Argosy Minerals Ltd. has achieved a technical breakthrough at its Rincon lithium project in Argentina, with continuous pilot plant testing reaching exceptionally high product purity and yield.
Two distinct phases of process test works at the 12,000 tonne-per-annum (tpa) operation successfully validated the company’s chemical flowsheet.
Utilising Argosy’s pre-concentrated lithium brine, the pilot plant achieved a headline lithium chloride purity of 99 per cent alongside a maximum lithium recovery yield of 94.4 per cent.
The data gathered during the continuous operations showed that longer running times simultaneously improved system recovery, purity, and operational stability.
This successful validation provides a robust industrial design base to confidently advance the project toward a definitive feasibility study (DFS).
To mitigate upfront capital requirements and reduce technology risks, Argosy is pursuing a deliberate two-stage product development pathway for the 12ktpa project.
Stage 1a focuses on the on-site production of a solid, crystallised lithium chloride intermediate product. Stage 1b will later involve processing this high-purity solid into battery-quality lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide.
By prioritising the intermediate solid product first, the company benefits from a simplified processing flowsheet and reduced operational complexity, while opening up versatile downstream refining options and offtake structures with global strategic partners.
Argosy Minerals Managing Director Jerko Zuvela said: “We are very pleased with the successful progress towards completing the DFS, with the positive test works and results confirming 99 per cent lithium chloride purity providing a strong platform for the continued progress of the engineering and feasibility works currently being conducted.
“These encouraging test works and results are another significant milestone for completing all necessary works towards the full development of our Rincon lithium project.”
