Orocobre (ASX: ORE) and Energy Exploration Technologies (EnergyX) announced that they will be working together on the implementation of direct lithium extraction technologies with the objective of promoting sustainable development and innovation in the lithium mining sector.
In a press release, the companies said that they have signed a letter of intent whose main goal is to make clear the terms under which they will be collaborating on addressing some of the challenges associated with the extraction of the metal.
EnergyX is working on scientific innovations to improve lithium extraction and production
In particular, Orocobre is interested in improving its processes at its Olaroz operation, located in northern Argentina, on the Salar de Olaroz brine resource. This is a joint venture with Toyota Tsusho Corporation and the Jujuy Energía y Minería Sociedad del Estado. The company is also in a joint venture with Advantage Lithium to develop the nearby Cauchari lithium project.
According to the media brief, in 2018, Orocobre added 25,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate production capacity, taking full production and capacity to 42,500 tpa of lithium carbonate for sale to industrial, technical and battery markets.
EnergyX, on the other hand, is currently working on scientific innovations to improve both the extraction and production processes by making them more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.