Lithium Universe appoints Primero Group for Québec processing hub concentrator study

Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) has appointed Primero Group as lead manager for the design of a multi-purpose concentrator at the Québec Lithium Processing Hub (QLPH) in Canada.

The group will be responsible for the completion of a concentrator engineering study, which focuses on a standalone plant capable of processing up to 1 million tonnes per annum of spodumene ore.

The design is expected to employ a four-stage crushing operation to produce particles less than six millimeters in size which will then be put through simple dense media separation.

A small flotation circuit will be incorporated into the crusher undersize stream to enhance recoveries.

Primero will define infrastructure requirements (process and non-process) for the concentrator project as well as estimated capital and operating costs.

The completed study will address specific project development, delivery and operating considerations including permitting and approvals, beneficiation, risk management, sustainability measures and product logistics.

Lithium dream team

Lithium Universe chairman Iggy Tan said his “lithium dream team” would assist Primero in developing the concentrator study.

“Primero has extensive lithium experience and the design of the QLPH concentrator will be closely directed and supervised by our own team of lithium experts,” he said.

“We know what we want to design and build [and] Primero will be executing our very specific plans.”

Resources specialist

Founded in 2011, Primero is a specialist in the design, construction and operation of resource projects worldwide.

The group’s vertically-integrated business model provides for “build, own and operate” capabilities, enabling clients to conserve their capital expenditure while expediting the transition from an exploration-based to production-based business.

Primero has previously worked on lithium projects including Bald Hill (most recently owned by de-listed Alita Resources), Finniss (Core Lithium, ASX: CXO), Mt Holland (Covalent Lithium), James Bay (Allkem, ASX: AKE), and Pilgangoora (Pilbara Minerals, ASX: PLS).

Collaborative growth

Earlier this month, Lithium Universe unveiled plans for the QLPH, designed to promote collaborative growth among lithium junior exploration companies in the James Bay area of Québec and help position Canada as a major supplier of lithium to the global market.

Mr Tan said the company was one of only a few juniors in Canada with the experience and skills to develop the fully-integrated project.