Atlantic Lithium Limited (AIM:ALL, OTCQX:ALLIF, ASX:A11) is to undertake a definitive feasibility study to assess whether feldspar feedstock can be produced commercially as a by-product of its Ewoyaa lithium project in Ghana.
Ghana’s University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa will undertake the study using spodumene concentrate from Ewoyaa.
UMaT will assess the prospective market conditions and commercial, technical and financial viability of the production of feldspar, quartz (silica) and muscovite as by-products of lithium production at Ewoyaa.
Feldspar, used in ceramics and glass making to add lustre, will be the main focus, Atlantic Lithium said.
Atlantic Lithium added that the DFS for Ewoyaa published in June contained nothing for feldspar and that a reserve estimate leading to a by-product credit in the financial model would reduce operating costs and cut site waste.
Keith Muller, Atlantic Lithium’s chief executive, commented: "We believe that the Ewoyaa lithium project represents a major potential source of feldspar and has the potential to generate significant value to Ghana, in addition to the project's lithium production."
"We hope to help invigorate Ghana's ceramics market through the long-term supply of feldspar from Ewoyaa, stimulating the creation of new jobs and the development of associated businesses in the industry in the process."