Atlantic Lithium Limited (AIM: ALL) (ASX: A11) (OTCQX: ALLIF) announced a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for feldspar at its flagship Ewoyaa Lithium Project in Ghana, West Africa. The announcement confirms the company’s significant strides in advancing Ghana’s mining sector.
The company reported a substantial 15.7 million tonnes (Mt) of feldspar with a remarkable grade of 40.2 per cent in the newly declared Feldspar MRE. Around 87 per cent of this resource falls under the measured and indicated categories, showcasing the robustness and reliability of the estimate.
Feldspar is an abundant rock-forming mineral typically occurring as colourless or pale-coloured crystals. It consists of aluminosilicates of potassium, sodium, and calcium. The mineral has uses in glass, ceramics, paints, plastics as well as building materials.
The Feldspar MRE is specifically concentrated in the Ewoyaa Main, Ewoyaa Northeast, Ewoyaa South-1, and South-2 deposits. It comprises approximately the first five years of planned spodumene concentrate production at the Ewoyaa Project. This was detailed in the Ewoyaa Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) announced on June 29.
This significant development is based on the same geological model that resulted in the 35.3Mt at 1.25 per cent lithium oxide MRE for the Project, previously announced on February 1, 2023. The Feldspar MRE includes other potential by-products such as 31.1 per cent quartz and 11.7 per cent muscovite.
By-product credits enhance value
The incorporation of feldspar by-product credits in future feasibility studies should drive down operating costs and enhance the overall value of the Ewoyaa Project. Feldspar, widely used in the ceramics industry, could position Ewoyaa as a major domestic feldspar producer in Ghana.
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The Feldspar MRE includes a total of 3.5Mt at 39.7% feldspar in the Measured category, 10.2Mt at 40.5% feldspar in the Indicated category and 2Mt at 40.1% feldspar in the Inferred category.
Feldspar is widely used in the ceramics industry; the Company believes Ewoyaa could… pic.twitter.com/dD76YfF7Tn
— Atlantic Lithium (@AtlanticLithium) December 14, 2023
“The definition of the maiden Feldspar MRE now confirms the Project’s potential as a major source of domestic feldspar in Ghana” Atlantic Lithium executive chairman Neil Herbert said. Consequently, the project is capable of delivering industry-standard saleable ware, he added.
He highlighted the economic benefits of including feldspar in future project revisions. Herbert emphasized the potential to surpass Ghana’s demand requirements and contribute significantly to the country’s ceramics market.
Metallurgical test work and ceramic application trials have already been conducted, demonstrating the production of acceptable, industry-standard ware. The success of these trials, coupled with the ongoing drilling activities, is expected to contribute to further growth in the Feldspar MRE.
The maiden Feldspar MRE will be incorporated into the ongoing Feldspar Definitive Feasibility Study. Results should be reported in the first quarter of 2024. Herbert expressed enthusiasm about the potential for further growth, both in the resource estimate and the overall economic viability of the Ewoyaa Project.
Atlantic Lithium is poised to break ground at Ewoyaa after achieving these significant milestones. The company’s focus is now on contributing to Ghana’s mining industry and capitalizing on the economic potential of lithium and feldspar production. The anticipated results of the Feldspar Study and a revised Feldspar resource estimate later in 2024 mark major milestones in the company’s ambitious agenda for the coming year.
