant visit
On August 27, 2019, Dorfner invited the management of EUR, represented by CEO Dietrich Wanke and project director Christian Heili, together with a number of investors, to demonstrate the progress of the test work.
As well as updating progress, Dorfner managing director Dr Haus and business unit director Dr Graf showed the delegation the laboratories where the pilot plant was constructed.
Samples of the intermediate and final products were available for viewing, including lithium hydroxide.
Dietrich Wanke said, “It is very rare for a pre-production company to have this advantage and provides the company a unique opportunity to optimise future production facilities.
“It also serves as a strong risk mitigation factor as potential suboptimal process lines can be finalised before construction starts.”
Longstanding history with Dorfner
There is a longstanding history between the two companies, as Dr Haus pointed out during the demonstration.
Since 1982 Dorfner has been involved with evaluating the Wolfsberg project due to the abundance of feldspar, which is widely used in the established ceramics industry.
EUR sent ore to Dorfner from the stockpiles of the 1,500-tonne bulk sample of raw material from Wolfsberg.
This has allowed the complex test work to be undertaken before any final design of the hydrometallurgical production facility takes place.
“Advantage going forward”
In his presentation Dr Haus emphasised, “This is a unique process for a pre-production company providing an extraordinary advantage going forward, enabling significant cost savings through investing in the metallurgical test-work at this early stage.”
As well as conducting the laboratory tour, Dr Graf explained the process to produce the lithium hydroxide and by-products.
Dorfner’s full and final report, together with all other work, will be collated and used to prepare the final DFS.