Western Lithium (TSX:WLC,OTCQX:WLCDF) has begun the first of three campaigns aimed at demonstrating the viability of large scale lithium extraction from its lithium-rich clay deposit in Nevada. The first step involves the calcination of lithium clays at the deposit.

As quoted in the press release:

The calcination is the first step to turn the lithium bearing clay into water soluble lithium sulphates, so that a brine can be produced through leaching. The 12 tons per day calcination plant is now operational, while the downstream leaching, crystallization and precipitation process is still under construction and expected to be operational in November 2014. The planned production of lithium compounds will continue through the fall and into the spring of 2015 to determine engineering parameters and equipment selection to complete a definitive feasibility study for the Company’s US patented extraction process. Western Lithium will include a lithium hydroxide circuit, in addition to planned production of lithium carbonate, to meet potential new industry requirements.

Western Lithium CEO, Jay Chmelauskas, said:

We see the potential for Nevada to become a major international hub for lithium production. Recently announced plans to develop the world’s largest lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility within the State of Nevada, provides possible synergies between our businesses. The State has an opportunity to capture the innovation and invention that is taking place across the lithium sector, and our demonstration plant is the next step to establish new technology and to create another significant new business in Nevada.

Click here to read the Western Lithium USA Corporation (TSX:WLC) press release