Century Lithium Reveals Breakthrough Lithium Carbonate Results from Nevada Pilot Plant
- 03-Sep-2024 9:02 PM
- Journalist: Bob Duffler
Century Lithium Corp. has announced the successful assay results for the first batch of Lithium Carbonate produced at its newly commissioned Pilot Plant in Amargosa Valley, Nevada. This Pilot Plant is a key component of the Company’s 100%-owned Angel Island Project. The assay results for five separate lots of Lithium Carbonate from the initial startup revealed a high purity level of up to 99.2%, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development.
President and CEO Bill Willoughby expressed optimism about the initial results, noting that achieving Lithium Carbonate purity above 99.5% is generally considered battery grade. The results indicate that the company is approaching this standard and has pinpointed additional improvements. Crucially, the successful processing of Lithium Carbonate at the Pilot Plant, rather than sending concentrated lithium solution offsite, demonstrates that the company now has a fully functional, end-to-end processing system.
During the startup phase, the Lithium Carbonate stage processed five 40-liter lots of concentrated lithium solution, involving precipitation with sodium carbonate, and the washing and drying of 4 kilograms of Lithium Carbonate from each lot. With guidance from Hargrove Engineers and Constructors, adjustments were implemented that reduced sodium and other impurities. As a result, the purity of the Lithium Carbonate improved with each test, reaching a high of 99.2%. The primary non-lithium constituents identified were calcium and magnesium.
After treating the five test lots, a review of the Lithium Carbonate stage operation at the Pilot Plant identified an equipment defect likely responsible for the elevated levels of calcium and magnesium in the final product. The Company anticipates that these impurity levels will be mitigated in subsequent tests. Meanwhile, Century Lithium is advancing with design and engineering improvements at the Pilot Plant aimed at optimizing the process and reducing overall capital expenditures.
Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced-stage lithium development company, dedicated to advancing its wholly owned Angel Island Mine located in west-central Nevada, USA. The Company has recently completed a comprehensive Feasibility Study, which has paved the way for the next phase of development. Currently, Century Lithium is engaged in the permitting process, aiming to establish itself as a key domestic producer of lithium. This strategic focus is driven by the increasing demand for lithium in the electric vehicle and battery storage sectors, positioning Century Lithium to play a significant role in the burgeoning clean energy and electric mobility markets.