When is Arizona Lithium scheduled to start production at Prairie?

$AZL When is Arizona Lithium scheduled to start production at Prairie?

Arizona Lithium Limited (ASX: AZL, AZLOA, OTC: AZLAF), a company dedicated to sustainable lithium development in North America, has recently provided an operational update on its Prairie Lithium Project's pilot plant. The results of the pilot plant operations have exceeded expectations, showcasing impressive lithium recoveries and outstanding purity levels, which could have far-reaching implications for the lithium industry.

Achieving Stellar Milestones

At the one-third mark of the scheduled test duration, Arizona Lithium's Prairie pilot plant has delivered noteworthy achievements:

1. Significant Lithium Recovery: Over 80,000 liters of brine have been processed, resulting in the production of more than 6,000 liters of lithium concentrate. Impressively, a steady-state lithium extraction rate of 95.6% has been established, with no single-point recoveries falling below 94%.

2. Exceptional Impurity Rejection: The rejection of impurities has been nothing short of outstanding, with a baseline steady-state rejection rate of 99.9%. Notably, the concentration of sodium in the concentrate has plummeted from ... 95,640 mg/L in the feed to a mere 61 mg/L in the concentrate. This remarkable reduction has the potential to significantly reduce downstream processing and conversion costs while enhancing product quality.

3. Focus on Future Production: The remaining portion of the testing, set to continue into February, will be dedicated to producing concentrate for the downstream production of lithium chemicals. Furthermore, it will determine process capability indexes for lithium recovery and impurity rejection, setting the stage for the commercial-scale facility scheduled to commence production in 2025.

Transforming Downstream Processing

The exceptional purity levels achieved in the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) concentrate have the potential to revolutionize downstream processing and conversion costs. By reducing the concentration of impurities, Arizona Lithium is likely to streamline its production processes, improving both efficiency and product quality.

Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) on Track

Arizona Lithium is on track to deliver a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) by the end of December 2023. Early indications suggest that the Prairie Lithium Project is economically robust, underscoring the viability of the venture. The PFS will offer a detailed insight into the projected economics of production, set to commence in 2025.

Managing Director's Perspective

Paul Lloyd, Managing Director of Arizona Lithium, expressed his enthusiasm about the pilot results. He stated, "The pilot results continue to provide us with further confidence in the process and economics, which will be released in our upcoming PFS. This pilot is the final step prior to commercialization, and the results continue to exceed my expectations in terms of both the concentration of lithium and the impurity rejection."

About the Prairie Lithium Project

Arizona Lithium's Prairie Lithium Project, located in the Williston Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada, boasts substantial lithium reserves. With 5.7 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), including 4.0 million tonnes in the indicated category and 1.7 million tonnes in the inferred category, it stands as a significant asset. Moreover, it enjoys the advantage of being situated in a mining-friendly jurisdiction, with excellent infrastructure and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Innovative Lithium Extraction Technology

Arizona Lithium's proprietary lithium extraction process technology, known as the Prairie Lithium Ion Exchange (PLIX), selectively extracts lithium from brine. PLIX is a versatile technology that has the potential for global application, making it a valuable asset in the company's portfolio. It is currently being tested on lithium resources worldwide, including the promising results from the Big Sandy Lithium Project.

Arizona Lithium's recent pilot plant achievements at Prairie are a testament to the company's commitment to sustainable and efficient lithium production. With remarkable lithium recovery rates and unparalleled impurity rejection levels, this project is poised to make a significant impact on the lithium industry. The forthcoming Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) is eagerly anticipated, as it will shed light on the economic viability of the Prairie Lithium Project and pave the way for a brighter future in lithium production.

1 Like