Century Lithium Corp: Pilot Plant Achieves High Purity Lithium Carbonate
Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) is thrilled to share the latest results from its lithium carbonate production at the newly launched Lithium Extraction Facility. This Pilot Plant is strategically positioned to improve operations related to the company's wholly-owned Angel Island Project. The initial assays for lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) have demonstrated an impressive purity level of up to 99.2%.
Initial Assays Show Promising Purity Levels
The Pilot Plant has recently completed five processing runs, and the results have sparked optimism within the industry. Bill Willoughby, the President and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about the findings, noting that purity levels exceeding 99.5% are generally considered battery grade, which means Century Lithium is nearing that important standard. Previously, lithium solutions had to be sent to third-party facilities for processing, but now, the Pilot Plant allows for a fully integrated and self-sufficient operation.
Operational Overview
During the initial trials, five batches, each containing 40 liters of concentrated lithium solution, were processed. This involved a precipitation process using sodium carbonate, followed by washing and drying, resulting in approximately 4 kilograms of lithium carbonate from each batch. Throughout these tests, adjustments made with the help of Hargrove Engineers and Constructors successfully reduced the levels of sodium and other impurities.
Purity Enhancement Procedure
As the tests continued, the purity of the lithium carbonate improved significantly across all trials, with the highest assay reaching 99.2%. Calcium and magnesium were identified as the main non-lithium impurities, and Century Lithium expects to achieve further reductions in these levels through additional testing.
Assay Results of Lithium Carbonate
Here are the detailed assay results from the Pilot Plant:
| Sample ID | Li2CO3 (%) | Total Non-Li PPM | Sodium PPM | Calcium PPM | Magnesium PPM |
| Final #1 | 98.2 | 17,538 | 9,800 | 4,200 | 500 |
| Final #2 | 98.4 | 16,362 | 6,200 | 4,700 | 560 |
| Final #3 | 98.7 | 12,600 | 6,200 | 3,900 | 490 |
| Final #4 | 99.1 | 8,531 | 1,600 | 5,500 | 750 |
| Final #5 | 99.2 | 8,440 | 1,900 | 4,600 | 530 |
Next Steps for Century Lithium
After identifying an equipment defect that likely contributed to the calcium and magnesium levels, the company is actively working on improvements to refine its processes. Additionally, ongoing engineering efforts are focused on optimizing capital requirements throughout the operation.
Qualified Professional Oversight
Todd Fayram, Senior Vice President of Metallurgy, is recognized as the qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, ensuring the technical information presented in this report is validated.
Company Overview
Century Lithium Corp. is an innovative lithium company dedicated to developing its wholly owned Angel Island Mine in Nevada. The company aims to meet the growing energy demands of the electric vehicle and battery storage industries. Century Lithium has successfully completed its Feasibility Study and is progressing through the permitting phase.
Leadership Vision
William Willoughby, PhD., PE, serves as the President and CEO, guiding the company into the future with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainable lithium production.
For more information, visit centurylithium.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purity level of the lithium carbonate produced?
The latest assays indicate that the lithium carbonate purity levels have reached as high as 99.2%.
How does the Pilot Plant process work?
The Pilot Plant processes concentrated lithium solutions by using sodium carbonate for precipitation, followed by washing and drying to extract lithium carbonate.
What are the main impurities identified?
Calcium and magnesium were found to be the primary non-lithium constituents in the produced lithium carbonate.
Who oversees the technical aspects of the project?
Todd Fayram is the qualified person overseeing the technical aspects of the project in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 guidelines.
What is the focus of Century Lithium Corp?
Century Lithium is dedicated to developing its lithium project to support the electric vehicle and battery storage markets while pursuing sustainable production practices.