CleanTech Lithium Achieves Exceptional Purity in Lithium Carbonate
CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM: CTL, Frankfurt: T2N) recently celebrated a remarkable achievement in the sustainable lithium production industry. The company successfully produced a lithium carbonate sample with an impressive purity of 99.78%. This purity level far exceeds the standard requirement for battery-grade lithium carbonate, which is typically 99.6% as per the stringent Chinese GB/T 23853-2022 (Type 1) standard.
Innovative Production Process
The lithium carbonate was produced from concentrated eluate derived from CleanTech’s Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) pilot plant. Located in Copiapó, the processing was conducted at the facilities of Conductive Energy in Chicago. A meticulous approach was undertaken to streamline the production process to ensure consistency and scalability in producing high-quality battery-grade lithium carbonate.
Steps to Achieve High Purity
The process included several key stages. Initially, eluate concentration was achieved through Forward Osmosis, followed by thorough contaminant removal. This led to carbonation, which transformed the lithium into technical-grade carbonate, culminating in a final stage designed to enhance purity further.
Resilience in Adversity
Despite facing weather-related challenges in Chicago, particularly freezing conditions that temporarily halted the Forward Osmosis concentration, the company continued its downstream processing efforts. Utilizing pre-produced pre-carbonation solutions, CleanTech Lithium managed to generate an 8kg sample of high-grade lithium carbonate.
Verification of Purity
The laboratory analysis conducted by the University of Calgary confirmed the lithium sample's purity, effectively demonstrating that significant contaminants, including calcium, magnesium, and boron, were substantially reduced during treatment. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of CleanTech's innovative extraction and purification methods.
Strategic Business Moves
Collaborative Efforts Towards Sustainability
The company's executive chairman, Steve Kesler, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the production of this high-grade lithium carbonate. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with Conductive Energy aimed at ramping up pilot plant output to supply considerably larger quantities of battery-grade lithium to potential strategic partners and off-takers.
Future Projections
Looking ahead, downstream processing is anticipated to resume in February 2025, with expectation of completing processing of remaining concentrated eluate by April 2025. Conductive Energy plans to utilize the current pause to implement essential system upgrades, including improved automation, enhanced process control, and a new nanofiltration step aimed at increasing purification efficiency.
Commitment to Clean Energy
This significant announcement marks a pivotal moment for CleanTech Lithium as it advances its mission to supply high-quality battery-grade lithium, instrumental for the ongoing clean energy transition. Harnessing Direct Lithium Extraction technology that is powered by renewable energy showcases the company's commitment to sustainable practices in lithium production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purity level achieved by CleanTech Lithium?
CleanTech Lithium has achieved a lithium carbonate purity level of 99.78%, exceeding the standard for battery-grade products.
Where is the pilot plant located?
The pilot plant for CleanTech Lithium is situated in Copiapó, Chile, with production processes carried out in Chicago, USA.
What process does CleanTech Lithium utilize for lithium extraction?
The company employs Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) methods, with an innovative process designed for efficiency and scalability.
Why is CleanTech Lithium delisting from the OTCQX market?
CleanTech Lithium is delisting from the OTCQX market due to low trading volumes and high administrative costs associated with operating there.
What are the company's future plans regarding lithium production?
CleanTech Lithium plans to resume downstream processing in February 2025, focusing on enhancing production capabilities and purification processes.
