Argosy produces first lithium at Rincon

Perth-based lithium developer Argosy Minerals has produced battery grade lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) from stage one of its Rincon lithium project in Argentina and is preparing to deliver samples to international cathode and battery makers.

Around 30kg of LCE grading 99.6pc lithium carbonate has been produced at the project's stage one plant and will form the basis of a chemical production pathway for stages two and three of the Rincon project.

Argosy announced in June a maiden mineral resource of 207,957t of LCE at Rincon, which is located in the Salta province within the so-called lithium triangle that straddles Argentina, Chile and Bolivia.

The project's first LCE output — pending verification of production specifications — will provide the basis for progressing preliminary offtake discussions.

The overall supply-demand balance for lithium chemicals continues to be tight as conversion plants have experienced technical difficulties in commissioning new capacity and converting new supply, the company said in commenting on the lithium market.

There will continue to be a shortfall of supply of battery grade lithium chemical products in carbonate or hydroxide form, it added.