Power Minerals (ASX:PNN) reports test results from the direct lithium extraction (DLE) pilot plant at the Incahuasi Project in Argentina achieved 96% lithium recoveries.
Conclusion of steady-state DLE pilot test work will provide data for planning of proposed future lithium chemical production, including process flowsheet development; mass balances on inputs (reagent chemicals, power, water) and outputs (waste streams); and engineering equipment design parameters.
As part of the joint venture (JV) agreement between Power and privately held Summit Nanotech, the DLE tests were undertaken at Summit’s pilot plant facility in Chile.
Tests were conducted on bulk lithium brine samples taken from Power Minerals’ recent exploration program at Incahuasi.
Power Minerals, which has a market capitalisation of $12 million, also reports 91% lithium yield was achieved to eluate from 50 cycle runs.
“Our JV with Summit continues to deliver positive DLE test results and impress with its commercial drivers and ESG focus, especially on minimising water use,” Managing Director Mena Habib says.
The company adds that pilot testing is ongoing including performance testing and process optimisation.
Upon completing this work, a PFS evaluation for the DLE pilot plant lithium chemical production will be conducted onsite at the Incahuasi project.
Power Minerals is a lithium-focused explorer and developer with assets in Argentina and Australia.
As of 31 December 2023, the company had about $1.992 million in cash and cash equivalents at hand, according to its latest half yearly financial report.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Power Minerals
