Clontarf Energy plc has signed a formal joint venture (JV) agreement with NEXT-ChemX for ion-targeting direct lithium extraction (iTDE) in Bolivia.
TECHNOLOGY
The deal follows February’s heads of agreement for the 50-50 JV to demonstrate the technical, commercial and environmental feasibility of iTDE.
The JV will hold exclusive rights to deploy and commercialise NEXT-ChemX’s iTDE technology in Bolivia, and is governed by the laws of the State of Texas.
The two companies will co-ordinate with the Bolivian authorities to sample, test and potentially produce lithium salts.
PILOT PLANT
Clontarf said that the JV would first confirm the technical, commercial and environmental feasibility of the iTDE technology in a pilot plant to be constructed in Austin, Texas.
Subject to agreement with the Bolivian authorities and further funding, the JV plans to deploy a pilot plant in Bolivia in partnership with the state-owned lithium company, YLB.
Clontarf is also separately in discussions with lithium brine developers outside of Bolivia regarding potential partnering arrangements.
“The final piping and instrumentation diagramme (P&ID) engineering for the pilot plant is complete, based on modular 40-foot containers specifically designed for the chemistry of the ions to be extracted from a brine,” added the company in a statement.
“Custom designed hollow fibre membranes have been produced and a production system has been designed for immediate erection of the pilot plant.”
The JV plans to test various lithium brines, subject to approval, during Q2 2023.
BRINE POTENTIAL
Chairman David Horgan said that delay in Bolivian lithium production was because of the shortcomings of evaporative ponds at high altitude, some rainfall and impurity levels.
“The only solution is direct lithium extraction technology.
“Any Bolivian operations will conform with applicable laws, in partnership with the state lithium company, and respect high international operating standards.
“The joint venture’s ion-targeting direct lithium extraction technology may unlock some of Bolivia’s brine potential, by reducing water use by 95%, minimising plant footprint and increasing output to meet surging demand.”
BOLIVIA
Bolivia has more lithium than any other country at 21 million tonnes, according to the US Geological Survey.
At the end of January YLB signed a $1 billion project deal with a group of Chinese firms including mining company CMOC and battery maker CATL.
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