Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) is set to play a crucial role in powering the electric vehicle revolution after producing its first battery-grade lithium carbonate from brines at its Paradox Lithium Project in Utah, USA.
The company produced the lithium carbonate by using the flowsheet designed by its direct lithium extraction (DLE) partner Sunresin New Materials Co. Ltd for the project’s lithium-rich brines.
With the product samples at hand, Anson will now be able to advance discussions with potential off-take partners.
Lithium carbonate produced at the Lithium Innovation Centre.
Production ramp-up
The lithium carbonate samples were created at the company’s Lithium Innovation Centre in Florida, USA, using equipment that replicates the DLE process planned for the proposed production plant at the project site.
Over the past month, Anson has produced 33 gallons of eluate from 99 gallons of raw brine sourced from Paradox’s Long Canyon Unit 2 well.
The company plans to ramp up production in the coming month and thereafter, relocate the sample demonstration plant to the proposed production site at the project.
This will ensure a continuous production of samples to meet expected demand from potential original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners, including electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery manufacturers.
The DLE, the first step in the lithium carbonate production process, has been rigorously tested and validated at an independent laboratory in Salt Lake City.
The benchtop DLE setup in the independent laboratory in Salt Lake City.