Rincon Lithium Project: first batch of LCE produced at pilot plant

A sample of the first one kilogram production batch was tested in the company’s lab, located at the Stage 1 industrial scale pilot plant and determined to be a good quality ‘industrial grade’ LCE.

According to Argosy, key adverse elements for battery grade such as Mg, SO₄ and metallic impurities were within acceptable specification ranges.

The main reason the tested batch was determined to be ‘industrial grade’ as opposed to battery grade was the presence of certain soluble impurities.

These would usually be removed by the ‘washing’ stage but that stage is not yet fully functional in the plant because the stage prior demands a high heat, and Argosy is still awaiting a natural gas supply for the plant to provide such a temperature.

The company will continue its work in order to realise the Principal Stage 1 milestone – a scalable, cost-effective chemical process solution to produce consistent battery grade LCE product for all development stages. This is expected to occur once the gas supply is available.

Argosy Managing Director, Jerko Zuvela, commented: “We are delighted at this significant milestone, noting the historical magnitude of this achievement and the fast-track strategy the company deployed to attain this landmark development.”

“The momentous effort, technical expertise and knowledge required to achieve this initial milestone is extraordinary, and I thank the whole Puna and Argosy team for their commitment and dedication.”

The company is due to produce a Resource estimate shortly for the Rincon Lithium Project.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/05062018/rincon-lithium-project-first-batch-of-lce-produced-at-pilot-plant/