Infinity Lithium Corporation Ltd (ASX:INF) is poised to revolutionise lithium extraction at its San José Lithium Project in Spain with material improvements in test work evaluating alternative recoveries and production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide.
The company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Infinity GreenTech Pty Ltd has finalised the first stage of a locked cycle test work using the application of its patent-protected Li-Stream RPKTM process.
This work has confirmed 90% lithium recoveries from ROM-to-Product and the production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide.
Making a sustainable leap
The company's Technical Advisory Committee conducted a comprehensive evaluation of various alternative extraction technologies and reagents for lithium-bearing hard rock ores.
The goal was to identify processes that not only improve technical performance but also reduce operating costs, process complexity, energy consumption and environmental impact.
Among the alternatives considered, Li-Stream RPKTM emerged as a frontrunner.
Its process, developed and optimised for producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide at San José, offered substantial improvements in various key areas.
Streamlined process
Li-Stream RPKTM, tailored to San José's mineralogy, achieved "exceptional" results, with in excess of 90% recoveries from run-of-mine (ROM) material to lithium products.
It eliminates several unit operations such as beneficiation, calcining and roasting, significantly simplifying the ROM-to-Product flowsheet.
Moreover, the process co-generates energy that can be used for leaching, evaporation and crystallisation, contributing to energy security and sustainability.
“The process advancements will significantly improve the project in response to the demands we have been gathering from the people of Cáceres and the authorities, making it more efficient and sustainable," INF’s Spanish subsidiary Extremadura New Energies chief executive officer Ramón Jiménez said.
Partnering for progress
Infinity Lithium has enlisted a team of industry experts, including chief process engineer Dr David Maree and advisory group Chemprocess Pty Ltd to advance process design and testing.
Leading consultancy firm Lithium Consultants Australia (LCA), a specialist in the extraction and chemical conversion of lithium, has played a crucial role in test work design, flowsheet development and process modelling.
Additionally, the company has conducted a series of open-circuit test work and locked cycle test (LCT) programs at Simulus Laboratories in Western Australia, under the supervision of qualified metallurgists and engineers, and with the guidance of the Technical Advisory Committee.
Game-changing application
Infinity chief executive officer and managing director Ryan Parkin added: “The advancement of novel applications for hard rock lithium conversion to battery-grade lithium chemicals is progressing globally in response to ESG, economic and demand factors.
“The extraordinary results achieved can significantly improve San José and lead European production into a new era for lithium mica applications.”
Next steps
Further series of LCTs are planned in collaboration with Simulus in the coming weeks, with results to be assessed before the submission of the San José Exploitation Concession Application in the fourth quarter.
Notably, the environmentally-friendly Li-Stream RPKTM process aligns with the preliminary conditions set forth in the Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Document response received from the Regional Government Administration, which will enhance the project's environmental profile.
To gauge the economic viability of Li-Stream RPKTM at San José, Infinity Lithium has enlisted Wave International to conduct a Level 4 Feasibility Study, with results expected next month.
The company is also engaging with international technology providers for key unit processes and considering the development of pilot and laboratory facilities in Cáceres for further technical advancements.