Perth-based company Lithium Australia (ASX:LIT) reports its wholly owned subsidiary VSPC has completed an engineering study for a pre-qualification pilot plant (PQPP study) to aid in the commercialisation of its lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) manufacturing facility.
The PQPP study was undertaken to satisfy customer offtake requirements by increasing sample volume requirements above VSPC’s current facility capacity and brings the company one step closer to the commercialisation of the LFP facility.
It is reported that Lycopodium Minerals was engaged by the company to provide management, engineering and procurement services for the PQPP study, which also supports the commercialisation of VSPC’s technology, including discussions with potential offtake or joint venture (JV) development partners.
Lithium Australia also notes that a strategic focus of the PQPP study was the completion of equipment design testwork and the selection process of equipment from Western-based vendors.
A strategic focus of the PQPP Study was completion of equipment design test work and selection of process
equipment from Western-based vendors. Outcomes from strategic Western-sourced equipment testing and selection will be leveraged for the commercial facility design and allow VSPC to assess options for government funding.
in conjunction with the completion of the PQPP study, samples of LFP cathode minerals have been tested by new potential partners in South Korea and the US
Meanwhile, in conjunction with the completion of the PQPP study, samples of LFP cathode minerals have been tested by new potential partners in South Korea and the US.
These jurisdictions are reportedly seeking to onshore supply chains in order to reduce Chinese dominance, who currently account for over 99% of the global LFP market, with targeted policy changes to make VSPC’s technology a ‘significant’ (non-Chinese) producer of that product.
Current forecasts indicate that the Chinese market will grow from 400,000 tonnes in 2021 to over 3 million tonnes by 2030.
Lithium Australia is an ASX-listed company that is at the forefront of advanced materials development to ensure an ethical and sustainable future for the global battery industry via its business divisions. The company currently has 2 wholly owned subsidiary companies, Envirostream and VSPC.
Envirostream is one of Australia’s leading companies within the battery recycling industry that is at the cutting edge of delivering safe and innovative management solutions to one of the Australian waste industry’s biggest challenges, battery disposal.
Meanwhile, with over 20 years’ experience, VSPC develops leading-edge materials for e-mobility and energy storage applications and a zero-carbon economy. Its patents cover the production of advanced powders for next generation lithium-ion batteries, especially LFP.
With the PQPP study now complete, Lithium Australia announces that results from samples sent to South Korea and the US have been positive and that VSPC is currently working with these companies, as well as others, to determine potential partnerships to commercialise its LFP production technology.
Images: Lithium Australia Ltd & iStock
