IRIS Metals and ReElement strengthen US lithium supply chain with new conversion milestone
IRIS Metals (ASX: IR1) is preparing to ramp up production for a demonstration-scale trial following its success in converting spodumene concentrate to 99.5% battery-grade lithium carbonate (LCE) in the US.
Using ore entirely sourced from its Beecher project in South Dakota, the conversion was undertaken with US critical minerals refining specialist ReElement, following the successful production of 6% spodumene.
The two parties have begun negotiations for a potential investment by ReElement in IRIS to strengthen domestic US lithium carbonate supply.
New capability
IRIS Metals chair Peter Marks said the conversion adds a significant new capability to America’s efforts to secure domestic supply chains of critical minerals.
IRIS has also signed an agreement with ReElement for further bulk testing and development of a commercial-scale supply solution for the US market.
“This collaboration is set to transform our concentrate into battery-grade lithium carbonate right here in the US, using homegrown technology and processes,” Mr Marks said.
“It’s a pivotal step that not only elevates IRIS from explorer to near-term producer but also strengthens our commitment to a fully domestic supply chain.”
Maiden MRE
Mr Marks noted that IRIS’ Beecher project is licenced for production and well-advanced towards the release of a maiden mineral resource estimate (MRE) in early 2025.
The IRIS-ReElement partnership is also considering the production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide through ReElement’s conversion process, following a study on market demand.
ReElement is advancing from demonstration operations at its Indiana customer qualification plant to a commercial-scale critical mineral refining plant at its 42-acre campus in the same state.
Mr Marks said bringing the two parties together with the upstream and downstream components of the lithium supply chain will put them in a stronger position to access US-government-backed Inflation Reduction Act funding and unlock its non-dilutive capital.