Lithium Universe advances Bécancour refinery DFS with 3D model as supplier negotiations continue

Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) has reported solid progress on the definitive feasibility study (DFS) works for its proposed Bécancour lithium refinery project in Canada.

The multi-purpose battery-grade plant will form part of the Québec lithium processing hub and will be located at the Bécancour Waterfront Industrial Park.

The company has completed a preliminary 3D model and plot plan layout, which offers a comprehensive visual and spatial understanding of the refinery’s design.

The model helps visualise the placement of equipment and infrastructure, ensuring efficient space utilisation and facilitating future modifications if necessary.

The refinery layout is reported to have considered safety standards and best practices, effective process flow, material compatibility and adequate spacing required for plant operation.

Jiangsu suppliers

Procurement efforts are focused on sourcing major equipment from the same suppliers used for the Jiangsu lithium carbonate reference plant in China.

Jiangsu is currently the world’s fourth-largest producer of lithium carbonate and up to 70% of its components were procured from Chinese manufacturers, with the remainder coming from other global suppliers.

Last month, Lithium Universe vowed to use a “same equipment, same supplier” procurement strategy as Jiangsu.

This approach will leverage existing relationships to ensure consistency in quality and performance between both facilities.

It is also expected to help mitigate potential scheduling disruptions caused by increasing demand for construction materials and skilled tradespeople in North America, driven by the surge in supply chain-related projects.

Lithium Universe is in negotiations with preferred suppliers to secure pricing, which is expected to help control costs and mitigate project financial risks.

Critical elements

The Bécancour DFS is being managed by Hatch and critical elements such as process flow sheets and stream tables have already been completed.

These documents are crucial for managing material and energy flow through the refinery, detailing the processing steps and interconnections between various modules.

Infrastructure development and utility connections at the site are also underway, addressing essential elements such as water and power supply and transportation links needed for the refinery’s operations.

Material take-offs are being performed to prepare a detailed capital expenditure estimate, ensuring a comprehensive financial plan for the project’s construction and operational phases.

Strong progress made

Lithium Universe chair Iggy Tan was pleased with the how the project is coming along.

“The Hatch team engaged for this project is dynamic, practical, and experienced,” he said.

“They understand our strategy of fast-tracking the DFS process by leveraging the insights and proven technology from the Jiangsu reference plant.”

“Hatch can easily apply its knowledge to this project as the original designer and builder of Jiangsu and other lithium plants [and] we are delighted with the progress of the engineering work.”