Appoints Hatch As Lead Consultant
Clean lithium developer Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) has announced the formal commencement of A Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the Kachi Lithium Brine Project, with the appointment of leading engineering firm Hatch as the lead consultant.
Managing Director, Steve Promnitz, said the DFS builds upon the compelling and robust Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) announced on April 30, 2020, into the technical and economic viability of Lake’s Kachi Lithium Brine Project in Catamarca, Argentina, based on Lilac’s sustainable direct lithium extraction process.
Subsequently the project’s potential to deliver high purity product (99.97% Li2CO3) required by battery makers was demonstrated by Hazen Research, as announced on 20 October 2020. This product has been sent to Novonix for incorporation into batteries.
Mr Promnitz said the DFS is an important milestone in the development of the Kachi Lithium Brine Project as a sustainable and commercially successful producer of high quality lithium product for the rapidly growing battery market.
Associated work streams to run in parallel with the DFS include the environmental impact study, continued community engagement, and a demonstration plant to be commissioned on-site later in 2021.
To manage the DFS and related work streams, the Lake Resourceshas appointed Dr Nicholas Lindsay as Technical Director. Previously a Non-Executive Director of Lake Resources, Dr Lindsay is experienced in feasibility studies in South America, and is confidently expected to deliver the Kachi DFS by Q1 2022.
“The formal commencement of the DFS is a key step for Lake to deliver the Kachi project into production with ESG credentials in demand as the transition to EV’s gathers pace,” Mr Promnitz said.
“The bridging studies have been underway since the PFS and now the formal engagement of Hatch has occurred. Nick Lindsay’s assistance with the PFS was invaluable and will now be expanded upon in the DFS.”
Lake Resources NL is a clean lithium developer utilising direct extraction technology for production of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project within the Lithium Triangle in Argentina among other projects covering 200,00 ha. This direct extraction method delivers a solution for two rising demands of electric vehicle batteries – high purity battery materials to avoid performance issues, and more sustainable, responsibly sourced materials.
1. Clean-Tech: Efficient, disruptive, cost-competitive technology using well-known water treatment re-engineered for lithium (not mining). Technology partner, Lilac Solutions Inc, supported by Bill Gates led Breakthrough Energy fund and MIT’s The Engine fund.
2. High Purity: 99.97% purity lithium carbonate samples never previously delivered at scale in a cost competitive manner for a premium price (refer ASX announcement 9 January 2020 and 20 October 2020).
3. Sustainable /ESG: Far smaller environmental footprint than conventional methods, that returns virtually all water (brine) to its source without changing its chemistry, avoiding “water politics” in arid environments for a better outcome for local communities
