Battery grade lithium carbonate produced in Keliber’s test program
In a recent test program, Nordic Mining’s associated company Keliber (Nordic Mining owns approximately 25%) has consistently produced battery grade lithium carbonate (>99.5% Li2CO3). The purity of the lithium carbonate samples produced was in the range 99.67% - 99.91% Li2CO3.
As a part of the comprehensive process studies conducted in connection with the forthcoming pre-feasibility study, Keliber has carried out test work together with GTK Mintec and Outotec (Finland) Oyj to develop and optimise its lithium carbonate production process. Lithium carbonate has been produced from spodumene pegmatite ore from the Länttä deposit. Analytical results indicate that high-purity lithium carbonate, including qualities exceeding 99.9% purity, can be produced using the developed process technology.
The battery grade lithium carbonate (>99.5% Li2CO3) is used in the cathode part of the batteries. Lithium carbonate of 99.9% purity is used in the manufacturing of electrolyte solutions for lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are used in electric and hybrid vehicles and electronics like tablets, mobile phones and laptops.
Keliber’s pre-feasibility study is expected to be completed in February 2016.
CEO Ivar S. Fossum comments: “We are pleased with the results from test program. The results demonstrate ability and flexibility to meet the quality requirements in the highest end of the market. The demand for lithium in various applications is developing positively, and prices have increased significantly over the last months.”
For questions please contact CEO Ivar S. Fossum, telephone + 47 930 96 850.
Oslo, 4 February 2016
Nordic Mining ASA
Nordic Mining ASA (www.nordicmining.com)
Nordic Mining ASA (“Nordic Mining” or “the Company”) is a resource company with focus on high-end industrial minerals and metals in Norway and internationally. The Company’s project portfolio is of high international standard and holds a significant economic potential. The Company’s assets are in the Nordic region.
Through the subsidiary Nordic Rutile AS Nordic Mining is undertaking a large-scale project development at Engebøfjellet in Sogn and Fjordane where the Company has rights and permits to a substantial eclogite deposit with rutile and garnet. Permits for the project were granted by the Norwegian government in April 2015. Nordic Mining has rights for exploration and production of high-purity quartz in Kvinnherad in Hordaland and develops the project through its subsidiary Nordic Quartz AS. Nordic Mining’s associated company Keliber Oy in Finland plans to start mining of lithium bearing spodumene and production of lithium carbonate. Nordic Mining holds exploration rights on the Øksfjord Peninsula in Troms and Finnmark, where the Company has discovered a prospective area of sulphide mineralisation. Through the subsidiary Nordic Ocean Resources AS, Nordic Mining is exploring opportunities related to seabed mineral resources.
Nordic Mining is listed on Oslo Axess.