- Anson Resources (ASN) achieves a higher lithium recovery rate during test work using alternate direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology
- Using this method has led to a 10 per cent improvement from 80 to 90 per cent when extracting lithium from brine from the Paradox Brine Project in Utah
- The DLE process doesn’t require pre-treatment and uses water instead of chemicals to wash lithium which ASN expects will reduce operating costs
- Anson is assessing the financial impact of these improvements and will use this in the updated pre-feasibility study and preliminary economic assessment
- Company shares are up a slight 2.41 per cent to trade at 8.5 cents
Anson Resources (ASN) has conducted testwork using an alternate direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology.
Positively for the company, the DLE technology improved the lithium recovery rate from 80 to 90 per cent in the first stage of the extraction process.
Anson conducted the testing using brine recently taken from the Clastic Zone 31 horizon within the Paradox Brine Project in Utah, US. This work will essentially test the optimal way to process brine from the project.
A previous process required the brine to be pre-treated and used chemicals to wash the lithium from the resin. However, this alternative DLE process doesn’t require pre-treatment and will use water instead of chemicals. The company expects these flow sheet changes will reduce operating costs.
Executive Chairman and CEO Bruce Richardson commented on the testwork results.
“Anson is committed to developing the most cost-efficient flowsheet for the production of lithium, bromine and other minerals from Paradox brine, while at the same time taking proactive steps to address ESG considerations. The selection of the most suitable technology for our Paradox brine is paramount in meeting both objectives.”
The financial impact of the improvements is being assessed and will be included in both the updated pre-feasibility study and preliminary economic assessment.
Anson previously announced the overall recovery rate of the lithium after extraction and processing will be around 75 per cent. However, the company expects it will be able to use a higher overall lithium recovery rate in future engineering studies.
Company shares were up a slight 2.41 per cent to trade at 8.5 cents at 11:23 am AEST.