Metallurgical test work undertaken by Savannah Resources Plc (LON:SAV) has returned encouraging results from the Mina do Barroso lithium project in Portugal.
Further follow-up work is now underway. Thus far, analysis has confirmed high-grade spodumene mineralisation with a lithium content of around 1.7% Li2O and low impurities at Mina do Barroso.
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The test work continues to demonstrate that well proven, conventional metallurgical processes will produce a spodumene concentrate
It also suggests that by using a process route combining both gravity separation and flotation a total recovery of at least 80% at a concentrate grade of over 6% Li2O is likely to be achieved.
In addition, heavy liquid separation (HLS) testing and small-scale pilot testing confirms that an industry benchmark, low-iron, 6% Li2O concentrate can be produced by low cost gravity processing.
Overall it’s likely that at least 40% of the contained lithium can be recovered via gravity processing, with 70% of the lithium not recovered by gravity recovered by flotation.
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"We are delighted to see the results to date show that Mina do Barroso continues to demonstrate impressive metallurgical results, with spodumene being the dominant lithium mineral that can be recovered using conventional processing techniques to produce an industry benchmark product with low contaminants at good recoveries,” said Savannah’s chief executive David Archer.
"Mina do Barroso continues to shape up as a European near-analogue to the highly successful Western Australian spodumene producers. It is also important to remember that globally, all significant hard-rock lithium mines currently supplying the makers of lithium carbonate extract spodumene.”