Argosy Minerals (ASX:AGY) is progressing feasibility and engineering works for the 12,000 tonnes per annum Rincon Lithium Project in Argentina’s Salta Province.
The company has engaged international technology and engineering service providers to validate the process flowsheet for the Stage 1a development. The Stage 1a development focuses on producing solid lithium chloride product on site.
The strategy is designed to reduce upfront capital intensity, simplify processing, and lower operational risk.
Testwork programs are nearing completion across each critical unit operation.
Solvent extraction demonstration trials using the company’s concentrated lithium brine achieved a lithium chloride purity of 99% and a maximum lithium yield of 94.4%.
The results confirm the technology’s technical feasibility and potential for industrial scaling.
Evaporation testwork in Europe confirmed the technology is well-suited to the Rincon brine. Meanwhile, crystallisation testwork is ongoing, with results expected in coming weeks.
Managing Director Jerko Zuvela says the project is making ‘strong progress’ toward a successful Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).
“Our project has a major location advantage, with access to significant infrastructure including grid power, industrial water, and transport, providing a major capex benefit,” Zuvela says.
Argosy has executed an agreement with Salta Electricity Distribution Company (EDESA) for energy infrastructure capable of delivering up to 40MW to the site.
A medium voltage line will provide a 33kV connection from the 500kV Argentina National Grid via an 8.6km transmission line.
The work is being conducted in alignment with the neighbouring Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) Rincon Project through the same EDESA infrastructure program.
AGY is also developing a brine production wellfield design and has drilled a production well for industrial water supply as part of the DFS works.
Argosy Minerals is an Australian company advancing a 100%-owned lithium project in Nevada, US, the Tonopah Lithium Project, alongside its flagship Rincon Lithium Project in Argentina.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Mining.com.au
