Eye on Lithium: Could greater energy density in lithium sulphur solid state batteries be a sign the tech has legs?

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• Li-S Energy achieves 45% increase in volumetric energy density
• Askari executes binding agreement to acquire remaining 10% interest in EPL 7345, part of the Uis lithium project
• European Lithium seeks shareholder value boost through $6.9mn shares buyback

All your lithium news, Tuesday April 4.

Lithium sulphur (Li-S) batteries could offer a cheaper, cleaner, and faster charging energy storage solution that outlast lithium-ion alternatives and is rechargeable hundreds of times without failing… if it ever gets to market.

One company at the forefront of battery cells innovation is Li-S Energy (ASX:LIS), which has achieved a 45% increase in volumetric energy density utilising its third generation semi-solid state lithium sulphur tech.

The cells have been produced in the company’s semi-automated Phase 2 facility in Victoria with test cell production capacity anticipated later in the year when the Phase 3 facility is completed.

Li-S Energy CEO Lee Finniear says the development of these battery cells is another validation of the strength of scientific and technical teams as well as its collaboration with Deakin University and other Australian international institutions.

“This outcome demonstrates the strength of our progress over the last year,” he explains.

“In the coming months we look forward to commencing the production of commercial samples for our partners.”

Lithium-sulphur batteries use sulphur for the cathode and lithium for the anode, which could potentially lower costs due to not needing cobalt.

Other advantages include higher potential energy density, lower environmental impact as it doesn’t require rare metals, and stable performance in extreme temperatures.

Here’s how ASX lithium stocks are tracking:

A total of 34 stocks finished in the green, 55 fell flat, and 48 tumbled into the red.

Who’s got news out?

ASKARI METALS (ASX:AS2)

Askari has executed a binding agreement to acquire the remaining 10% interest in EPL 7345 covering an area of around 114 km2, forming part of the Uis lithium project in Namibia.

This enables the company to consolidate its interest in EPL 7345 without any minority shareholders.

Meanwhile, project wide detailed mapping and sampling is continuing with numerous thick outcropping pegmatites identified.

These new drill targets will be tested in future RC drilling campaigns.

EUROPEAN LITHIUM (ASX:EUR)

European Lithium is undertaking an on-market buyback of up to 100mn shares, representing roughly 6.7% of the shares on issue.

Based on EUR’s last closing price, the cash cost would be around $6.9mn.

“The board believes the company’s current share price doesn’t reflect the underlying value of the company’s assets,” EUR CEO Tony Sage says.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to buy-back shares at a significant discount and add value to our remaining shares on issue.”

KAIROS MINERALS (ASX:KAI)

Infill soil sampling across Kairos’ Roe Hills project has confirmed multiple lithium and pathfinder element anomalies with a standout 2.8km long coherent and coincident lithium-caesium-beryllium-rubidium-tin anomaly at the Black Cat prospect.

“These new and deeper soils sample results corroborate the surface soil data and help to refine the anomalies for drilling, with an initial 3,000 planned for Black Cat and the nearby Crystal Palace lithium anomalies,” KAI MD Dr Peter Turner says.

Planning is underway for future RC drill programs at both Black Cat and Crystal Palace prospects which will begin once final heritage approvals have been granted.

MATSA RESOURCES (ASX:MAT)

Excellent lithium recoveries at above 95% have been achieved by Yongxing Special Materials Co on Matsa’s lepidolite samples from western Thailand.

Results of the test work demonstrated both Pink Panther and Rose Panther lepidolite samples can be processed as a DSO product without the need for benefaction.

The lepidolite samples can also be treated using Yongxing’s existing lepidolite processes at their Jiangxi facility.

Discussions regarding potential ongoing arrangements and cooperative exploration and development continue with both Yongxing and other Thai and Chinese parties.

At Stockhead we tell it like it is. While European Lithium and Matsa Resources are Stockhead clients, they did not sponsor this article.

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