Century Lithium Corp (TSXV: LCE) has provided a progress update on its ongoing feasibility study being conducted on the company’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project near Silver Peak, Nevada, and on its operational lithium extraction facility in Amargosa Valley, Nevada.
Century continues to conduct testing at its pilot plant with the support of del Sol Refining, Inc. Since its start-up, the pilot plant has operated in 28 cycles of continuous 24/7 operation, with minimal down-time, and maintenance matters. The test work was conducted by the company using multiple configurations and equipment to best replicate the project flowsheet.
In the testing to date, nearly 10,000 samples of solutions, solids, and precipitates have been collected and analysed. Other data collection, including recording of flow rates and physical conditions at key sample points throughout the pilot plant, has been conducted, with particular attention to the DLE section of the pilot plant to develop the project’s mass-balance calculations, and to finalize the flowsheet for the feasibility study.
Century has reported that its pilot plant testing has achieved targets in most areas, including operating with 100% recycled solutions. The company addressed specific challenges with sufficient results to aid in the completion of the feasibility study.
Further testing in 2023 is planned to confirm the overall process, continue to demonstrate the flowsheet, and produce samples of Li2CO3. Additional 1000L lots of concentrated lithium solution from the DLE section of the pilot plant will be shipped to Saltworks Technologies, Inc, in Richmond, B.C., Canada by the end of the month.
Century’s 2023 plans for the pilot plant includes testing alternate reagents and equipment, which may include identification of potential by-products, and ways to enhance impurity removal and the DLE process area. Additional space within the Pilot Plant building has been prepared for this work.
The feasibility study is reportedly advancing on schedule, with completion anticipated by mid-year.
On-site infrastructure designs, including, mine, processing plant, and tailings and waste storage facilities are completed. Cost estimating and market studies are underway, along with assessments for construction, component lead-time and off-site infrastructure. Completion of the Feasibility Study will then await integration of the design and cost estimates for the acid plant underway by Thyssenkrupp Nucera.
In addition, Century’s management is assessing personnel needs and future project financing opportunities and structures, which may include government grants and loans.
To find out more, please visit www.centurylithium.com
