The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia has released a new report into mining and processing optimisation for lithium mining in WA.
The Geology, Mineralogy and Geometallurgy of EV Materials Deposits in Western Australia report is a systematic comparative study on known lithium systems across WA, aimed at providing a geometallurgical understanding of each unique orebody.
The report found that a higher degree of mineralogical and geochemical variability in lithium deposits exists than previously thought, making the geological data it identifies key to optimising lithium operations in WA.
The report, led by Curtin University’s John de Laeter Center, provides new framework aiming to help the mining industry improve exploration targeting, mine planning, mineral processing and chemical refining techniques concerning lithium mining in WA.
“The McGowan Government is committed to further developing a chemical industry in Western Australia,” WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum Bill Johnston said.
“While I was in South Korea and Japan recently, keen interest was shown in understanding the lithium resources here in WA.
“Given this interest in WA critical minerals, 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 at Curtin University, Professor Brent McInnes, shared his thoughts.
“Despite over a century of resource development experience in Western Australia, the onshore processing of hard rock lithium deposits is 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.”
The full report is available via the Geological Survey of Western Australia, and the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia websites.