European Metals Holdings Ltd (AIM:EMH, ASX:EMH, OTC:EMHLF) has unveiled a new extraction method at its Cinovec deposit in the Czech Republic, which it claims will slash costs and deliver an exceptionally clean battery-grade lithium carbonate.
The simplified lithium chemical plant (LCP) cuts out more impurities and reduces the steps involved in processing to 7 from 15, cutting capital and operating expenses by between 10%-20%.
Testwork confirmed more than 87% lithium was recovered in the reconfigured front-end (FECAB) circuit, with the plant having the capability to produce either very high-purity lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, lithium sulphate, or lithium phosphate
A pilot programme is scheduled to start this quarter with marketing samples available to potential offtake partners in early 2023.
In a statement, Keith Coughlan, executive chairman, commented: “The simplification of the process, the improved economics, and the addition of two new significant potential end products are all very pleasing results. The quality of the product is also excellent with almost battery-grade material produced as our crude material.
"In addition, the reduction in both reagent use and energy consumption adds to already excellent ESG credentials.
"Now that the simplified flow sheet has been released to the market, the company looks forward to being able to provide more frequent updates regarding progress towards completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study.”
European Metals also published a quarterly cash flow statement showing holdings of A$18.5mln (£10.2mln) at the end of September 2022.