Lithium Australia (LIT) has announced the commencement of Sileach™ pilot plant testing at ANSTO Minerals, a division of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.
According to the company, which recently won a second government grant to help commercialise its Sileach™ lithium processing technology, the first test will consist of a 24 hour commissioning run of the Sileach circuit, after which process solution and residual solids will be examined prior to commencing continuous operations in about two weeks’ time.
The feed material to be used for the first test run is a lithium silicate called trilithionite, which was recovered from the Lepidolite Hill project in Western Australia.
Lithium Australia and Cazaly Resources hold 40% interest in Lepidolite Hill each, with Focus Minerals holding the remaining 20%.
“Pilbara Minerals Limited has supplied spodumene concentrates for further continuous pilot testing,” LIT said in a statement.
“It is anticipated this will commence at ANSTO Minerals after assessment of the tests on trilithionite.”
Data generated Sileach™ pilot plant testing at ANSTO will be used to determine whether the construction of a full-scale commercial Sileach™ processing plant is viable.
Results from the continuous tests on trilithionite are expected in October.
