Argosy Minerals (ASX:AGY) has reported positive pilot plant testwork results for its 12,000 tonne-per-annum (tpa) Rincon Lithium Project in Argentina.
The company completed two phases of testworks that achieved 99% lithium chloride purity and a 94.4% maximum lithium recovery. The testworks used Argosy’s pre-concentrated lithium brine to successfully produce ‘high-purity’ lithium chloride concentrate using designated process technology.
The results confirm technical feasibility and clear potential for industrial scaling, supporting the company’s two-stage development pathway for the 12,000tpa project.
Stage 1a involves producing the solid crystallised lithium chloride product at the Rincon site, while Stage 1b includes processing into battery-quality lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide product.
The company says this provides a ‘versatile, high-quality product’ that can be directed to various downstream refining options and offtake structures with strategic partners.
Managing Director Jerko Zuvela says the results provide a “strong platform” for continued progress of key engineering and feasibility works toward completing the Definitive Feasibility Study.
“These encouraging test works and results are another significant milestone for completing all necessary works towards the full development of our Rincon Lithium Project,” Zuvela says.
Argosy Minerals holds a 77.5% interest in the Rincon Lithium Project, located in Salta Province, Argentina, within the Lithium Triangle.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Argosy Minerals
