Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) says "excellent progress" is being made in an engineering study, conducted by Hatch Ltd, for the Québec Lithium Processing Hub (QLPH).
The multi-purpose, battery-grade lithium carbonate refinery is targeting annual production of 16,000 tonnes of high-grade lithium carbonate.
High-grade lithium carbonate
The study, focusing on the QLPH refinery, rated for a feed grade of around 5.5% Li2O, aims to produce lithium carbonate of at least 99.5% to 99.9% grade.
Target (NYSE:TGT) plant availability is set at 84%, with an overall lithium recovery rate goal of 85%.
An innovative aspect of the refinery is the production of anhydrous sodium sulphate as a by-product, typically used in the textile industry, and the sale of alumina-silicate residue from leached spodumene to the cement industry.
The finalised design flow sheet sets out a sophisticated process beginning with the calcination of spodumene concentrate and culminating in the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate.
Key aspects of the process include the conversion of alpha spodumene to leachable beta spodumene, sulphating roasting, leaching and lithium carbonate crystallisation and purification.
Environmental standards
Environmental considerations are paramount for the company, with calcining and sulphating kiln off-gases undergoing treatment to comply with stringent environmental emissions limits.
Hatch's contributions to the study have been pivotal – the firm has provided essential diagrams such as the Block Flow Diagram (BFD) and Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), along with a Mass Balance and Process Design Criteria (PDC).
Hatch has also completed a crucial location study for the refinery.
Based on the location study, Lithium Universe has selected the Bécancour Industrial Park, strategically located between Québec City and Montreal, as the potential site for its 16,000 tonnes per annum refinery.
This choice follows extensive evaluations and discussions with the Société du parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour (SPIPB).
Lithium Universe's venture, in collaboration with Hatch, marks a significant stride in lithium carbonate production, combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility.
The development of the QLPH is poised to make a considerable impact in the lithium processing industry, both in Canada and globally.
Chair Iggy Tan said “The progress of the engineering study for the QLPH Lithium Refinery by Hatch has been excellent, setting the stage for the definitive feasibility study (DFS).
“Considering our listing in early August this year, the pace and quality of work demonstrated by Hatch, guided by the company's lithium dream team, has been pleasing.”
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