Atlantic Lithium Limited (AIM:ALL, OTCQX:ALLIF, ASX:A11) has revealed a staged project development plan for its Ewoyaa lithium project in Ghana.
The plan focuses on optimised process flowsheet and mine throughput scenarios following the release of an increased mineral resource estimate in February 2023.
The definitive feasibility study (DFS) will be based on a flow sheet that encompasses a crushing and screening process that produces three distinct size fractions, with a maximum size of 10mm, according to Atlantic Lithium.
“Utilising three different size fractions significantly improves cyclone performance as they operate more efficiently within a narrower size range. This optimisation leads to better metal recoveries in the processing plant, which is one of our key focus areas,” Atlantic Lithium chief operating officer Keith Muller said in a statement.
In addition to the DFS, Atlantic Lithium said it will conduct initial studies on the use of Modular DMS units, which it said could potentially shorten the timeline to initial production amidst a “buoyant” lithium pricing environment.
It will also focus on the beneficiation of middlings, allowing it to further enhance the final quantities of SC6 produced, according to Muller.
"Ghana has an existing market for the raw materials required for its ceramics industry; the company intends to evaluate the potential to supply feldspar, another by-product of production, to the Ghanaian market.
“This initiative could make Ewoyaa a significant source of domestically produced feldspar. Our evaluation will ensure the most efficient utilisation of resources and contribute to the growth of both the company and Ghana's ceramics industry," Muller added.
Ewoyaa is a significant lithium spodumene pegmatite discovery that could become Ghana's first lithium-producing mine. Atlantic Lithium has signed a funding agreement with Piedmont Lithium (NASDAQ:PLL) for US$103mln to develop the project.
Ewoyaa has indicated Life of Mine revenues exceeding US$4.8bn, producing a spodumene concentrate via simple gravity-only process flowsheet.
Atlantic Lithium has projects in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.