Highlights

• QLPH concentrator engineering study is advancing at an impressive pace.
• The concentrator is rated at a 1 Mtpa processing rate with an assumed feed grade of 1.1% Li₂
• The study is being conducted by Primero Group Limited following a 4-stage design.
• Primero has completed a Block Flow Diagram and Process Flow Diagrams for the plant.

Lithium Universe Limited (ASX: LU7) has hailed progress made by Primero Group Limited in the engineering study on its multi-purpose concentrator at the Québec Lithium Processing Hub (QLPH).

QLPH underpins the company’s Canadian lithium production strategy.

Data source: company update

Four-stage crushing process

As per a design flow sheet, a four-stage crushing process is planned to produce crushed ore of 0.85-6mm size.

The process will result in spodumene planned to be filtered and blended with the final spodumene concentrate.

Later, two streams will be created from the material recovered either of <3mm or >3mm. The two streams will be directed through two-stage dense media separation units. The spodumene recovered from both streams will be blended together and stored. The plant will be winterized to allow proper functionality in the Québec climate.

The design of the plant includes a flotation unit, which will make the plant more resilient to process different ore types from the James Bay, Québec region, improving its capacity for a variety of ore types and adding strength in operations.

As of now, Primero has prepared Process Flow Diagrams (PFD) along with a Block Flow Diagram (BFD). Also, a Mass Balance as well as a Process Design Criteria (PDC) has been delivered.

Now, the work has been started on the Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) to develop a layout of instrumentation, equipment, process streams, and control logic.

Concurrently, Primero has kick started producing datasheets using data obtained from the Mass Balance and PDC.

Detailed deliverables status from Primero

Image source: Company Update

LU7 shares gain

LU7 shares traded higher by 2.7% to AU$0.038 apiece midday on 28 November 2023.