In the heart of Chile lies a pioneering project that has achieved remarkable success in producing battery-grade lithium, setting the stage for a sustainable clean energy transition. CleanTech Lithium, a leader in the exploration and development of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) projects in Chile, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the first stage of production at its DLE pilot plant in Copiapó.
Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights and achievements from this groundbreaking endeavor:
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Initial Volume and Impurity Rejection
- Produced 88m3 of concentrated eluate, equivalent to approximately one tonne of lithium carbonate
- Demonstrated a lithium recovery rate of around 95% from the brine
- Achieved a total recovery rate of approximately 88%
- High impurity rejection rates ensured a low impurity eluate suitable for downstream conversion processes
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Shipment Status and Quality
- Shipped concentrated eluate in four batches to Conductive Energy in Chicago, USA
- Tested eluate samples for conversion into battery-grade lithium carbonate, with remarkable purity of 99.75%
- Successful test results confirmed the efficiency and repeatability of the process
- Future Prospects and Development
- Conducted test-work on a 200L eluate sample to optimize the downstream processing
- Pilot production at Laguna Verde project will provide large test samples for potential offtake partners
- Reserve report for Laguna Verde project, guided by Montgomery and Associates, scheduled for completion in October 2024
Steve Kesler, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO of CleanTech Lithium PLC, expressed his satisfaction with the results, emphasizing the capability to produce high-quality lithium with minimal impurities. Collaboration with partners on the downstream process has paved the way for the entire DLE process from brine to final lithium product.
As the project moves forward, with plans to commence testing with strategic partners and adherence to Chilean government regulations, the vision of creating efficient and sustainable lithium production is steadily becoming a reality.
With a focus on renewable energy and cutting-edge technology, CleanTech Lithium is setting the standard for green lithium production in Chile, marking a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
For more information and updates on CleanTech Lithium’s pioneering initiatives, visit www.ctlithium.com.
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