Lithium Universe Ltd has taken another step forward in its Québec Lithium Processing Hub (QLPH) strategy by appointing Primero Group Limited, which has extensive lithium process design experience, as lead manager for a Concentrator Engineering Study.
The multi-purpose standalone concentrator will involve a four-stage crushing operation to produce particles less than six millimetres, which will then undergo dense media separation (DMS).
Additionally, a small flotation circuit will be incorporated into the crusher under-size stream to enhance recoveries.
In parallel with exploration
Lithium Universe 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.
LU7 chairman Iggy Tan said “We are fortunate to partner with a group such as Primero who has extensive lithium process design experience.
"Their experience includes the Bald Hill Lithium Project, Core Lithium’s Finniss Project, Covalent Lithium’s Mt Holland project, Allkem’s James Bay Project, Piedmont Lithium (NASDAQ:PLL) Project and Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora Project.”
Extensive process
The appointment of Primero for this work follows an extensive process to procure a contractor with the suitable experience and capabilities to undertake the design of a standalone concentrator with the ability to annually process 1 million tonnes of spodumene ore.
The expected design is anticipated to be similar to that of the Mt Cattlin lithium plant in Western Australia, which uses a simple DMS.
About Primero
Founded in 2011, Primero is a multi-disciplinary engineering group specialising in providing design, construction and operational services for resource projects worldwide.
With extensive experience in the lithium sector, Primero’s vertically integrated business model provides for Build, Own and Operate (BOO) capabilities, enabling its clients to conserve their capital expenditures whilst expediting the transition from an exploration-based, to production-based business operation.
LU7 team to assist
LU7’s team of lithium experts will assist Primero in the execution of the study and its part in the QLPH strategy.
The Concentrator Engineering Study will also define the process and non-process infrastructure requirements for the concentrator project as well as the definitive estimated capital and operating costs.
This study will address specific project development, delivery and operating considerations including permitting and approvals, beneficiation flowsheet, risk management, sustainability measures and product logistics.
"The design of the QLPH concentrator will be closely directed and supervised by the LU7 team of lithium experts,” Tan added.
"We know what we want to design and build, Primero will be executing our very specific plans.”
Project builder
LU7's main objective is to establish itself as a prominent lithium project builder by prioritising swift and successful development of lithium projects.
Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, LU7's mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Québec, Canada.
Unlike many other lithium exploration companies, LU7 possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects.
The company has 80% interests in lithium projects in Canada, including Apollo, Adina South, Adina West and Margot Lake, as well as in Australia with the 100%-owned Lefroy project near the Bald Hill mine. It also has 80-% of the Voyager Rare Earth Project in Tasmania.