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Volt Lithium says achieved 'remarkable' pilot project results, targets production for the second half of next year

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(Kitco News) - Volt Lithium (TSX-V: VLT) today announced the results from a successful pilot project to test its proprietary direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology in a simulated commercial environment.

In a statement, Volt Lithium said that the pilot project proved the company's ability to achieve lithium recoveries of 90% based on concentrations of only 34 mg/L.

The company added it also simulated operating conditions at concentrations of 120mg/L and achieved recoveries of up to 97% with operating costs under CAD$4,000 per tonne, assuming sustained average annual production of 20,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM).

Importantly, Volt Lithium noted that in an "unprecedented result," the pilot project proved the company's DLE technology can maintain 90% lithium recoveries in concentrations as low as 34 mg/L, and still maintain commercial economics, "an achievement that has yet to be reported by other lithium producers." 

The company also pointed out that the pilot project results set the stage for preparation of a preliminary economic assessment.

President and CEO Alex Wylie commented, "Volt has achieved remarkable and ground-breaking results through the pilot project, and achieved an impressive 97% recovery rate with 120 mg/L concentrations under simulated operating conditions. I want to thank the entire R&D, operational and engineering teams for their dedication and hard work in successfully executing this first phase.

"These results confirm that Volt's proprietary technology is a true game-changer. With this accomplishment, we are poised to lead the way in North America as the first commercial producer of lithium from oilfield brines, which we are targeting for the second half of next year."

Volt is a lithium development and technology company aiming to be North America's first commercial producer of LHM and lithium carbonates from oilfield brine.

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By

Vladimir Basov

For Kitco News

Contact vbasov@kitco.com
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