Pilbara Minerals and environmental technology company, Calix, have announced that a final investment decision has been made on a joint venture (JV) to construct and operate a Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant.
The project seeks to demonstrate the potential to reduce carbon emissions intensity for the hard-rock lithium supply chain via the creation of a high-purity lithium-rich chemical salt (Mid-Stream Product or lithium phosphate) using electric calcination that could be powered from renewable energy when available.
The demonstration project is being supported by the Federal Government through a $20 million Modern Manufacturing Initiative Grant.
Market engagement with participants in the battery and chemicals supply chain has encouraged the pursuit of the Mid-Stream Product and confirmed that it has strong potential to be an improved lithium feedstock for the lithium chemicals industry.
Life Cycle Assessment studies commissioned by Pilbara Minerals have calculated that when using 100 per cent renewable electricity for electric calcination, the carbon emissions intensity of spodumene calcination can be reduced by more than 90 per cent when compared to using coal as the primary source of thermal energy in rotary kiln calcination, and by more than 80 per cent when compared to the use of natural gas.
The assessments conclude that successful implementation of electric calcination on-site at a spodumene mine and concentrator could materially reduce carbon emissions intensity associated with spodumene calcination by more than 3kg of CO² equivalent per kilogram of LiOHᐧH₂O when using renewable energy compared to using coal as the thermal energy source in rotary kiln calcination.
Potential reductions in carbon emissions are also anticipated from producing a Mid-stream Product by avoiding the transport of waste associated with spodumene concentrate.
Pilbara Minerals’ Managing Director and CEO, Dale Henderson, said that following further studies and pilot test work, Pilbara Minerals is delighted to be taking the next step in its mid-stream strategy with the construction and operation of a Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant.
“The mid-stream strategy has potential to materially improve the battery materials supply chain for lithium through reduction in carbon energy intensity, reduction in transport volumes and creating more value at the mine site,” Mr Henderson said.
“It has the potential to be a game changer compared to the traditional spodumene to chemicals processing route.
“The demonstration plant with Calix is an important step to further the development of the technology with the aim of commercialising the technology for application at the Pilgangoora operation and across the lithium industry through our commercialisation joint venture with Calix. This could, in time, open up an additional revenue stream for the company.
Mr Henderson also acknowledged the financial contribution of the Federal Government to the demonstration plant project through the $20 million Modern Manufacturing Initiative Grant.
“It’s great to see the Federal Government supporting Australian innovation in the critical minerals industry,” Mr Henderson said.
Calix CEO and Managing Director, Phil Hodgson, said that Calix is delighted that the project has passed the final investment decision milestone.
“Together with Pilbara Minerals, we look forward to demonstrating the potential of our electric calcination technology to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of Australian lithium,” Mr Hodgson said.
“The success of the joint venture will also showcase the opportunity of combining Australian mineral and renewable energy resources with innovative Australian technology to enable the reliable and sustainable supply of value-added critical minerals to the world.”
