Lithium Energy has engaged Hatch, a global multidisciplinary project management and engineering consultancy, to undertake a study for the production of lithium carbonate in Argentina.
The scoping study will include an engineering study to determine the optimal processing methodology for Solaroz lithium brines and as part of this work, Hatch will undertake a trade-off study to develop alternative flowsheet configurations.
This will comprise a conventional brine evaporation pond process design, as implemented by Solaroz neighbours including Allkem (ASX:AKE), the owners of the Olaroz Lithium Facility, and NYSE-listed Lithium Americas Corporation of the Cauchari-Olaroz Project.
Lithium Energy (ASX:LEL) says direct lithium extraction (DLE) will also be considered, which consists of several chemical process to replace the need of large evaporation ponds.
Positioning to fast-track development
“We are excited to begin this study so that we can be well positioned to fast-track development of Solaroz once we have selected a preferred development pathway,” LEL executive chairman Willian Johnson says.
In parallel, ongoing resource definition drilling and evaluations are currently being undertaken with the results of the Scoping Study scheduled to coincide with the definition of the Lithium Energy’s maiden mineral resource at Solaroz later in the year.
The company has already made significant progress towards the definition of a maiden JORC mineral resource and is undertaking an initial 10 hole, 5,000m drilling program.
Results to date have been highly encouraging with reported lithium grades, brine volumes, MG/Li ratios, total porosities and specific yields all being positive indicators for the potential economic future brine extraction at Solaroz.
This article was developed in collaboration with Lithium Energy, 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.