Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) has appointed global engineering group Hatch Ltd to undertake the engineering study for the design of a multi-purpose battery-grade lithium carbonate refinery, part of the company’s Québec Lithium Processing Hub (QLPH) strategy.
The study aims to define the process and non-process infrastructure requirements for a 16,000-tonne-per-annum (tpa) lithium carbonate refinery, as well as estimated capital and operating costs.
The design will include the use of conventional kiln conversion of spodumene, sulphuric acid sulphation and leaching, impurity removal and final purification to battery-grade quality lithium carbonate, similar to the Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate Plant operated by Galaxy Resources Ltd (ASX:GXY) in China.
Hatch, which has more than 70 years of project delivery experience in Quebec, designed and delivered the 17,000-tpa Jiangsu plant.
Aiming to replicate success
LU7 intends to pursue its QLPH strategy in parallel with exploration activities to establish a vertically integrated mine to battery-grade lithium carbonate processing hub in Québec, Canada.
To that end, it has assembled a strong team of lithium experts to assist in the execution of the QLPH strategy, including chairman Iggy Tan and Dr Jingyuan Liu, who both worked with Hatch to bring the Jiangsu Plant to completion and commissioning.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with Hatch once again,” Tan said.
“We have got the same team back together and their role is to replicate the success of their previous experience at the Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate refinery.
“Today, that plant is considered to be a global benchmark for lithium refineries and is renowned for producing the highest-quality battery-grade lithium carbonate worldwide.
“With this remarkable expertise and experience, Lithium Universe considers that it can replicate the same level of success in Québec, Canada.”
Location is key
The team’s first task is to determine the location of the lithium refinery and for that, Hatch has assigned a team of industry experts from its Brisbane, Perth, and Montreal offices to undertake this charge.
The team will report to Liu, who is a recognised lithium expert in the global lithium industry, and to John Loxton, head of LU7’s Lithium Refinery.
LU7 has chosen to focus on lithium carbonate rather than lithium hydroxide for its QLPH strategy due to its widespread use in the fast-growing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
LFP batteries are increasingly used in electric vehicle applications due to their lower costs, longer shelf life and superior stability compared with lithium hydroxide.
Additionally, the team at LU7 possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in lithium carbonate processing, making it a familiar and preferred process for the undertaking.
To watch a video on Tan commenting on the engineering study and the appointment of Hatch, click here.