GCICleanTech Lithium on track for production in 2027, as detailed progress update released
The company is currently undertaking a pre-feasibility study for the project, as well as further exploration work. The commissioning of a pilot plant in the USA is already underway.
In Chile, the location of preferred sites for a carbonation plant in nearby Copiapó has been selected. Port facilities for export of final lithium carbonate product have also been secured.
A power supply study has been completed, evaluating options for onsite renewables. This provides a competitive alternative to the base case of a transmission line and grid connection. There’s also the option to use electric truck transport.
It’s now been decided to configure project based on locating a direct lithium extraction plant at Laguna Verde and a carbonation plant in Copiapó. This has numerous advantages in the PFS, although engineering for this configuration has extended the delivery of the PFS out to the first quarter of next year.
Meanwhile, results from two completed wells and pump tests from the 2024 field programme have been received, boosting knowledge of the resource and providing additional information for the hydrogeological model.
And in the USA, downstream processing work from the pilot plant is progressing well, with lithium carbonate production expected in November.
"With the recent announcement by the Chilean Government to prioritise six salt flats, including Laguna Verde, to start the process of awarding Special Operating Lithium Contracts, we are focused on the key aspects to advance the project, being permitting, completion of the PFS and production of battery grade lithium carbonate from our pilot plant,” said Steve Kesler, executive chairman of CleanTech Lithium.
“Progress has continued on central elements of the PFS, with evaluation of plant location, power supply and transport options. As a leader in developing DLE based projects in Chile, we aim to enter production in 2027 when the lithium market is expected to rebalance, providing a strong long term growth outlook."
View from Vox
Steady progress from CleanTech on three levels – conceptually, on the ground in Chile, and on the ground in the USA. Investors will be looking forward to positive updates on permitting and the Chilean listing, and once these are in the bag the company will likely start to show serious momentum. And production in 2027 could coincide with the next upswing in the lithium price, after a recent prolonged period of lows. That would boost margins in what already looks to be a high margin project.
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