Cypress Development Corp (TSX-V:CYP, OTCQX:CYDVF) told investors that the feasibility study (FS) for its Clayton Valley lithium project was advancing and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023, as it also revealed it has hired thyssenkrupp nucera USA to design and engineer the chlor-alkali plant.
This plant will be an essential component to the operation, which will allow the project itself to produce two key reagents (hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide) needed to process the claystone to a Li2CO3 (lithium carbonate) product.
"The company's selection of thyssenkrupp nucera is another important step towards completion of the feasibility study for the project's production of lithium carbonate," said Bill Willoughby, the CEO of Cypress in a statement.
"Their experience and proven track record as an electrolysis technology company with worldwide knowledge in the chlor-alkali field will add to our feasibility study."
READ: Cypress Development achieves significant milestone with production of 99.94% lithium carbonate from claystone at its Clayton Valley Project
The FS is advancing as planned, said Cypress.
Engineer Wood and supporting teams have completed or are nearly complete on several key items, including resource and reserve estimates, mine plan, processing plant design, tailings and waste storage facilities.
Meanwhile, Saltworks Technologies Inc has now completed a second phase of testing, which examined the production of lithium from the blowdown-brine stream collected during the lithium carbonate concentration in the first stage of testing, Cypress noted.
The results from this latest testing is positive and confirm the viability of an increase in lithium recovery, it added.
Lab results are pending for the quality of lithium carbonate obtained during this test, but this step has the potential to significantly reduce the volume required to be recycled back to the upstream direct lithium recovery (DLE) plant and reduce the size and capital cost of the DLE plant.
Cypress also revealed it has engaged Saltworks to provide the engineering and design for the final steps in producing lithium carbonate.
"Based on timelines for the major components and cost analysis, as well as to allow thyssenkrupp nucera sufficient time to complete its design and optimization studies, the company expects the feasibility study to be completed in the second quarter of 2023."
thyssenkrupp nucera USA Inc is the US subsidiary of thyssenkrupp nucera AG & Co. KGaA, an international company that offers world-leading technologies for high-efficiency electrolysis plants, which includes chlor-alkali electrolysis, HCl electrolysis, and alkaline water electrolysis.
Cypress Development is a Canada-based advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its wholly-owned Clayton Valley lithium project in Nevada.
Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com