Summary
- Lake Resources has dispatched samples of its lithium carbonate to Novonix for producing high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
- Novonix shall produce NMC622- based lithium-ion battery test cells by using its pilot cell line along with commercial battery cathode precursor materials.
- Hazen Research shall continue to produce high-purity 5kg-6kg carbonate samples derived from the initial 20,000 litres of Kachi brines.
High-quality lithium producer, Lake Resources N.L. (ASX:LKE) has been looking to assist in producing lithium-ion batteries via its Kachi Lithium Brine Project that churns out high-quality Lithium Carbonate. With the latest development, the Company is lot nearer to achieving this milestone.
Lithium Carbonate Dispatched to Novonix
On 26 November 2020, LKE notified that Hazen Research Inc, an independent third-party laboratory, has dispatched LKE’s high-purity 99.97% lithium carbonate to Novonix Battery Technology Solutions to produce NMC622- based lithium-ion battery test cells.
Previous Update: ASX-listed LKE cranks up Kachi Lithium Brine Project with Shallow Drill Testing
By applying pilot cell line of Novonix, these high-purity lithium carbonate samples will be used to to produce an NMC622 cathode. This shall further be processed into NMC622 lithium-ion batteries for testing.
This will enable r LKE as well as its potential partners and customers to make straightforward and related comparisons with the performance of LKE’s lithium product in typical battery chemistries.
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Novonix Limited (ASX:NVX) offers high accuracy battery testing equipment to Tier 1 battery makers, including Samsung, Panasonic, SK Innovation, CATL, Bosch, LG Chem, Dyson and Honda.
Currently, NVX is preparing to commence testing of LKE’s lithium carbonate with the initial cathode precursor lithiation followed by full pilot-scale evaluation.
According to NVX, the testing process is expected to take at least four months’ time, and the initial results are expected within around two months (in February) after producing the cathode material.
Steve Promnitz, Managing Director of LKE, believes that the current Novonix program is a significant milestone for the Company and the delivery of first result is on track as per the Schedule.
He further added:
Interesting Read: Lake Resources Zooms ~9% on ASX; New Research Reflects Kachi Project’s High Potential
Hazen Continues To Produce Lithium Carbonate
During this process, Hazen shall continue to produce lithium carbonate aiming at 5kg-6kg of samples in this round developed from the initial 20,000 litres of Kachi brines. Lilac has another 20,000 litres of brine stored, while more brines are presently being primed for transportation from site to generate more samples in order to meet the growing demand.
A simple flowsheet excluding any projected changes to the operating costs earlier predicted in the Pre-Feasibility Study of Kachi has returned high-purity lithium carbonate results. These results are of significance for the Company as well as the sector.
September Quarter Update: Lake Resources (ASX:LKE) serves up a sparkling September Quarter, Produces Battery Quality Lithium Carbonates
Significantly, having low impurity samples directly impacts the process of determining the battery quality, pricing and acceptance of lithium products. Based on this, LKE expects its high-purity lithium carbonate to attract premium prices.
LKE share price closed at A$0.062, with a market capitalisation of A$47.52 million on 26 November 2020.
