Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX:GL1) has progressed work on a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the Manna Lithium Project in Western Australia, demonstrating strong flotation and lithium recoveries in test-work.
GL1 has selected a whole ore flotation circuit for the Manna Project, having completed 31 flotation tests and producing a spodumene concentrate pf 5.6% to 6.5% lithium and 0.4% to 0.8% iron.
The company achieved spodumene recovery from rougher flotation beneficiation of more than 95% while still maintaining lithium grades of 5.5% or better.
Overall, GL1’s test work has identified a path to improve grade and recovery, with more optimisation test work underway.
DFS expected in first half of 2024
“The Manna definitive feasibility study is progressing well on several fronts,” Global lithium managing director Ron Mitchell said.
“Initial metallurgical test-work results for the Manna Lithium Project are positive with a number of opportunities identified to further improve overall recoveries.
“Furthermore, these results confirm saleable spodumene concentrate can be generated with high lithia (lithium salts) recoveries and low impurities.
“The team is now focused on a DFS optimisation test work program, which is currently underway at Nagrom.
“Introduction of ore sorting into the Manna flowsheet will enhance the project due to the expected uplift in lithium head grade, while significantly reducing the iron content in the mill feed.
“Vendor test work is also progressing well to allow detailed design and process guarantees to be sought from the equipment suppliers. The DFS is expected to be completed in H1 CY24.”
Global Lithium believes the inclusion of ore sorting technology to Manna’s flow sheet could potentially boost spodumene concentrate nameplate capacity by 20%.
Logistical and Native Title negotiations
“The company looks forward to the ongoing work with our service providers and Southern Ports to finalise a logistics solution for exporting spodumene concentrate from Western Australia,” Mitchell continued.
“The company is also well advanced with its Native Title negotiations and anticipates the Mining Lease will be granted in Q1 CY24.
“Similarly, environmental baseline studies have now been completed and the project has been designed to minimise its impact on the surrounding environment.”
From here, GL1 intends to:
- Improve lithia recovery by increasing grind size and relaxing operating conditions across the magnetic separation and mica flotation stages;
- Optimise flotation reagent schemes and flotation circuit configuration to improve repeatability and efficiency of the mica flotation circuit;
- Complete vendor performance test work to finalise equipment specifications for full-scale process plant; and
- Complete ore variability testing on the optimised flowsheet.