By Business Reporter – Monday 8 April 2019
HARARE (Mining Index) – AFRICAN lithium developer, Prospect Resources Ltd (ASX: PSC) has announced improved petalite metallurgical test work results following a program to optimise recovery by gravity separation for its Arcadia Lithium Project.
Following the release of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for Arcadia in November 2018, Prospect has continued with bulk metallurgical variability testing, focusing on dense media separation and spiral treatment of bulk ore samples taken from the Upper and Main Pegmatite zones within the proposed pit at Arcadia.
With extended petalite recovery and concentration bulk analysis nearing completion, Prospect Resources is undertaking spodumene metallurgical bulk testing to conclude the post-DFS assay and develop a revised global lithium recovery result.
“This program confirmed the amenability of Arcadia ore to deliver premium low iron petalite concentrate product containing +4% Li2O and <0.1% Fe2O3,” revealed Prospect Resources.
Prospect Resources Managing Director Sam Hosack, said the assessment results demonstrated the quality of the project and the company’s ability to de-risk and optimise the project prior to development.
Extensive petalite bulk metallurgical analysis and dense media separation (DMS) program results meet technical grade concentrate and improves petalite recovery rate.
“The investment we have made into technical validation and value engineering for the project supports our ability to successfully deliver on the Arcadia Lithium Project.”
“The Company has attracted market leading professionals to join the team, including individuals with extensive experience in DMS, gravity and flotation processing of lithium bearing minerals. With these initiatives being undertaken by leading independent specialist organisations, we are delivering on a high level of quality for each initiative and de-risking the Project as we go into development,” said Hosack.
Bulk testwork was undertaken at independent third-party facilities in order to provide impartiality and ensure quality control.
“The results of this bulk testwork, together with the results of a review of the metallurgical database support the recovery factors employed in the DFS and indicate the potential for an overall increase in Project lithium recovery from 67.9% to +70%.”
The extensive metallurgical assay program will exceed similar programs completed by peer projects, given Arcadia’s ore body contains petalite in addition to commonly produced spodumene.
The lithium developer has conducted these programs to further optimise design and operating parameters in order to de-risk the plant construction and project ramp-up to production.
“Prospect will continue to invest in building upon Arcadia’s existing strong project economics by optimising the plant construction, pit design and efficient operation of the project,” said Hosack. ENDS//
