LU7 is targeting big production with its Bécancour lithium refinery plans. Pic via Getty Images
Lithium Universe means big business with aim to establish Canadian refinery
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- Lithium Universe has ramped up its plans to build its Bécancour lithium refinery project in Canada
- A definitive feasibility study is progressing the project beyond design stage
- Crucial insights have been gained from the huge Jiangsu processing plant in China
Special Report: Lithium explorer and developer Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) is making strong progress on its plans to build its Bécancour lithium refinery project in Canada, leveraging insights from a massive, successful Chinese processing plant.
Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) says it is not in Canada to “explore for the sake of exploration”.
The company seeks to establish itself as a prominent lithium project builder, and its developing Bécancour lithium refinery project in Canada is a huge part of that.
The proposed 16,000tpa battery-grade lithium carbonate refinery is planned to be a key part in the development of LU7’s Québec Lithium Processing Hub (QLPH) at Bécancour, which will also operate an independent 1Mtpa concentrator.
To be located at the Bécancour Waterfront Industrial Park, the plan for the hub is to capture feedstock from the nearby burgeoning James Bay Tier 1 lithium district, endowed with >500Mt of economic lithium resources to date.
Important DFS milestones hit
Lithium Universe is reporting solid progress today on the definitive feasibility study (DFS) works for the Bécancour lithium refinery.
Among the milestones recently achieved are the completion of a preliminary 3D model and plot plan layout, which offers a comprehensive visual and spatial understanding of the refinery’s design.
Crucial process flow sheets and stream tables have now been finalised – important for managing material and energy flow through the refinery, detailing the processing steps and the interconnections between various units within the plant.
Using Chinese giant as a procurement model
Additionally, Lithium Universe is taking strategic inspiration from the Jiangsu lithium carbonate plant in China. The Lithium Universe board recently visited China to take note.
The Jiangsu plant is among the world’s top five lithium carbonate producers.
Up to 70% of Jiangsu’s parts were sourced from Chinese manufacturers, with the rest procured globally.
Hatch on board to fast track project
Regarding the refinery process and the company/team engaged to take on the project, LU7 chairman Iggy Tan said:
“The Hatch team engaged for this project is dynamic, practical and experienced, fully understanding our strategy to fast-track the DFS process by leveraging the insights and proven technology from the Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate reference plant.
“Hatch can easily apply their knowledge on this project as the original designer and builder of the reference project as well as any other lithium plants in their impressive portfolio of projects. We are delighted with the progress of the engineering work”.
This article was developed in collaboration with Lithium Universe, 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.
