CleanTech Lithium targets Q3 for Laguna Verde PFS to include current drilling and pilot plant data
London, UK
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March 08, 2024 10:52 AM Eastern Standard Time
CleanTech Lithium PLC's Executive Chairman Dr Steve Kesler joined Proactive's Stephen Gunnion following the decision to delay the publication of the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the Laguna Verde lithium project in Chile to the third quarter of 2024.
Kesler said this will allow the PFS to incorporate data from the current drilling season, field programme, and the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Pilot Plant. The drilling aims to enhance the hydrogeological model for the project, facilitating the planning of extraction and reinjection wells.
He said this effort is supported by consultants from Montgomery and Associates, specializing in lithium brine projects in South America. The expected outcome includes a higher quality resource and the maiden reserve determination, essential for estimating production capacity and mine life.
The DLE Pilot Plant, facing initial delays due to equipment supply issues, is now in commissioning, with expectations to produce the first lithium in March. This plant will provide substantial data to optimise the full-scale plant's process and design, demonstrating the DLE technology's efficacy to potential offtakers and strategic partners, alongside producing battery-grade lithium carbonate.
The inclusion of the pilot plant's data in the PFS, despite initial delays, is deemed crucial for engaging with potential partners, as it enhances the PFS's robustness. Kesler anticipates that this comprehensive PFS will attract additional strategic partners and expedite the Definitive Feasibility Study process.
Furthermore, the emphasis on producing "green lithium" using renewable energy and low water consumption aligns with global sustainability goals, potentially increasing interest from offtakers in sectors pushing for sustainable supply chains.
CleanTech Lithium is also progressing with its ASX listing, expected to complete in the second quarter, and plans to engage substantively with strategic partners and offtakers towards the year's end, bolstered by the PFS and pilot plant outcomes.
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Proactive UK
Proactive UK
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