MINERAL PROCESSING: Pilot plant producers battery-grade lithium carbonate

QUEBEC - Toronto-based Canada Lithium says that pilot plant studies have produced 99.9% Li₂CO₃ using samples from its Quebec lithium project located between Val d'Or and Amos. The pilot plant employed flotation, roasting and hydrometallurgical processing.

The company was pleased with the low levels of impurities, notably chlorine, sodium and magnesium. Samples of the lithium carbonate will be shipped to potential customers for evaluation.

The Quebec lithium project is a former producer (1955-65). It hosts a measured and indicated resources of 31.6 million tonnes grading 1.1% Li₂O. The company is proposing to restart production with a 2,950-t/d plant at a cost of US$148 million.

Please visit www.CanadaLithium.com.