Summary
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Century Lithium has added a lithium carbonate stage at its pilot plant in Amargosa Valley, Nevada
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Samples of battery-quality lithium carbonate were produced by treating concentrated lithium solutions at Saltworks in Richmond, British Columbia
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The startup produced 20 kg of high-grade lithium carbonate from 200 liters of concentrated lithium solution
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Century Lithium continues to develop its patent-pending process for cost-effective lithium extraction
- The ability to produce battery-quality lithium carbonate on-site in Nevada is seen as crucial for domestic supply in the US
Article
Canadian lithium producer Century Lithium has recently announced that they have added a lithium carbonate stage at their Lithium Extraction Facility, a pilot plant located in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, as part of their Angel Island Mine project. Previously, concentrated lithium solutions from the pilot plant were treated by Saltworks at their facility in Richmond, British Columbia, to produce samples of battery-quality lithium carbonate. The startup phase saw the treatment of 200 liters of concentrated lithium solution to produce 20 kg of high-grade lithium carbonate, using Century Lithium’s patent-pending process for chloride leaching combined with direct lithium extraction. The company aims to continue generating data and identifying technological breakthroughs to make lithium extraction more cost-effective.
Century President and CEO Bill Willoughby emphasized the significance of being able to produce lithium carbonate at their pilot plant as a significant step forward. He highlighted that domestic production is crucial for the security of supply in the US and mentioned that while there is a considerable amount of lithium in the claystone deposits of Nevada, the benefit of unlocking these resources lies in the ability to produce battery-quality lithium products on-site, thereby minimizing the need for downstream processing. This development underscores Century Lithium’s commitment to advancing the production of lithium in a more efficient and sustainable manner.
The addition of the lithium carbonate stage at the company’s pilot plant represents a strategic move towards enhancing their operational capabilities and establishing a more comprehensive and integrated lithium extraction process. By leveraging their patent-pending technology for chloride leaching and direct lithium extraction, Century Lithium aims to streamline the production of high-grade lithium carbonate, which is a critical component in the manufacturing of batteries for various applications, including electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The ongoing efforts to optimize lithium extraction processes underscore the company’s dedication to achieving operational excellence and maximizing the value of their resource assets.
The successful production of high-grade lithium carbonate at the pilot plant showcases Century Lithium’s ability to innovate and adapt their extraction processes to efficiently utilize available resources and meet the growing demand for lithium products in the market. By establishing a more streamlined and cost-effective production method for lithium carbonate, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries and contribute to the advancement of clean energy technologies. This achievement underscores Century Lithium’s commitment to sustainability and resource management, as they continue to explore new avenues for enhancing their operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.
With a focus on domestic production and utilizing the abundant lithium resources in Nevada, Century Lithium is playing a crucial role in enhancing the security of lithium supply in the US and reducing reliance on imported lithium products. By implementing innovative technologies and processes at their pilot plant, the company is poised to make significant advancements in lithium extraction and contribute to the development of a robust lithium supply chain within the country. This strategic approach aligns with the growing emphasis on domestic resource development and sustainable practices, positioning Century Lithium as a key player in the evolving lithium market and the broader transition towards clean energy solutions.
As Century Lithium continues to refine its extraction processes and explore new technological breakthroughs, the company is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient lithium production ecosystem. By leveraging their pilot plant in Nevada and collaborating with industry partners to produce high-grade lithium carbonate, Century Lithium is demonstrating its commitment to driving innovation and enhancing the value proposition of its lithium assets. This proactive approach not only strengthens the company’s competitive position in the lithium market but also contributes to the advancement of clean energy technologies and the overall transition towards a more sustainable energy landscape.
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