- Metallurgical testing underway for Lithium Universe’s (ASX:LU7) carbonate refinery
- Capability to process spodumene from any global source
- Dr. Jingyuan Liu oversees the successful first program, achieving 99.7 per cent lithium carbonate
- LU7 strategically positions itself amid a decline in lithium prices
- Lithium Universe last traded at 2.2 cents
Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) has initiated a comprehensive test program for its lithium carbonate refinery, aimed at addressing the conversion capacity gap in the North American market.
Under the guidance of lithium expert Dr Jingyuan Liu, the testing program seeks to design a downstream standalone lithium refinery with the capability to efficiently process a wide range of spodumene feedstocks from all parts of the world.
The company has collected samples from Australia and South America, representing diverse lithium grades, particle sizes, and impurities.
This adaptability ensures operational continuity and stability while offering optionality in spodumene feedstock as the Canadian supply chain develops.
The proposed refinery site, with port and river access, further positions Lithium Universe to import spodumene from Africa and South America, enhancing its global supply flexibility.
The ongoing metallurgical testing replicates the lithium carbonate process established for the proposed Québec Lithium Carbonate Refinery.
“I appreciate Dr Jingyuan Liu’s outstanding efforts and connections that enabled the initiation of this test work program six months post-listing,” LU7 Chairman Iggy Tan said.
The program is strategically designed to demonstrate the viability of generating battery-grade lithium carbonate from various spodumene concentrates available in the market.
Despite a decline in lithium prices affecting the industry, Lithium Universe remains proactive, viewing the current market conditions as an advantageous window to finalise feasibility studies before the next cycle.
The comprehensive test program involves multiple key steps, transforming spodumene into high-purity battery-grade lithium carbonate. The program spans several weeks, with the first successful program achieving 99.7 per cent lithium carbonate, exceeding the international battery-grade specification of 99.5 per cent lithium carbonate.
This initiative aligns with the engineering study conducted by Hatch Ltd for the Québec Lithium Processing Hub, reinforcing Lithium Universe’s commitment to developing a multi-purpose, high-capacity battery-grade lithium carbonate refinery with a target production of 16,000 metric tons per annum.
LU7 last traded at 2.2 cents.