Tests show Arizona Lithium’s Big Sandy can power EV batteries

Arizona Lithium has confirmed the production of a 99.8% battery grade lithium carbonate from clays at its Big Sandy lithium project in Arizona, the latest proof of its potential to become a significant supplier of the battery material to the North American market.

Bench-scale research by contractor Hazen has validated Arizona Lithium’s (ASX:AZL) initial Big Sandy design and flowsheet ahead of a landmark scoping study due for release next month.

Hazen’s research showed a size-based concentration of 71% of the Big Sandy resource’s lithium content processing into a concentrate of 36% of the processed ore, with leaching extracting 88% of the lithium from the concentrate.

Pleasingly sulfuric acid consumption dropped markedly from 490k/mt to under 180kg/mt.

Lithium research to continue at pace

The high quality lithium carbonate process will form the basis for work at a new Lithium Research Centre in Phoenix following the completion of the final ore beneficiation, concentrate leaching and hydrometallurgy report.

The research centre will focus on the development and demonstration of new lithium extraction and processing technology in addition to providing a full array of laboratory services, with engineering and procurement on going and construction due to begin in the September quarter.

“We are very pleased to have completed the Hazen Research bench-scale testwork, which has validated the initial Big Sandy design basis and flow sheet, representing an instrumental step as we continue to advance towards lithium production at Big Sandy,” Arizona Lithium managing director Paul Lloyd says.

“Importantly, the testwork has confirmed production of at least 99.8% battery grade lithium, as we seek to supply the rapidly growing EV market in North America, which continues to be driven by the shift towards decarbonised transport.

“Over the coming periods, we will continue to refine the design of the Big Sandy Project at our new Lithium Research Center located in Phoenix, Arizona. This Centre will play an important role as we continue to fast track the development of the Big Sandy Lithium Project.”

This article was developed in collaboration with Arizona Lithium, 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.