European Metals Holdings Ltd (AIM:EMH, ASX:EMH, OTCQX:EMHLF) (EMH) has said it is delighted with results from metallurgy tests on ore from its Cinovec lithium deposit, with a flotation process repeatedly hitting more than 95% recoveries.
Flotation is a process that crucially does not involve the use of acid so is cheaper and less environmentally damaging.
“Testing and optimisation of flotation for the concentration of zinnwaldite in fine ore has exceeded expectations and further demonstrated the potential for high overall lithium recoveries when combined with magnetic separation for the coarse particle size ranges,” the company said a statement.
Keith Coughlan, EMH’s executive chairman, added: “The exceptional lithium extraction results are outstanding and further underline the commercial viability of operations at Cinovec. These results show repeatability of >95% lithium recovery at neutral pH and confirm both capex and opex reductions, demonstrating the strong operational viability of the FECAB plant.
“The neutral pH of the flotation further enhances the already strong ESG credentials of the Cinovec Project particularly when compared to the acid flotation used on micas elsewhere around the globe.
“We expect the current test work to be completed by the end of June and will publish the full results.”
Metallurgy tests are a key part of a definitive feasibility study currently being prepared for Cinovec and that remains on schedule for completion in the fourth quarter of this year, said EMH.
The Cinovec deposit is in the Czech Republic and is being developed as a joint venture (Geomet) with the state-owned power group CEZ.