EMP Metals (TSX:EMPS) has hosted a delegation of government officials and industry leaders at its Project Aurora lithium demonstration facility in Saskatchewan, Canada.
The company welcomed Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister Chris Beaudry, Cannington MLA Daryl Harrison, institutional investors, and provincial and federal funding agency representatives to tour the facility.
The fully integrated, continuous flow lithium refining plant is located at the Viewfield Project.
The facility processes production brine directly from the production well through pretreatment, direct lithium extraction (DLE), and concentration phases. Spent brine is then returned through a disposal system and injected into the targeted zone.
The plant processes 10m³ per day of raw brine from wellhead to lithium chemicals to validate process performance and generate operational data.
During the tour, attendees observed live process runs and performance data, engaging directly with technical teams from EMP Metals and technology partner Saltworks Technologies.
Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister Chris Beaudry says the advancement of Project Aurora is “another incredible example of Saskatchewan’s growing strength in the critical minerals sector”.
“With support from the Saskatchewan Critical Minerals Innovation Incentive, this project is bringing new technology and economic opportunities to our province,” Beaudry says.
Saltworks Vice President of Lithium Process Solutions Megan Low says Project Aurora demonstrates a ‘distinct’ approach to lithium development through its integrated design built for commercial scale.
“By continuously processing live Saskatchewan brine through our Generation 2 DLE system in partnership with EMP, we’re generating the operating data needed to train digital twins that will enhance full-scale design and cost, reduce technical risk, optimise performance, and accelerate the path to commercial production,” Low says.
EMP chief executive Karl Kottmeier says the company was ‘honoured’ to host the delegation.
“Their support has enabled us to achieve this major step toward establishing domestic production of battery materials, and underscores the growing importance of lithium as a strategic resource and the role Saskatchewan can play in meeting future demand,” Kottmeier says.
“Canada’s energy future depends on innovation, and EMP Metals and Saltworks are demonstrating what that looks like on the ground.
“We are committed not only to advancing lithium extraction efficiently and sustainably, but also to ensuring this project will support local employment, strengthen the regional economy, and create lasting benefits for the communities that have supported resource development for generations.”
Saltworks is using operational data from the demonstration phase to advance the design of a modular commercial refinery capable of producing over 3,000 tonnes per annum of lithium products.
EMP Metals’ initial commercial modules target 1,500–3,000 tonnes of lithium products annually, with expansions planned thereafter.
A joint initiative between EMP and Saltworks, Project Aurora aims to simplify lithium brine refining, reduce costs, and derisk scale-up through a fully integrated system.
EMP Metals is a Canada-based lithium explorer and developer focused on large-scale resources using DLE.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Main image: EMP Metals
