Technology Partner Gets All Clear With COVID-19 Restrictions Removed
Lithium explorer and developer Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE; OTC:LLKKF)reports that its technology partner, Lilac Solutions, is resuming operations this week with its direct extraction pilot plant module for the Kachi project in Argentina.
Processing is underway of the 20,000 litres of brine received from Lake’s Kachi Lithium Brine Project through the pilot plant modules at the new upgraded facility and warehouse, together with the completion of commissioning.
Other key service providers to Lilac operations have also re-opened following the lifting of COVID-19 related curfews.
The full resumption of operations comes amid increasing interest in sustainable and consistent high purity lithium products, a benefit of Lilac’s technology, and with growing pricing improvements for high purity lithium products given a lack of battery-grade supply for EV makers.
Lake’s Managing Director, Steve Promnitz, said the company’s recent Kachi Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and published research have demonstrated the cost competitive, sustainable and scalable nature of the Lilac direct extraction process which is being employed at the Kachi Lithium Brine Project.
The process is able to deliver a high purity product which attracts premium pricing. European nations including France, Germany, the Netherlands and United Kingdom have recently announced multi-billion dollar subsidies and investments to support the EV industry as part of post-pandemic recovery plans, adding to recent boosts in China and South Korea.
“Lilac’s processing of the Kachi brines to produce a high purity lithium carbonate is a critical body of work that will deliver huge upside value for Lake,” Mr Promnitz said.
“We have every confidence in the Lilac technology and the proven direct extraction process that will be implemented at the Kachi project.
“Recent delays at Lilac have been completely understandable given the global impacts of COVID-19, but we look forward to reporting the first sizeable high purity lithium carbonate samples soon.”
