Global Lithium Resources (ASX:GL1) has reported ‘excellent’ recovery and spodumene concentrate (SC) grades from metallurgical testwork on samples from its Manna Lithium Project near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
It comes as the company progresses its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) work for the project. So far, Global Lithium has completed 31 flotation tests, producing a SC product of between 5.6% and 6.5% lithium oxide (Li2O) and 0.4% and 0.8% iron oxide (Fe2O3).
Meanwhile, the $347 million market capitalisation company remains in talks over financing, port access, and native title agreements for the Manna project.
Global Lithium says its Manna metallurgical initial testwork indicates overall lithia recovery of greater than 70% for spodumene composite ore samples from the project, with spodumene ‘rougher’ flotation recovery topping greater than 95% at 5.5% Li2O or better.
Further, the company has identified scope to improve both the grade and recovery from the project, with optimisation testwork currently underway.
This optimisation work will focus on improving the lithia recovery by increasing the grind size and relaxing operating conditions across the magnetic separation and mica flotation stages.
Global Lithium will also complete vendor performance testwork to finalise the necessary equipment specifications for a full-scale process plant and experiment with ore variability testing on its optimised flowsheet.
Global Lithium Managing Director Ron Mitchell says the testwork results so far confirm the ability to produce ‘saleable’ spodumene with ‘high lithia recoveries and low impurities’ from Manna.
“The team is now focused on a DFS optimisation testwork program, which is currently underway at Nagrom.
Introduction of ore sorting into the Manna flowsheet will enhance the project due to the expected uplift in lithium head grade, while significantly reducing the iron content in the mill feed. Vendor testwork is also progressing well to allow detailed design and process guarantees to be sought from the equipment suppliers.”
“Introduction of ore sorting into the Manna flowsheet will enhance the project due to the expected uplift in lithium head grade…”
As announced in October, the company reports that having received unsolicited interest from potential financiers and offtake partners, it has now engaged Azure Capital to help with structuring and securing potential offtake deals and partnerships.
Azure will work with Global Lithium to implement funding solutions that could lead to a positive investment decision for the Manna Project.
Alongside Manna, Global Lithium owns the Marble Bar Lithium Project southeast of Port Hedland in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
The company had $53.36 million cash and cash equivalents at hand as of 30 September 2023, according to its latest quarterly report.
Write to Joshua Smith at Mining.com.au
Images: Global Lithium Resources
