Clontarf Energy plc could submit bids for a direct lithium extraction project from seven priority salt pans, or salares, in Potosí and Oruro, Bolivia.
PILOT PLANT
The company’s joint venture with US-based NEXT-ChemX Corporation plans a pilot plant in Bolivia in partnership with state-owned lithium company YLB* by the end of 2024.
On 26 January, YLB initiated its second call for bids, targeting large and medium-sized salares with scope for direct lithium extraction proposals.
Clontarf said that the major ‘convocatoria’ applied to all commercial evaporite products, with a special focus on battery grade lithium salts.
“Clontarf has been encouraged to submit bids on further development of the key Uyuni, Coipasa, Pastos Grandes, Capina, Cañapa, Chiguana and Empexa salares.
“These are the priority salt pans identified by Clontarf’s technical team in 2018.”
Sampling and initial tests on most of the salares showed “highly encouraging” initial laboratory results on the official YLB samples.
Lithium levels were high in the key samples with impurities “not expected to trouble” the JV’s direct lithium extraction process.
Clontarf said that the JV’s technical process and key components, especially sensors and membranes, were being “fine-tuned and upgraded” in accordance with brine composition, including impurities levels.
This involves further improvements in membrane design and construction, as well as fine-tuning the planned plants’ layouts for best results.
The JV had planned to test various lithium brines during Q2 2023 but has now set the date for Q2 2024 to achieve better results over longer periods.
Meanwhile key commissioning staff are mobilising and the pilot plant is being assembled.
Clontarf is also participating in the priority European Union lithium initiative, which has involved an EU delegation to Bolivia and Argentina during November and December 2023, site visits and “high-level” meetings.
The company added that the initiative may lead to additional co-operation agreements and benefit from EU support.
Chairman David Horgan added that the new convocatoria gave both sides a legally-binding basis for exploration and development agreements in joint venture with national authorities.
“For Clontarf, this represents a vindication of years of work since 2018.
“Similarly, the EU Commission’s critical minerals initiative is something we have argued for since 2008.
“The high-powered EU delegation to Bolivia and Argentina during late 2023 studied how critical South American brines are to supplying adequate volumes of premium clean battery-grade lithium.
“Follow-up discussions are scheduled during February 2024. Clontarf will participate vigorously in this initiative.
“Our team is active in South America and elsewhere. We are keen to accelerate work in accordance with local regulations. Our long-term plan is developing as hoped.”
*Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos