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BH24 Reporter
HARARE – Australian Stock Exchange-listed mining firm Prospect Resources says commissioning has commenced at its battery grade lithium carbonate pilot plant in Kwekwe.
The firm expects ramp up to full pilot production rate of over 100 kg per month of battery grade lithium carbonate expected during the second quarter of 2018.
“Prospect Resources has established a laboratory complex in the Kwekwe area which is now fully functional and supporting the laboratory scale and pilot scale production of lithium carbonate,” it said.
According to the firm, the laboratory achievements to date include: recruitment and training of a team of assayers, chemists and engineers; development of an in-house capacity for metallurgical test work including flotation and leaching test work; and full implementation of a laboratory scale lithium carbonate production process to demonstrate the amenability and viability of converting Arcadia 4 percent Li 2O Petalite concentrates into battery grade lithium carbonate.
Commenting on the development chairman Mr Hugh Warner said:
“This is a significant achievement for both Prospect Resources and Zimbabwe. Producing high grade battery quality lithium carbonate that exceeds industry norms bodes well for the ultimate company goal of a large scale lithium carbonate facility in-country.
“This entire process has been designed and built in-country using local skills and services further demonstrating the business friendly environment that Zimbabwe is rapidly becoming.”
Online Reporter