en.Wedoany.com Reported - PMET Resources Inc. has completed a concept study evaluating the potential for on-site processing of spodumene concentrate from its Shaakichiuwaanaan Project in Quebec, Canada, into higher-value lithium chemical products. Based on the resource scale and grade advantages already demonstrated in the 2025 feasibility study, the research aims to leverage local low-cost renewable hydroelectric power to build a low-carbon lithium chemical supply chain oriented toward the West.
The traditional hard-rock lithium supply chain typically involves shipping concentrate from the mine to overseas refineries, resulting in significant efficiency and carbon emission issues. This concept study evaluated seven chemical processing technologies through multi-factor assessment, ultimately selecting the proprietary atmospheric leaching process (ALi® process) from Primero Group. This process replaces traditional high-temperature sulfuric acid roasting with alkaline chemistry, reducing energy intensity and reagent consumption while generating cleaner residue streams.
As part of the second phase of the study, small-scale tests were conducted at the ALS Metallurgy Laboratory in Balcatta, Western Australia, using approximately 10 kilograms of Shaakichiuwaanaan spodumene concentrate. After calcination at 1050°C for 30 minutes, the conversion rate of spodumene from alpha phase to beta phase reached 98.8%. Using the ALi® process, the laboratory lithium extraction rate was 93.6%, with an overall process recovery rate of 92.5%. Analysis by Intertek showed that the final lithium carbonate product achieved a purity of 99.8%, with impurity levels below the limits of the 2023 Chinese lithium carbonate standard, classifying it as battery-grade product.
On-site processing is expected to significantly optimize existing logistics. Currently, spodumene concentrate from this project requires 844 kilometers of truck transport and 1,075 kilometers of rail transport to reach the port, resulting in high transportation costs and carbon emission burdens. On-site conversion can substantially reduce total transport tonnage. The next phase of work will focus on advancing the ALi® process to a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) level of detail, including additional testing, process design, and detailed logistics studies.
Frederic Mercier-Langevin, the company's Chief Operating and Development Officer, stated that the small-scale test results demonstrate that battery-grade purity is achievable, and utilizing Quebec's hydroelectric resources can significantly reduce logistics costs and carbon emissions. President, CEO, and Managing Director Ken Brinsden noted that the study points to the potential for redefining the supply chain, and refining battery-grade lithium at the mine gate can help establish a stable, low-carbon Western supply chain.
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