Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE, OTCQB:LLKKF) and its direct lithium extraction technology partner Lilac Solutions have achieved a number of critical milestones for Project Kachi, a world-class development poised to lead the industry in the production of high-quality lithium with a minimal environmental footprint.
Lilac has operated the Demonstration Plant continuously for more than 1,000 hours to date, fulfilling the 1,000-hour requirement of the agreement between Lake and Lilac.
Testing milestones met
This has resulted in the production of 40,000 litres of lithium chloride concentrate before December 31, 2022, within specified concentration limits and this has confirmed previous test results.
Lilac has, therefore, met all key testing milestones in accordance with the agreed timeline.
“Significant promise of Project Kachi”
Lake CEO and managing director David Dickson said the achievement of these milestones demonstrated the significant promise of Project Kachi.
“Lilac has proven to be an exceptional partner to work with in our joint pursuit of the efficient and cleaner delivery of high-quality lithium, which is in increasingly high demand by battery makers,” he said.
“We are pleased with our accomplishments to date and are intently focused on the next stages of this project.
"Above all, we are proud of the work we and Lilac have achieved thus far to innovate the production of lithium in a way that is inclusive and respectful of the local communities in which we operate, and protective of the environment.”
The lithium chloride eluate produced by Lilac is being shipped to Saltworks and converted to lithium carbonate, after which it will be independently tested for purity.
About Project Kachi
Project Kachi is centred on the ‘clean and green’ lithium product sourced from Lake’s Kachi Lithium Project within Catamarca Province in the Argentine section of South America’s prolific Lithium Triangle.
Lilac Solutions CEO David Snydacker said: “Lilac’s ion exchange technology is revolutionizing lithium extraction and we are very excited to ship these first truckloads of lithium chloride produced on-site at the Kachi Project.
"Increasing the global supply of lithium is critical for our energy transformation, and we are proud of our progress in building an environmentally- and socially responsible lithium supply chain. We look forward to future achievements alongside Lake Resources.”
Product in demand
The clean high purity lithium to be produced using efficient disruptive clean technology is in demand by EV makers and lithium-ion batteries.
Lilac’s ion exchange extraction technology delivers a solution for two rising demands – high-purity battery materials to avoid performance issues, and more sustainable, responsibly sourced materials with low carbon footprint and significant ESG benefits.
Shares higher
Lake Resources shares have been as much as 8.49% higher intraday to A$0.895 while the company’s market cap is approximately A$1.22 billion.