Infinity Lithium Corporation Ltd’s (ASX:INF) ongoing feasibility study test-work for its San José Lithium Project in Spain is yielding positive technical improvements, putting the company a step closer to producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide.
The latest test-work outcomes have improved upon the pre-feasibility study’s open circuit flotation lithium recoveries, increasing the potential for “substantial” lithium oxide recoveries in closed circuit test-work, the company says.
Flotation circuits are commonly used in mineral processing to increase the concentration of the desired mineral; in closed circuit flotation, oversize material is recycled for regrinding and generally yields greater results.
Momentum maintained
Infinity has maintained test-work momentum throughout the year despite the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with leading consultancy and engineering company Dorfner Anzaplan managing the program at their German facilities.
The San José Lithium Project provides an essential component in the EU’s development of a vertically-integrated lithium-ion battery supply chain.
The European market for lithium-ion batteries is projected to grow to as much as A$22.7 billion by 2025, according to the European Commission.
“High degree of confidence”
Infinity managing director Ryan Parkin said investors could expect to see further technical improvements on the pre-feasibility study as test-work continues.
“We are pleased that the test-work program has continued to progress under the EIT InnoEnergy Project Agreement and despite the unique challenges and severe restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect to see the next stages of test-work advancing in line with our phase one deliverables.
“The work completed by Dorfner Anzaplan shows to a high degree of confidence we will at least meet, if not exceed, the key technical assumptions and outcomes of the PFS.”
Beneficiation stage
Current feasibility study test work is at the beneficiation stage, the first in a six-step process, with 68wt% (percentage by weight) lithium oxide being recovered at a concentration grade of 1.3wt%.
These recoveries match the closed-circuit flotation test work carried out in the pre-feasibility study.
With test-work continuing, Infinity says it is likely there will be “substantial” lithium oxide recovery improvements as it moves into the second stage of the feasibility study, sulphate roasting, which is aimed at purifying the metallic components of lithium ore.