Cadence Minerals plc (LON:KDNC) has noted that European Metals Holdings Limited (LON:EMH) has announced results of locked-cycle testwork, a metallurgical processing assessment conducted on ore concentrate extracted from the Company’s flagship Cinovec lithium project.
Highlights:
· Successful locked-cycle test results further support the Cinovec project’s credentials to initially produce battery-grade lithium carbonate.
· European Metals has demonstrated that Cinovec battery grade lithium carbonate can be easily converted into lithium hydroxide monohydrate with a commonly utilised liming plant process.
· Six LCTs were planned but testwork was stopped after four cycles as the main process stream compositions had successfully stabilised.
· Battery grade lithium carbonate was produced in every LCT with lithium recoveries of up to 92.0% achieved in the four LCTs performed.
· The LCTs tested zinnwaldite concentrate from the southern part of Cinovec, representative of the first five years of mining.
· Improved fluoride removal process step further enhances project’s economic outcomes as a result of the regeneration and reuse of the ion exchange resins.
· Further optimisation work in hydrometallurgy processing steps expected to improve lithium recoveries from concentrate to >92.0%.
The Cinovec project, located on the German border of the Czech Republic, is the largest hard-rock lithium resource in Europe, containing lithium-bearing mica known as zinnwaldite which the Company intends to refine using a number of processes initially outlined in a Pre-Feasibility Study (see ASX Announcement dated: 17 June 2019).
Link here for the full EMH announcement and detailed background on the locked-cycle tests: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/EMH/strong-results-from-locked-cycle-tests/14983163
European Metals Executive Chairman Keith Coughlan commented; “In a significant vote of confidence for our Pre-Feasibility Study, the proposed process methodology has been confirmed by excellent locked-cycle test results which also include new processes involving recycle streams. The robustness of the process was further confirmed by the stabilisation of the process streams, enabling the work to stop after only four of the six test cycles were completed. The recovery of up to 92% of the lithium in the zinnwaldite concentrate at this early stage of DFS testwork is very promising for increased recoveries during the planned process optimisation work. Further, an improved fluoride removal step which is cheaper and cleaner represents only the beginning of further optimisation work which we expect will result in greater lithium recoveries and even stronger economics for the Cinovec Project.
It is also encouraging to note that the process was as successful as that conducted during the 2019 PFS on the Central/NW part of the orebody, further underlying the consistency of the Cinovec ore body.
We look forward to providing further updates on the Definitive Feasibility Study work as it unfolds.”
Cadence CEO Kiran Morzaria added; “These locked-cycle test results further highlight Cinovec’s potential as a future battery grade lithium supply hub for Europe and the rest of the world. Cadence are pleased to remain shareholders and supporters of EMH, and we look forward to further developments.”
Cadence Minerals Holding in EMH
Cadence holds approximately 11% percent of the equity in European Metals, which, through its wholly owned Subsidiary, Geomet s.r.o., controls the mineral exploration licenses awarded by the Czech State over Cinovec.
