High-quality lithium developer, Lake Resources N.L. (ASX:LKE) seeks to transform into an efficient, competitively priced and responsibly-sourced high-purity lithium supplier that is environment-friendly.
LKE has the advantage of projects that are readily scalable, and its battery-quality product is in demand from Tier 1 electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers as well as battery manufacturers globally.
Previous Update:ASX-listed LKE cranks up Kachi Lithium Brine Project with Shallow Drill Testing
Significantly, LKE has developed an efficient and disruptive clean technology to produce sustainable high-purity lithium, in conjunction with Lilac Solutions Inc. LKE has successfully manufactured 99.9% pure lithium carbonate using the conventional lithium carbonate process from the lithium chloride produced via the processing of Kachi brine at the lithium extraction pilot plant module of Lilac.
The high-quality product with minimum environmental footprint technology makes the product suitable for EV and battery makers and in demand from tier-one EV and battery manufacturers.
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Appointment Of Hazen Research Inc To Produce Larger Samples
LKE had appointed Hazen Research Inc in August 2020 to produce larger samples of battery quality lithium carbonate from the concentrated lithium chloride that was produced from lithium extraction pilot plant module of Lilac. These samples were intended to be supplied to prospective off-takers and other interested parties.
Hazen is a highly regarded Colorado-based independent assay laboratory that specialises in obtaining the best process to produce sustainable, high-purity lithium.
Moreover, Hazen had extended its scope of analysis and test work of the lithium chloride samples with various process patterns. This was done to enhance the continuous production of larger samples of battery quality lithium carbonate.
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Hazen has taken a rigorous approach and employed a broader range of alternatives that were anticipated to enhance the production of quality product at larger volumes and maintain a simple flowsheet. Furthermore, the Company employed conventional treatment methods like evaporation, ion exchange, precipitation and treatment with sodium hydroxide and soda ash.
LKE mentioned that this step is a crucial one before commencing production of bigger volumes of high-purity lithium carbonate samples.
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Results Achieved Through Hazen’s Process
A 70% reduction in the overall level of impurities was seen in the lithium carbonate produced by Hazen as compared to earlier lithium carbonate production. Furthermore, a significant 94% reduction in impurities was also noted as compared to 99.5% lithium carbonate, which is broadly received as battery grade in the present market.
These results, along with previous tests, have indicated the efficiency in the direct lithium extraction process for producing a high-quality lithium carbonate generating lithium chloride solution. LKE remains optimistic that this product shall help to attract prospects from the low impurity requiring lithium-ion battery market.
The results presented by Lilac and Hazen together indicate that significant high prices can be achieved as the grade of the lithium carbonate and the level and type of impurities in it are the governing factors in determining its pricing.
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Planned Activities and Prospects
LKE has also planned a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) that shall include results from process optimization of Hazen, upcoming battery tests, latest price anticipations, and decisions on the final plant module facility.
As per the Company’s latest update, the program with Hazen is presently underway and advancing according to the schedule. LKE’s focus remains on making and distributing bulk samples of similar class and purity to Novonix for further testing and analysis for interested parties.
On 20 October 2020, Hazen Research produced the first samples of high purity (99.97% purity) battery quality lithium carbonate for testing in a NMC622 battery by Novonix
September Quarter Update: Lake Resources (ASX:LKE) serves up a sparkling September Quarter, Produces Battery Quality Lithium Carbonates
All in all, Hazen is all set to produce additional samples for downstream supply chain participants as well as off-takers while significant optimism centres around the projected growth in the demand for these products.
LKE share price closed at $0.057 at 4:05 PM AEST on 20 November 2020, with a market capitalisation of $45.94 million.
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