Lithium South Development Corporation (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) has recently been pioneering alternative lithium extraction methods at its flagship operation in Argentina’s Salta province. The studies are aimed at enhancing the project’s value.
Through knowledge gained from on-site evaporation and lab tests on lithium brine at Hombre Muerto North, the company was able to produce two lithium products that it hadn’t previously.
The first was a highly-concentrated lithium chloride brine solution containing 6 per cent lithium content by mass. Lithium South says it demonstrated a cumulative lithium recovery rate of 67 per cent after the pre-concentration and concentration evaporation stages.
The second was a bulk lithium carbonate product, which the company says can potentially be purified into a battery-grade commodity. Lithium South achieved a purity level of about 99.5 per cent: close to the ideal battery grade of 99.9 per cent.
“Exploring these innovative production methods allows us to future-proof our project and potentially tap into more lucrative markets,” Lithium South Founder Adrian Hobkirk said. He says he is thrilled with the results. They affirm the company’s ability to efficiently produce lithium compounds with a high level of purity.
Read more: Lithium South completes pumping test in Alba Sabrina Tenement
Read more: Lithium South installs first production well at largest claim block, prepares for testing
Production well installed at Alba Sabrina
The lithium resource developer recently installed a production well at Hombre Muerto North’s largest claim block: a significant accomplishment.
Subsequently, Lithium South is preparing to complete long-term pumping tests. Initial assessments indicate that the well will be major contributor to production at the site. Brine has been observed surging from the well hole, which is a desired occurrence.
The Hombre Muerto North project is valued at over C$1.25 billion. It is being developed in part by South Korea’s major chemicals producer Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO) (KRX: 005490).
Based on a recent assessment, the operation is expected to have a 31.6 per cent internal rate of return.
Lithium South Development Corporation is a sponsor of Mugglehead news coverage
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