Ongoing test work at the Linyi University Lithium Research Centre has proven for Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7, OTC:ESMAF) that the design of the Bécancour Lithium Refinery in Canada can produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from the various types of spodumene concentrate from around the world.
The second batch completed at Linyi demonstrates the validity of the process design and meets stringent battery grade specifications of greater than 99.5% lithium carbonate. LU7 notes that this is not a common achievement of first-pass programs.
The Linyi University Lithium Research Centre in China is a world-class research centre with in-house analysis facilities. The facility’s ongoing test work program of various spodumene ores is an integral component of the DFS being conducted by Hatch Ltd for LU7’s Bécancour Lithium Refinery in Québec, Canada.
LU7 board members and CEO recently visited the definitive feasibility study (DFS) metallurgical testing at Linyi.
Here is a tour of the facility:
Importantly, the test work at Linyi suggests that LU7 will be able to process spodumene from any part of the world using the Bécancour Lithium Refinery design.
Bécancour is a multi-purpose battery-grade lithium carbonate refinery designed to a production capacity of 16,000 tonnes per annum, assuming a spodumene feed grade of around 5.5% lithium oxide.
Within the scope of this program, spodumene samples, ranging from 5.0% to 6.0% lithium oxide with diverse particle sizes, are being subjected to comprehensive testing.
Validates process design
LU7 chairman Iggy Tan said: “Based on the Lithium Dream Team’s experience and network, the company is able to use one of the best lithium research and test facilities in the world.
“One of the Professors (Dr Jie Gao) who heads the research institute started her lithium career at the Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate plant under the guidance of LU7’s non-executive director Dr Jingyuan Liu.
“We are very pleased with the one-pass success of producing battery-grade lithium carbonate. Our experience with other laboratories around the world is that they cannot achieve such a result in such a short time period.
“The results demonstrate the validity of the process design when processing multiple types of spodumene feedstock from all around the world.
"This places LU7 in a unique position; due to the design not being tied solely to a single spodumene mine but having the flexibility to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from spodumene feedstocks all around the world.”
LU7 is aiming to establish a major vertically integrated mine to battery grade lithium carbonate processing hub.