Piedmont Lithium Ltd (ASX:PLL) has appointed lithium plant expert Hatch to conduct its pre-feasibility study of its proposed lithium hydroxide chemical plant.
Hatch is a global leader in the development of lithium conversion projects with relevant experience in the field.
Hatch representative Rob Fraser said: “Piedmont Lithium is advancing a conventional lithium hydroxide project in an enviable location.
“Hatch is fortunate to have been involved in many of the world’s most prominent lithium processing projects.”
DFS expected in December quarter 2020
Bench-scale lithium hydroxide conversion test work is ongoing and the results are expected in the March quarter 2020.
These results will feed into the PFS which is due in the June quarter 2020.
Following the PFS, Piedmont will progress to an integrated DFS for both the mining operation and lithium hydroxide plant.
Piedmont’s objective is to complete the DFS by the end of 2020 essentially advancing the project to a development-ready status.
Moving full speed ahead
Piedmont’s president and CEO Keith D. Phillips said: “We are very pleased to be working with Hatch on the PFS for our lithium hydroxide project.
“Hatch has unsurpassed lithium processing experience, having studied directly comparable projects for several clients.
“Having recently received a landmark permit for our mine/concentrator we are moving full-speed ahead to having a shovel-ready project by the end of 2020.”