Lithium Energy Ltd (ASX:LEL) has highlighted the positive outcomes from metallurgical tests for the Burke Graphite Project in Queensland, marking a significant step towards the initiation of a pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the project.
Results confirm the feasibility of upgrading Burke graphite to battery-grade material, with graphite concentrate grades exceeding 96% Total Graphitic Carbon (TGC) using standard flotation processes, as determined by BGRIMM (Beijing General Institute of Mining and Metallurgy).
In addition, the comprehensive test-work program conducted by BGRIMM also demonstrated graphite recoveries of more than 85% through closed-loop testing.
Building on these encouraging metallurgical results and the presence of the high-grade Burke Deposit, which holds 9.1 million tonnes at 14.4% TGC, Lithium Energy will now proceed with the PFS to establish a battery anode material production facility.
Massive demand for battery metals
LEL executive chairman William Johnson said: “We are very pleased to have secured the engineering services of Wave International and the Measured Group to undertake our Burke Graphite PFS.
“We are confident that this PFS will demonstrate that Burke can deliver a successful, vertically integrated and environmentally sustainable business manufacturing high-value battery anode material right here in Australia.
“Decarbonisation and the EV revolution are driving the demand for natural graphite as a key battery anode material.
“The Burke Graphite Project is very well positioned to take advantage of this expected massive growth in demand for battery anode material, given the exceptionally high grade of the Burke Deposit, its metallurgical characteristics and its favourable location in North-West Queensland.
“We are excited to be taking this next step in the advancement of Burke and to be playing an important role in supporting the decarbonisation of the world.”
PFS on the cards
To conduct the PFS, Wave International (Wave) and the Measured Group have been appointed as the primary entities.
Their focus will be on developing a vertically integrated Purified Spherical Graphite (PSG) manufacturing facility in Queensland, utilising Burke Graphite as the main feedstock.
Wave International, a renowned engineering consulting service provider, brings extensive expertise in graphite concentration and battery anode material plant design to this crucial project.
In collaboration with Wave, the Measured Group will handle the mine and pit design aspects of the PFS, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of operational outcomes, commercial parameters, and project requirements.
The forthcoming PFS will build upon the positive outcomes achieved thus far through the extensive metallurgical test-work program conducted by BGRIMM.
Additionally, key design criteria metrics have been developed to support the planned PFS, which will serve as a framework for the subsequent phases of the project.