Lithium Australia Ltd (ASX:LIT, OTC:LMMFF) has wrapped up the initial stage of its LieNA® piloting at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) as part of a joint development agreement (JDA) with Mineral Resources Ltd (MinRes).
The initial stage involved producing an intermediate product from spodumene concentrate supplied by MinRes through multiple caustic conversion campaigns.
Key input for final product
This intermediate product is a key component in producing refined lithium phosphate for the final phase of the LieNA® pilot.
The final phase is expected to start at the end of this month, with the piloting and study activities all on track for completion by the end of the year.
Lithium Australia confirmed the successful operation of the caustic conversion portion of the LieNA® pilot plant at ANSTO, with four campaigns completed over 18 days of continuous operation.
Subject to the outcomes of the piloting at ANSTO and the subsequent engineering study, the two companies will form a 50:50 joint venture (JV) to commercialise the LieNA® technology through a licensing model.
The JV will wholly own the technology and intends to license it to third parties, targeting a headline gross product royalty rate of 8%.
Worldwide spodumene mines
The first licence is expected to be for the demonstration plant, with subsequent licences anticipated for greenfield and brownfield spodumene mines worldwide.
Lithium Australia aims to lead the global transition to sustainable lithium production, operating Australia’s market-leading battery recycler and producing critical battery materials, including lithium ferro phosphate (LFP).
The company’s patented LieNA® lithium extraction technology positions it well to benefit from the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries and to diversify global supply chains.
Lithium Australia CEO and managing director Simon Linge said: “This milestone leads us into the final phase of piloting, which is to produce high-quality lithium phosphate.
Commitment to commercialisation
“The rapid progress of piloting highlights Lithium Australia and MinRes’ mutual commitment to the successful commercialisation of the LieNA® technology.
“We look forward to announcing further updates on piloting operations and the demonstration plant engineering study in the coming weeks and months, with each milestone completed marking the progress made towards the formation of a JV between Lithium Australia and MinRes.
“The licensing of LieNA® remains an exciting opportunity for the company and we will continue to progress JDA activities towards completion during 2024.”