Vancouver-based International Battery Metals has completed systems and safety testing on its commercial-scale mobile lithium extraction plant.
IBAT will begin flow-testing with brine sourced from the US. Once flow-testing is completed, IBAT will move on to extraction. Extraction is expected to begin in the next few days.
"Our patented, proprietary technology not only allows for the rapid extraction of LiCl at high concentrations, but sets a new standard for environmental care," IBAT chief executive John Burba said.
The plant, located in Louisiana, has the potential to produce 5,000 metric tons of lithium chloride on an annual basis. Because it is a modular plant, it can be expanded to produce up to 20,000 metric tons of LiCl each year, depending on the brine composition.
The modular, mobile design of the plant will allow smaller brine resources to be able to economically produce lithium.
"Our modular plant technology can be built, deployed and brought on-line in a fraction of the time of traditional lithium mining plants and at a fraction of the price," Burba said.
IBAT received a U.S. patent to build the mobile extraction plant in February.
IBAT's process plant uses absorption technology to eliminate solar evaporation ponds, salt piles, and lime plants. The plant also recycles 98% of the water used in the process.
