Mandrake Resources (ASX:MAN) says US-based direct lithium extraction (DLE) provider Electroflow Technologies has achieved lithium recoveries of 92% at the Utah Lithium Project.
DLE is a development in the realm of renewable energy, offering an alternative approach to meet the demand for lithium, which is essential for battery production in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Mandrake, which has a market capitalisation of $20.96 million, says Electroflow’s results also confirm separately reported production of 99.9% pure battery grade hydroxide by DLE company ElectraLith.
Mandrake says the production of lithium hydroxide direct from brine revolutionises DLE by skipping the conventional interim step of producing lithium carbonate using costly, carbon-intensive converters.
Managing Director James Allchurch says Electroflow and ElectraLith were selected to process Mandrake’s brines based on their ability to convert brine directly to battery-grade lithium hydroxide without using any significant water or chemicals.
“Both companies have produced compelling initial test results both in recovery and lithium hydroxide purity, with both DLE providers requesting Mandrake supply brine to independent pilot programs designed to scale up lithium hydroxide production and further build out their respective technologies,” he says.
Following a site visit in late April 2024, Electroflow is planning to construct a pilot plant for the Utah Project.
Further, a maiden mineral resource for the Utah Project is on target for delivery early in the third quarter of 2024.
The Utah Project covers 379km2 in the Paradox Basin in south-east Utah, and hosts an exploration target of 1.7 million to 5.6 million tonnes of contained lithium carbonate equivalent.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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