Lithium Energy (ASX:LEL) has appointed consulting firm Hatch to undertake a Scoping Study at its Solaroz Lithium Project in Argentina.
The company says the Scoping Study will include engineering study and analysis to determine the optimal processing methodology for producing battery grade lithium carbonate from lithium rich brines.
Lithium Energy notes Hatch will also undertake a trade-off study to develop alternative flowsheet configurations at the project, including a conventional brine evaporation pond process design, and direct lithium extraction (DLE) options.
Preliminary engineering studies will occur in parallel to ongoing resource definition drilling and evaluations currently being undertaken by Lithium Energy at Solaroz, with results of the Scoping Study scheduled to coincide with the definition of a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at the project.
Addressing the launch of the Scoping Study, Lithium Energy Executive Chairman William Johnson says: “Lithium Energy is pleased to have engaged Hatch to undertake the scoping study at Solaroz.
Hatch is very highly regarded in the resources industry and has substantial experience with design and operational support for lithium production from brines, including multiple lithium brine projects in Argentina.
“As the company advances with its resource definition at Solaroz, we are excited to commence this study so that we can be well positioned to fast-track development of Solaroz…”
As the company advances with its resource definition at Solaroz, we are excited to commence this study so that we can be well positioned to fast-track development of Solaroz once we have selected a preferred development pathway.”
The company also notes it has already made ‘significant’ progress towards the definition of the maiden JORC MRE at Solaroz, with an initial 10-hole, 5,000m drilling program currently ongoing.
Results from drilling returned to date are described as ‘highly encouraging’, with reported lithium grades, brine volumes, MG/Li ratios, total porosities, and specific yields all being positive indicators for the potential economic future brine extraction at the project.
Lithium Energy is an ASX-listed battery minerals company focused on delivering a carbon free world through the exploration and development of both its Solaroz Lithium project in Argentina, and its Burke Graphite Project in Queensland.
The company’s Solaroz project is located within the Salar de Olaroz Basin in South America’s ‘Lithium Triangle’ in northwest Argentina, and is situated directly adjacent to or surrounded by mineral tenements held by Allkem (ASX:AKE) and Lithium Americas (TSX/NYSE:LAC).
Other assets included within the company’s exploration arsenal include the Burke project in Queensland, which represents one of the highest-grade graphite deposits globally with a JORC inferred mineral resource of 6.3Mt @ 16% total graphitic carbon (TGC).
Images: Lithium Energy Ltd & iStock
