AVZ MINERALS
AVZ engaged Kingston Process Metallurgy ('KPM') in
The testwork objective was to produce Primary Lithium Sulphate from Manono spodumene concentrate (SC6) and to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the flowsheet.
The testwork was undertaken from September to
Conversion of the alpha-spodumene to beta-spodumene was successfully completed and confirmed the original testwork outcome upon which the DFS was predicated.
Acid roasting was conducted at different ratios with successful roasting achieved well within the expected design ranges, as planned. This was followed by water leaching, which achieved a lithium recovery of 84-88%. Solution purification yielded a purified leach solution very low in metal contaminants.
Evaporation of the purified leach solution yielded a primary lithium sulphate solid product composed predominantly of lithium sulphate monohydrate (Li2SO4.H2O). The main secondary component of the product was sodium sulphate, along with a small amount of potassium sulphate, both of which can be readily removed during downstream conversion processes.
By operating under suitable conditions as planned, the test results indicated a Primary Lithium Sulphate product containing greater than 80 wt. % lithium sulphate monohydrate can be readily produced. The Primary Lithium Sulphate product produced by the metallurgical testing would make a highly suitable feedstock for the electrolytic production of Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate.
AVZ's Managing Director, Mr
'KPM's test work provides further confirmation that our high-quality Manono product is capable of producing clean Primary Lithium Sulphate that is suitable for use in the production of batteries.'
Contact:
Mr.
Tel: +61 8 6117 9397
Email: admin@avzminerals.com.au
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