Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) has conducted test work at a third-party laboratory using an alternate direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology.
The move has improved the expected lithium recovery rate in the first stage of the extraction process to 90%, an increase of 10% from previous test work results.
The improvement is set to positively impact production costs, having been undertaken using brine taken from the Clastic Zone 31 horizon within the Paradox Brine Project in Utah, USA.
It is expected that the higher recovery rate, no requirement for pre-treatment, using water rather than chemicals to wash the lithium from the resin, and a longer life span of the lithium extracting resin and media will improve the economics of the project.
The financial impact of these improvements is being assessed and will be included in the 15,000-tonne-per-annum sodium bromide pre-feasibility study (PFS) and 2,500-tonne-per-annum lithium carbonate equivalent preliminary economic assessment (PEA), which is currently being finalised.
Technology selection is “paramount”
Anson executive chairman and CEO Bruce Richardson said: “The selection of the most suitable technology for our Paradox brine is paramount in meeting both objectives.
“The four improvements of higher recovery rate, no pre-treatment, water replacing chemicals to wash the lithium from the selective resin and a longer life span of the extraction resin by using an alternative DLE technology is expected to improve the economics of the lithium processing plant.
“Our team has delivered on this guiding principle, and we are very pleased with the results of this alternative DLE technology test work.
“We look forward to providing further details on potential financial improvements in our updated PFS/PEA.”
Taking into account ESG considerations
As part of its continual improvement agenda, Anson has continued to test several alternative DLE technologies over the past two years, with the aim of improving operational and economic performance and taking into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations.
This alternative DLE process, tested by Anson, does not require pre-treatment of the brine prior to lithium extraction using resin.
Additionally, the lithium is recovered from the extraction resin with water rather than chemicals.
These two flow sheet changes are also expected to reduce operating costs as the previous process required pre-treatment and a chemical wash.
A longer life span of the lithium attracting media used in the alternative DLE process is anticipated, which is also expected to positively impact operating costs.
Benchtop test work was initially conducted to test the suitability of the process for Paradox brine and similar results were achieved using a small-scale pilot plant at a third-party laboratory processing 4,000 litres of Paradox brine.