Surge Battery Metals Inc.
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Surge Battery Metals Advances Mineral Processing Tests for Lithium Clay Discovery
Surge Battery Metals Advances Mineral Processing Tests for Lithium Clay Discovery
West Vancouver, BC - December 12, 2023 - Surge Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV: NILI, OTC: NILIF, FRA: DJ5C), a prominent player in the lithium mining industry, has taken significant strides toward unlocking the potential of its high-grade lithium clay discovery at Nevada North (NNLP) through comprehensive mineral processing test work.
Testing Expertise and Collaboration
In collaboration with Surge Director Dr. Vijay Metha, Kemetco Research Inc. of Richmond, B. C. has been entrusted to conduct bench testing on three composite samples of mineralized clay extracted from the 2023 sonic core drilling program.
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Diverse Sample Composites
The composite samples, obtained from three geographically distinct drill holes (NN2302, NN2303, NN2304), represent different depths within these boreholes. They consist of lower-grade (1,000 to 2,000 ppm Li), medium-grade (2,000 to 4,000 ppm Li), and high-grade (>4,000 ppm Li) material. Each composite sample comprises 12 to 15 kg of material, offering a diverse representation of the lithium-bearing clay.
Unveiling the Lithium Separation Process
The primary objective of this testing initiative is to determine, at a bench scale, how the mineralized material can be efficiently processed to separate lithium from the mineralized rock. Additionally, it aims to refine and optimize the conceptual flow sheet for the production of a saleable lithium product.
The testing methodology includes disaggregation and differential wet screening to assess lithium grade, carbonate content, and other chemical parameters within different particle size fractions of the claystone. Subsequently, leaching tests will be conducted to determine extractability, acid consumption, and the incorporation of other elements into the leach solution. The ultimate goal is to simulate the full extractive process at a bench scale, culminating in the precipitation of lithium carbonate from the leach solutions.
Forward Progress and Timeline
The testing phase has been initiated, and Surge Battery Metals anticipates completing the full test program by the end of Q1 2024, demonstrating their commitment to advancing this critical phase of their operations.
Favorable Initial Metallurgical Results
In a related development, Kappes, Cassidy, and Associates (KCA) of Reno, Nevada, conducted initial metallurgical tests on coarse rejects from the 2022 reverse circulation drill samples. These tests yielded encouraging results, particularly concerning acid consumption for lithium separation from the uppermost high-grade clay unit.
CEO's Vision
Greg Reimer, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Surge Battery Metals, expressed his satisfaction with the company's progress, saying, "I am very pleased to be advancing on schedule with our aggressive plan to develop our high-grade lithium clay discovery. Our early testing demonstrated that the front-end lithium extraction using a traditional sulfuric acid leach for the NNLP can be performed at acid rates comparable with those for advanced lithium clay projects in the same class. This testing aims to further prove that work and advance from there to develop and test the fully optimized flow sheet to yield a high purity lithium solution and a purified lithium carbonate sample. "
About the Nevada North Lithium Project
Surge Battery Metals holds ownership of the Nevada North Lithium Project, strategically located in the Granite Range southeast of Jackpot, Nevada. The project, situated approximately 73 km north-northeast of Wells, Elko County, Nevada, has exhibited substantial potential through its exploration efforts.
The initial round of drilling conducted in October 2022 revealed a highly mineralized zone of lithium-bearing clays, extending nearly 1,620 meters in strike length. These mineralized horizons boast widths of at least 400 meters, supported by anomalous soil values, hinting at the potential for even larger clay horizons. The average lithium content within all near-surface clay zones intersected in the 2022 drilling, applying a 1000 ppm cut-off, was 3254 ppm.
The 2023 drill program was strategically designed to expand the known lithium-rich clay, aiming to extend the strike length to more than 3,500 meters and the width of mineralization to 950 meters from the previously drill-indicated 400 meters. As the program reaches its conclusion, assay results from this extensive exploration effort are eagerly anticipated.
Initial assay results from the first hole of the 2023 season have already demonstrated promise, with a high lithium concentration of 8070 ppm and an average of 4,067 ppm lithium at a 1,000 ppm cut-off, as previously reported in the news release dated September 12, 2023.
Surge Battery Metals remains committed to realizing the full potential of its Nevada North Lithium Project and advancing its position within the lithium mining industry.
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