LITHIUM: Nemaska commissions electrolysis cell at plant

QUEBEC – Nemaska Lithium of Quebec City has successfully commissioned the electrolysis cell of its phase one plant in Shawinigan. The cell is being fed with synthetic lithium sulphate in a closed loop arrangement. The cell convers lithium sulphate (Li₂SO₄) solution into lithium hydroxide (LiOH) solution on a continuous basis. [caption id="attachment_1003717110" align="alignright" width="300"] Nemaska’s hydrometallurgical plant in Shawinigan, Que., will treat spodumene concentrate from the Whabouchi mine.[/caption] The next step is to produce LiOH from Li₂SO₄ solution provided by a client. This will test the removal of impurities, how the cells behave, and the crystallization process. Then initial LiOH samples will be sent to a customer in Q1 2017 for quality control purposes. Nemaska will then commission the calcination and roasting sections. The it can begin processing spodumene concentrate from the Whabouchi mine 300 km northwest of Chibougamau in the second quarter. For an up-close look at the progress being made at the Whabouchi lithium mine and Shawinigan phase one plant, take a tour at https://vimeo.com/202417527.