Neometals test-work with CSIRO confirms synthesis of commercial grade zeolite from spodumene leach residue.

Opportunity to add co-product revenue, reduce waste and improve the lithium hydroxide competitive cost position.

Technology is the subject of Neometals' Australian Provisional and International patent applications.

2017 global market for synthetic zeolites (molecular sieves for adsorbents and catalysts) valued at US$13.7B.

Engineering Cost Study underway to accelerate commercialisation activities including pilot scale test work

All downstream lithium processing technology and patents are owned by Reed Advanced Materials Pty Ltd (“RAM”). RAM is beneficially owned 70:30 by the Company and MIN.  

The commercialisation program of the JV Partners patented ELi process will continue separately from arrangements under the aforementioned MOU with primary focus on its application to traditional salar brines as well as spodumene/hard rock supply sources.  

RAM is in discussions with potential users regarding sub‐licensing the ELi Process to produce lithium hydroxide.

Positive results for Feasibility Study (‘FS’) on producing battery grade lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate using the patented ELi^TM Process

The FS cost estimates established to an accuracy of +/‐ 15% confirm a production operation is technically feasible and economically viable

The FS demonstrates an internal rate of return of 51% and a pre‐tax net present value of US$481M using a 12% discount rate

Pilot plant study using run‐of‐mine concentrates is the next step in commercialising ELi  

Work commenced on the project DFS during the quarter and the DFS is on‐schedule for completion in mid‐2016

Presentations given by Prof Ray Wills and Prof Dudley Kingsnorth on the future of batteries, lithium and lithium supplies.

Video: https://youtu.be/R3b4MuT1xA0

Presentation slides: http://www.neometals.com.au/reports/629-All-presentations.pdf

Neometals Ltd  and Mineral Resources Limited are pleased to announce the commencement of a Definitive Feasibility Study on their patented ELi Process, to produce 20,000 tonnes per annum of batterygrade Lithium Hydroxide directly from spodumene concentrates.

Semi- Pilot Plant in US successfully achieves 200hr of operation at 80% efficiency.

Optimisation testwork of semi-pilot plant in USA reduces power consumption by 15%.

Australian patent granted for lithium hydroxide technology.

Works Approval granted, upstream mining and processing project now fully permitted.

Patent for production of high purity Lithium Hydroxide.

Semi- Pilot Plant in US successfully achieves 200hr of operation at 80% efficiency.

Results confirm potential to deliver lowest-quartile operating costs as indicated in Pre- feasibility Study 2012.