ASX-listed Infinity Lithium Corporation looks to be systematically progressing its battery production expertise at its San José lithium project in Spain with the company’s freshly incorporated, Infinity GreenTech outfit lodging a provisional patent application for a cutting-edge lithium hydrometallurgical conversion process. The company says its latest venture will focus on commercialising low carbon hard rock lithium processing.
Infinity anticipates the lodgement of its corresponding international Patent Cooperation Treaty, or “PCT” applications to be wrapped up within a year of filing its provisional patent applications.
The company initially got the ball rolling on its potentially game-changing processing pursuit after a comprehensive review of alternative extractive technologies for its San José lithium project. The review put the spotlight on a handful of alternative processing technologies that offered up a spate of technical, financial and environmental benefits when compared to traditional practices.
Infinity’s new lithium conversion process will seek to utilise renewable energies to convert lithium raw materials to lithium chemicals and will be underpinned by reduced energy inputs and the use of readily available non-toxic reagents that are both low cost and recyclable.
The company says the results from early test work confirmed the recoverability of lithium solution from run-of-mine, or “ROM” feedstock between 60-70 per cent lithium from direct processing. Remarkably, these figures are without any process optimisations, which the company says could spearhead some solid improvements.
The new direction promotes a bevy of environmental benefits that includes less waste, reduced emissions and a curtailed carbon dioxide footprint. The company says the new process ultimately allows for a simple, rapid production of battery grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide end products.
Management says it is highly encouraged by the results of its phase 1 test work and process flowsheet development, adding that its new process could unlock lithium deposits that were previously considered unviable for integrated downstream projects.
Infinity Lithium Corporation's CEO and Managing Director, Ryan Parkin said:“The results of the progression of these technical validations could provide an alternative and major opportunity for Infinity to provide an option to significantly improve the economic and environmental profile of San José’, whilst enabling Infinity to apply its new generation GreenTech technology for the conversion of multiple sources of lithium bearing materials to produce a sustainable and cost-effective battery grade end product.”
The company is now progressing its activities towards a phase 2 program where it will seek to deliver elevated lithium recovery rates.
Infinity will also assess opportunities to recover potentially valuable potassium and sodium containing by-products for its next round of testwork that is earmarked for late November.
The company is showing no signs of fatigue as it progresses its lithium processing venture, progressing the development of a pilot plant that will aid in the development of its processing venture.
With plenty in the pipeline and a good run of form things could get very interesting for Infinity Lithium as it advances its progressive processing technology.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@businessnews.com.au
By Matt Birney
