Millennial Lithium of Vancouver says the feasibility study for its Pastos Grandes project in the province of Salta is positive. The project will produce battery grade lithium carbonate.
The Pastos Grandes lithium project has a life of 40 years and targeted production of 24,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year. It carries an after tax net present value (8% discount) of US$1.03 billion and an internal rate of return after taxes will be 24.2%. The estimated total capex is US$448.2 million and the operating cost is US$3,388 per tonne of lithium carbonate produced. The operation will rely on solar evaporation technology and conventional lithium brine processing.
A pilot plan is currently being assembled on site.
(This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal)