CleanTech Lithium's DLE pilot plant nears completion, final testing and commissioning next
() , a Chile-focused lithium explorer, issued an update on its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) deployment as the final components of its DLE pilot plant are being delivered and assembled in Copiapó, Chile.
DLE is a more efficient and greener method of extracting lithium from brine compared to conventional evaporation methods. It has a smaller geographical footprint while avoiding aquifer depletion. CleanTech intends to power its DLE plant with 100% renewable energy.
CleanTech ordered its DLE pilot plant from Sunresin in Q1 2023. As the former is now taking delivery of the last components at its warehouse facilities in Copiapó, the plant should be fully assembled and operational within the next few months. Sunresin technicians are scheduled to visit the site at the end of November 2023 for final testing.
The DLE plant is designed to produce up to 1 tonne per month of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in concentrated lithium eluate, which will be processed to battery-grade lithium carbonate at an existing 3rd party facility.
CleanTech is also advancing the pre-feasibility study (PFS) at its flagship Laguna Verde project, which will incorporate results from extensive test work over 6 months using a lab-scale multivalve DLE system.
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CleanTech Lithium's DLE pilot plant should be commissioned within the next 2 months. The DLE plant and downstream process plant will then begin producing battery-grade lithium carbonate, enabling CleantTech to advance its discussions with strategic partners who can support the development and financing of its lithium projects in Chile.
Samples of the LCE will also be made available to potential offtakers, such as major auto and battery manufacturers, for testing and product qualification.
As mentioned, DLE is a more modern and greener method of extracting lithium from brine, with significant environmental and cost benefits. DLE is rapidly advancing in China where CleanTech's senior leadership recently spent time visiting DLE operations and manufacturers spanning the DLE supply chain, to gain first-hand commercial experience with the technology.
The completion of CleanTech's DLE pilot plan should also help the upcoming pre-feasibility study for Laguna Verde, in turn derisking the project further and accelerating discussions with partners next year. Investors have much to look forward to in the next 6 months with the completion of Laguna Verde's PFS and analysis of results from the DLE pilot plant.
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