GCICleanTech produces first pilot-scale lithium carbonate from Laguna Verde brines
CleanTech Lithium PLC () has produced its first pilot scale samples of lithium carbonate from lithium brine extracted from its Laguna Verde project in Chile.
The samples produced will be sent to a laboratory to confirm the grade and impurity profile, which is expected to be battery-grade. They will then be prepared for strategic partner qualification.
The company shipped four tanks with a total of 88 cubic metres of concentrated eluate from its DLE pilot plant in Copiapó, Chile, to the facilities of Conductive Energy in Chicago, USA, for conversion into lithium carbonate.
The first 20 cubic metres of eluate is currently being processed, and produced the first 50kg of lithium carbonate on November 19th. The full tank will be processed over the next week and is expected to produce approximately 150kg of battery grade lithium carbonate.
To mark the commencement of production, a site visit to the conversion facility was held showcasing the innovative process.
The conversion process utilises forward osmosis at the concentration stage rather than the conventional evaporator, helping to reduce water consumption and energy use before solution purification and then carbonation into the final product.
Conversations with potential strategic partners interested in testing the product have begun. After laboratory analysis, the company will be aiming to send samples of battery-grade lithium carbonate to such partners to start the product qualification process.
CTL produces its lithium carbonate using sustainable direct lithium extraction methods which, with spent brine reinjection, prevents aquifer depletion and, through innovative downstream processing, minimises water and energy consumption.
"CleanTech Lithium has reached an important milestone by commencing pilot scale lithium carbonate production using a sustainable and innovative DLE based process,” said Steve Kesler, CleanTech’s executive chairman.
“As a leader in the DLE sector in Chile with a focus on efficiency and sustainability, this accomplishment marks a significant step forward. Years of hard work have led to this important milestone, and it sets the stage for future development with a commitment to supporting the transition to electric vehicles and clean energy."
View from Vox
CleanTech’s ability to produce lithium at minimal impact to the environment will be a major advantage in an increasingly green energy-conscious world. Now that it can demonstrate that the product produced is at the battery grade, or greater than 99.5% pure, potential customers will likely be lining up. The key question will be the price. Lithium prices have been depressed of late, but if CleanTech can sell at profit at these levels, when and if any uptick comes, the margins ought to be considerable.
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