Perth-based lithium explorer, Atlantic Lithium, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Ghana.
The purpose of this collaboration is to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on the possibility of generating feldspar feedstock as a by-product of spodumene production at the Ewoyaa lithium project.
Notably, the definitive feasibility study (DFS) carried out earlier this year regarding the Ewoyaa project did not include an evaluation of feldspar production.
Atlantic Lithium has announced that its partnership with UMaT aims to evaluate the potential market conditions and the commercial, technical, and financial feasibility of producing feldspar, silica, and muscovite as by-products.
The findings from this study will provide recommendations on the viability of feldspar production and will outline a high-level timeline for implementation.
Atlantic’s CEO, Keith Muller, has expressed the belief that the Ewoyaa lithium project could emerge as a significant source of feldspar, which is widely used in ceramics and related industries.
He emphasized that the introduction of feldspar production at Ewoyaa could bring substantial value not only to Ghana but also to the overall lithium project.
Muller further stated, “In collaboration with UMaT, we are conducting a comprehensive study that takes into account market analysis, technical requirements, financial aspects, and potential risks to assess the feasibility of feldspar production and processing.”
Muller also pointed out that this endeavor could bolster Ghana’s ceramics market by establishing a consistent supply of feldspar from Ewoyaa, thereby driving job creation and fostering the growth of associated businesses within the industry.
Atlantic Lithium envisions bringing synergistic benefits to local stakeholders through the Ewoyaa lithium project.
Moreover, Muller highlighted the environmental advantages associated with feldspar production, which could help minimize the mine’s waste footprint and contribute to sustainable practices.
Simultaneously, Atlantic Lithium has initiated a sodium analysis of archive drilling pulps to develop an initial mineral resource estimate for feldspar, potentially enhancing the economic prospects of the project.
The previous DFS estimated the project’s capital cost at $185 million for a 12-year mine life, targeting a spodumene concentrate production of 3.6 million tonnes.
The study also projected a post-tax net present value of $1.5 billion, with a free cash flow of $2.4 billion and cumulative revenues of $6.6 billion over the project’s lifespan.
Additionally, the DFS anticipated cash operating costs of $377 per tonne of concentrate free-on-board, factoring in by-product credits from conventional opencut mining, along with an all-in sustaining cost of $610 per tonne.
