CleanTech Lithium Announces Positive Progress on Lithium Processing Technology
Why we think this is good
The RNS provides positive updates on CleanTech Lithium's progress in testing a new nanofiltration membrane technology developed by DuPont, which has demonstrated high impurity removal and lithium recovery rates. This is an important step forward in the company's efforts to develop a sustainable lithium production process using direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. However, the lack of information on the company's overall project status and timeline for commercialization tempers the positive sentiment.
Key Points
- Successful test-work on DuPont's new nanofiltration membrane technology for CleanTech Lithium's DLE process
- High impurity removal and lithium recovery rates demonstrated in the trials
- Effectiveness of NF membrane at high eluate concentrations suggests potential for reduced Capex and Opex
- Company committed to sustainable lithium production using DLE technology
Summary
CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL), an innovative sustainable lithium developer in Chile, has announced positive progress on its collaboration with DuPont Water Solutions to test a new nanofiltration (NF) membrane technology for its direct lithium extraction (DLE) process. The test-work focused on processing eluate from CleanTech Lithium's DLE pilot plant and demonstrated very high rejection rates for impurities like calcium and magnesium, while maintaining lithium recovery rates of 94% and 92%. The effectiveness of the NF membrane at high eluate concentrations is positive for reducing capital and operating costs as the company progresses towards commercialization.