The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) and the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) have released a technical framework dealing with lithium orebodies.
The framework, The Geology, Mineralogy and Geometallurgy of EV Materials Deposits in WA, is applicable to the mining and processing optimisation of lithium.
Led by Curtin University’s John de Laeter Centre, a systematic comparative study was undertaken of key lithium orebodies across the State.
The report leading to the framework is expected to be an important resource to assist industry professionals identify factors influencing the recovery of different ore types in the pegmatite fields studied.
“Western Australia is the world’s largest producer of lithium, but with the projected global demand for lithium expected to exceed supply, it is vital to ensure a comprehensive understanding of lithium orebodies in the State,” the report states.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Bill Johnston said the Government was committed to the further development of a chemical industry in the State.
“While I was in South Korea and Japan recently, keen interest was shown in our lithium resources,” Mr Johnston said.
“Given this interest, companies will be able to use this information to understand the orebodies and consider preferred downstream processing options.”
Director of the John de Laeter Centre, Brent McInnes said despite more than a century of resource development experience in Western Australia, the onshore processing of hard rock lithium deposits was a relatively new industry.
“This project has shed light on WA lithium deposits and provides a new geometallurgical framework applicable to mining and processing optimisation,” Professor McInnes said.
