Anson has identified a significant opportunity to reduce emissions and operating costs at its Paradox lithium project after receiving positive results from a hydro power energy recovery study.

The study found that up to 7 megawatts of green energy might be generated during brine extraction and transportation to the lithium extraction plant through the addition of small-scale hydro energy plants.

Up to 4MW could be generated from each brine recovery well at surface where pressure is expected to be more than 1,700psi while a further 3MW could be generated at the extraction plant when the brine falls 330m vertically from the wells.

Previous studies had measured the pressure of the brine at depth at about 4,500psi, enough to lift the brine to surface without pumping, which would have already allowed Anson Resources (ASX:ASN) to reduce costs that would otherwise be associated with pumping brines to surface.

That the produced brines still have sufficient pressure to generate power is just the cherry on top for the company in terms of reduced carbon emissions, improved ESG credentials and lower operating costs.

Executive chairman Bruce Richardson noted that the ability to use pressure at the well-head to generate electricity as well as generating hydro power from the vertical fall were further examples of how the company is seeking to achieve its low carbon intensity targets.

“Anson is committed to building a lithium extraction process that will meet the standards for emissions that will be set in 20 years, not those set 20 years ago,” he added.

“The potential to utilise hydropower provides not only the ability to assist us in reaching this goal but also provides the company with a cost advantage compared to its competitors.”

All adding up

The hydro power study follows the company proving that the resin used by direct lithium extraction partner Sunresin is able to selectively adsorb lithium over other elements such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium from the supersaturated Mississippian brines sourced from the Long Canyon Unit 2 and Cane Creek 32-1 wells.

This is similar to the result of test work on brines sourced from Clastic 31, which simplifies the company’s development plans and provides a measure of validation to its Definitive Feasibility Study.

Desorption tests conducted on each lithium “loaded” resin column also demonstrated the ability of the resin to readily release the adsorbed lithium.

 

 

 

This article was developed in collaboration with Anson Resources, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

 

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

Read MoreLithiumLithium NewsLithium Stocks

Featured Companies

You might be interested in