Pilbara Completes Key Metallurgical Testwork Program Ahead Of Pilgangoora Definitive Feasibility Study

Australian lithium developer Pilbara Minerals Limited (ASX:PLS) is pleased to advise that it has completed the Phase 2 metallurgical testwork program, representing one of the final work streams for the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) on its flagship 100%-owned Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalum Project in WA. With the completion of this key metallurgical testwork program, the DFS has now entered into its final review and compilation stage, and is expected to be announced to the market towards the end of this month following review by the Pilbara Minerals Board.
Key Points:

• Comprehensive Phase 2 metallurgical testwork program now completed, allowing the process flowsheet to be finalised for inclusion in the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).

• Overall recoveries range between 76% to 78.1% Li2O and significant Ta2O5 recovery improvements in the range of 51% to 3%.

• The proposed three stages of Heavy Media Separation (HMS) outlined in the March PFS has now been reduced to just two stages as a result of the Phase 2 Heavy Liquid Separation (HLS) testwork, which will simplify

• Comprehensive spodumene flotation testwork has been completed with further optimisation work underway.

• A Pilot Plant testwork program has commenced on the HMS phase – flotation program to

• A 4Mtpa Primary Crusher will be installed upfront to facilitate early expansion capability of the

• The DFS encompassing a 2Mtpa base case development of the Pilgangoora Project, together with a PFS on a 4Mtpa expansion in Year 3, is now in its final stages and will be announced to the market towards the end of September following review by the Pilbara Minerals

Whilst the substantial growth in the Pilgangoora Resource and Reserve during the year has necessitated additional site design works to complete the DFS, it has also facilitated an assessment of the expansion opportunities at the Pilgangoora Project.
This, combined with additional engineering completed during the DFS, means that the Company has been able to progress a Prefeasibility level of assessment for the 4Mtpa production case. These results will be published at the same time as the release of the DFS outlining the 2Mtpa base case.
“The scale of the Pilgangoora Resource and Reserve, combined with its distinct location and grade advantages, will underpin a low-cost operation which should be the ‘go-to’ hard-rock lithium project for expanded raw material supply. We look forward to demonstrating its potential,” said Pilbara’s Managing Director and CEO, Ken Brinsden.
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