Lithium South – Test Work / Development Work / Business Developments Update.
Lithium South Development Corporation (the “Company” or “Lithium South”) (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) is pleased to provide an update regarding test work, on site development work, and business developments.
Lithium Iron Phosphate Test Work
The Company is pleased to report the laboratory scale production of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) directly from concentrated brine obtained from its Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project (HMN Li Project), located in Salta Province, Argentina. Test work was undertaken in cooperation with an independent laboratory based in (note 1). Salta, Argentina. The product was then forwarded to the Research and Development Center for Advanced Materials and Energy Storage (CIDMEJu), located in Jujuy province, Argentina. At this facility, a basic operating button type battery was constructed using the HMN Li Project LiFePO4 product. This facility is part of the CONICET / National Scientific and Technical Research Council, an Argentine government agency which directs and co-ordinates most of the technical and scientific research done in Argentine universities and institutes.
The laboratory (patent pending) process resulted in a LiFePO4 product directly from lithium chloride, eliminating the need for lithium carbonate. LiFePO4 batteries (LFP) are being utilized by Tesla, BYD and others due to their lower manufacturing costs, long cycle life and high-power density. LFP batteries are cobalt free and are finding increased demand in utility scale stationary applications in addition to the Electric Vehicle market. LFP demand is expected to rise considerably over the coming years
The LiFePO4 battery test work is important to Lithium South as it is helping to define potential options for the production of higher priced value-added lithium products. Evaporation test work is also continuing at the HMN Li Project site as part of the process validation for a planned Feasibility Study.
HMN Li Project Site
At the HMN Li Project Alba Sabrina claim block, a second phase pump test is being planned for well PW23-AS-02, a 400-meter-deep production well. With recent test work indicating a good pumping rate from a single pump, it has been determined that two pumps down the same hole will be necessary to provide additional brine lift and to fully evaluate the wells pumping capacity. The Company is in the process of acquiring two new pumps and support equipment to continue the test work. In addition, the Company plans to conduct new pumping tests on the Tramo and Natalia Maria claim blocks.
Business Discussions
Management is in ongoing discussions with several automotive and lithium industry corporations regarding potential strategic alliances or business arrangements. In spite of a challenging market environment, project interest remains high. These discussions include a bulk sample site visit planned for one interested party in September. Management remains on a trading blackout.
Mr. William Feyerabend, CPG, a Consulting Geologist and Qualified Person under NI 43-101, participated in the production of this news release and approves of the scientific and technical disclosure.
READ the latest Batteries News shaping the battery market
Lithium South – Test Work / Development Work / Business Developments Update. source
