LITHIUM: Quebec Lithium plant on-stream after upgrades

QUEBEC – The Quebec Lithium mineral processing plant 40 km southeast of Amos is again up and running after the recent maintenance and upgrade shutdown, according to owner RB Energy of Vancouver. The goal is to reach commercial rates of technical grade material that commands a 15% price premium over battery grade lithium carbonate.

During the shutdown, the rod mill was relined, the grizzly in the crushing circuit was modified, and the new primary optical ore sorter was tied into the circuit. Commissioning of the ore sorter will be complete over the next two weeks.

The addition of the ore sorter will decrease ore dilution ahead of the flotation circuit. That in turn will boost the concentre grade ahead of the kiln and improve the conversion of alpha spodumene to beta spodumene and the volume of lithium carbonate production.

The kiln also received upgrades during the shutdown. The product handling system was optimized and the control system was automated. The changes are expected to eliminate the issues encountered during commissioning.

Read about the Quebec Lithium project at RB-E.com.