Lepidico Ltd’s proposed Phase 1 Project involves the development of an integrated lithium mine and concentrator in Namibia along with the development of a chemical conversion plant to be built within the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD).
Today, the company announced the Preliminary Environmental Review (PER) for the Phase 1 Chemical Plant site within the KIZAD has been approved by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
The Phase 1 Chemical Plant is designed to process 56,700 tonnes per annum (tpa) (dry basis) of lithium mica/amblygonite concentrate at a feed grade of up to 4 per cent Li2O for production capacity of 5,600tpa of lithium hydroxide. The overall lithium recovery from concentrate to lithium hydroxide is estimated at 90 per cent.
The company has confirmed that all permits are also in place for the re-development of the Rubicon and Helikon 1 mines in Namibia and the development of a mineral concentrator at Rubicon.
Major permits include the Mining Licence (ML204), water extraction permit and Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
A separate ECC has also been awarded for the overhead power transmission line.
Lepidico’s Managing Director, Joe Walsh, said approval of the PER and the environmental approval to construct the Chemical Plant is a major advancement for the project.
“The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Abu Dhabi facility also identifies minimal environmental and social impacts from the development and operation over its 14 year plus life. Consideration is now being given to investment in early works and services programmes that will prioritise various critical path workstream to tighten up the project’s development timetable. Excellent progress continues to be made with regards to product offtake and project finance,” Mr Walsh said.
