Anson Resources generates first lithium carbonate from Paradox brine
Anson Resources is fast-tracking its Paradox lithium brine project in the US after producing its first lithium carbonate equivalent for battery markets.
Anson Resources (ASX: ASN) emerged from a trading halt this morning with news it had produced its first lithium carbonate equivalent from its Paradox lithium brine project in the US.
The lithium carbonate was generated during early precipitation test work on lithium brine extracted from the Cane Creek 32 well at Paradox.
According to Anson, it used an alternative “cutting-edge” technology to create the lithium carbonate from a 1,000 litre brine sample.
However, when using this alternative processing route, only the lithium was separated from the brine via an absorption technique.
Other minerals that were present in the brine including boron, bromine, iodine and magnesium were not extracted using this alternative method.
“The results from the test work using an alternative technology are extremely pleasing and demonstrate again that lithium can be recovered from the Cane Creek super saturated brines,” Anson managing director Bruce Richardson said.
“The company continues to seek ways to fast-track the Paradox lithium project into production while endeavouring to maximise returns for its shareholders, and as a result, will continue to examine opportunities to use alternative technologies to achieve those objectives,” Mr Richardson added.
Flowsheet test work
Anson plans to use the data collected from the test work to hone the production process for creating a lithium carbonate from the project.
As part of this, the alternative test work is being run in parallel with Outotec’s processing methods, with results from this program also “pleasing”.
Test work using both technologies is continuing, with Anson investigating the possibility of adding its alternative method to the front or back end of Outotec’s process.
This would enable all valuable minerals to be extracted.
Once the refined process flowsheet has been determined, Anson stated it will make its final decision on incorporating the alternative process into the pilot plant.
The test work was carried out on a brine sample that assayed at 142.7 parts per million lithium, 12,894ppm bromine, 72.9ppm boron, and 110ppm iodine.
By late morning trade, Anson’s share price has surged almost 14% to A$0.165.