Infinity eyes lithium hydroxide output in Spain

Australia-based lithium developer Infinity Lithium is investigating the viability of producing lithium hydroxide from its San Jose joint-venture lithium project in Spain.

An option study that demonstrated the project's ability to produce lithium hydroxide has been completed. A scoping study is now being undertaken and will be completed by the end of September.

Independent testing by consulting firm Dorfner Anzoplan has confirmed the ability of the project to deliver battery grade lithium carbonate at a rate of around 15,000 t/yr.

"The lithium hydroxide study is designed to provide optionality to the joint venture and potential partners for the consideration of an alternative product," the company said.

Lithium hydroxide commands a price premium to lithium carbonate. Lithium hydroxide is priced at around $18,000/t in China compared to around $14,000/t for lithium carbonate.

Infinity Lithium, previously called Plymouth Minerals, is developing San Jose in conjunction with Spanish company Mineria Valoriza. The project has a mineral resource of 112mn t grading 0.6pc lithium oxide and is estimated to contain around 1.6mn t of lithium carbonate equivalent.