Frontier Lithium moves closer to the feasibility of a processing plant

By Kevin Vincent
The global demand for lithium has a set of crosshairs focused on northwestern Ontario.
Frontier Lithium Inc. announced in late October that it has successfully produced battery-quality lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LiOH-H2O). The achievement was through a reputable third-party firm using its crystallization process technology from a purified lithium hydroxide (LiOH) solution produced by Frontier Lithium. The lithium salts were produced from ‘ore-to-hydroxide’ sulphate conversion route by a mini-pilot plant using core samples taken from the PAK Lithium Project’s PAK deposit.
Trevor Walker, President and CEO of Frontier Lithium stated, “We continue to progress, de-risk and execute on our plan to build a fully-integrated lithium chemicals company to service the global battery and electric vehicle industry.” He also added “We are looking to complete lithium chemicals process selection by year-end and will then commence subsequent piloting and demonstration programs necessary to deliver the feasibility of an optimized process with innovative technology necessary for building a commercial lithium chemical processing plant in North America.”

 

The program results reflect Frontier’s ability to produce concentrate and lithium hydroxide from the PAK Lithium Project. The Government of Ontario is financially supporting the program of conventional direct conversion sulphate and novel sulfate-free processing of spodumene concentrates. The test work will support the PFS study currently being conducted to assess the viability of a vertically integrated chemical company through operation of a spodumene mine and concentrator at the PAK Lithium Project to feed lithium chemicals plant operation in the Great Lakes region of North America.
Shortly before the October announcement, Frontier announced the results of the remaining three delineation drill hole drilled during The Phase IX drill program in February and March, 2021 on the Spark pegmatite. Although drilling was completed on March 19th 2021, analytical results had been delayed due mainly to the COVID Pandemic.
The Spark deposit has a large surface exposure, broad mineralized zones and remains open in all directions, with the most significant upside at depth and to the southwest;
Diamond Drill Hole (“DDH”) PL-046-21 was collared in mafic host rock and intersected 320.6 m of pegmatite averaging 1.68% Li2O (49.7 to 370.3 m);
- Includes 94.5m averaging 2.33% Li2O;
- Includes high grade zone of 27m of 3.41% Li2O;
- The intersection represents a horizontal width of nearly 225 m for the Spark pegmatite assuming a WSW trend;
Hole PL-047-19 was collared in pegmatite suggesting a southwest trend for the pegmatite body.
Hole PL-049-19 targeted the area between the two main sets of surface channels from the south and intersected three 15 to 40m pegmatite zones averaging 1.3 to 1.6% Li2O.
“These results confirm continuity of the pegmatite and lithium grades between holes PL-038-19, PL-039-19 and PL-042-19 and the surface exposures of the pegmatite,” said Garth Drever, V.P. Exploration, “Hole PL-046-19 is a significant step in the process of upgrading Inferred to Measured and Indicated.”
Frontier Lithium is an emerging lithium mineral and chemicals company focused on the development of its 100%-owned PAK Lithium Project in northwestern Ontario. With increased ‘local’ supply chain desires around the world the Company’s objective is to become a strategic domestic supplier. The company is aiming to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide and other chemicals to the growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets in North America as well as premium mineral concentrates supplier for high quality glass manufacturers.
Frontier maintains the largest land position and resource in a new premium lithium mineral district located in Ontario’s Great Lakes region. The region is advantaged by favourable geology, proven metallurgy with access to intermodal hubs, infrastructure, power, and mining along with downstream lithium processing expertise for auto OEM’s future Li-Ion battery requirements.

 Frontier Lithium's President & CEO Trevor Walker will be speaking at the Mining the Northwest Virtual Conference on November 30th. Register online, attend the event and your name will be entered into a draw to win 1 troy ounce of gold. Click on the link below to register.

 

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