On Wednesday 21 December 2016, ANSTO Minerals (a division of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) ran a 24 hour commissioning trial treating spodumene concentrate via the Sileach™ process.
The trial ran successfully, with the pilot plant operating well at the target operating conditions.
This has confirmed the suitability of the pilot plant for the upcoming trial.
Further continuous piloting operations are planned for January 2017.
Adrian Griffin, managing director for LIT, commented:
"Lithium Australia continues to lead the industry in the development of advanced lithium processing technology.
"The continuous hydrometallurgical treatment of spodumene successfully demonstrates the ability to extract lithium from the mainstream hard-rock deposits without the requirement of roasting.
"Commercialisation of the Sileach™ process provides enormous potential for the lithium industry and for Lithium Australia."