The pilot continues to operate with the selected optimized test, outlined below, to confirm the results, while also producing lithium concentrate for further lithium production testing.
The differences between each test included changes in the operating conditions to optimize the cycle time (the amount of time the sorbent was exposed to the brine), flow rate ratio and the duration of each cycle.
While the conditions of Test 1 resulted in the best product quality (higher lithium concentration and lower impurities), Test 2 was able to achieve the highest flow rate ratio and optimized cycle duration. While the product quality of Test 2 was lower, it is still significantly greater than the KPI success criteria and a preferable trade-off from a commercial design perspective, outlined below. The average main impurities in the Test 2 product stream include: Na: 76.5 mg/L, K: 11.2 mg/L, Ca: 59.2 mg/L, Mg: 10.1 mg/L, Mn:0.2 mg/L mg/L, Sr: 1.5 mg/L and B 68.8mg/L.
Given the results of the three tests,
Results Discussion
The details below provide context on the results and how they impact the overall design of
Lithium Recovery: The mass of lithium recovered from raw brine was calculated based on the lithium concentration measured in the brine before and after the lithium was extracted using the DLE system. The average lithium recovery over the duration of each test is reported above.
Concentration of lithium relative to other impurities: The average lithium grade is reported as the concentration of lithium relative to the total concentration of the impurities. Samples were pulled every four hours throughout the duration of each test.
Concentration of lithium in the lithium product stream: The concentration of lithium in the product stream is reported as an average. Samples were pulled every four hours throughout the duration of each test.
Flow Rate Ratio: The flow rate ratio is calculated from the brine flow rate relative to the volume of sorbent used. A higher number represents more brine flowing across the same amount of sorbent.
The main KPI that is impacted by increasing the flow rate ratio is lithium recovery. The goal of the initial three tests was to maximize the flow rate ratio while maintaining lithium recovery and the purity of the product stream. Various parameters in each of the three tests were modified to increase the flow rate ratio while aiming to ensure recovery was maintained, along with achieving high levels of purity and high lithium concentration.
Flow rate ratio is the focus for the testing due to its ability to directly impact the relative capital and operating costs of the brine treatment system. The quality of the product stream, quantified by lithium concentration and purity, has a direct impact on the relative size and complexity of the post DLE lithium refining process. Put simply, the more concentrated the lithium, combined with a lower concentration of impurities, the less energy is required to produce a battery grade product. The flow rate ratio has a larger impact on costs relative to the minor increase in impurities across the tests outlined above and is the determining factor for choosing Test 2 for our continued operations.
All results achieved from pilot testing have exceeded
'These results have exceeded our expectations and are extremely encouraging,' said
Next Steps
As
Upon completion of the longer operating period currently underway,
About
The Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Clearwater Lithium Project NI 43-101 technical report is amended
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward looking statements are frequently identified by such words as 'may', 'will', 'plan', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'estimate', 'intend' and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the effectiveness and feasibility of emerging lithium extraction technologies which have not yet been tested or proven on a commercial scale or on the Company's brine, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.
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