METS LITHIUM CAPABILITY
Our Lithium History
Our lithium history goes back 8 years ago to projects in Western Australia and thereafter overseas. It has been an incredible journey.
This historical article focusses on the use of dense media and flotation of hard rock spodumene ores to produce concentrates that meet market specification. The article describes laboratory testing and the difficulties of reproducing these results at plant scale. Whilst laboratory testwork indicates that lithium can be recovered and impurities removed spodumene flotation at plant scale can be challenging due to weathered ore, reagent optimisation, grind size, water quality and the presence of slimes. In addition the activation of quartz and feldspar by iron salts introduced during grinding. The debate over open or closed circuit flotation is interesting. HPGR was very successful on abrasive hard ores. Also Reflux Classifiers proved to be of great value removing mica and slimes. We are now seeing a move to whole ore flotation on some projects.
The Feasibility Study CAPEX and OPEX for a number of lithium projects were never achieved. The Feasibility Study was bare bones and fast track and in a number of respects would not qualify as a Feasibility Study. Project Ramp up was slow at 12-18 months due to geometallurgical problems and water issues and plant reliability.
This article references a number of projects and lessons learned. A number of projects made mistakes and bad decisions with fast tracking and efforts to reduce capital, poor quality equipment all of which has increased operating costs. The softening in lithium prices during 2019/2020 and funding issues finally resulted in several companies going into Administration.
Going forward we saw an industry struggling to survive and being very innovative which argues well for the future. We are seeing mergers and takeovers and in the longer term a strengthening of prices which will see a different industry emerge. In recent times lithium prices have been at record levels creating very profitable companies. New projects are coming on line here in Australia, overseas and demand continues to grow for lithium. At some point in time supply will overtake demand and prices will fall.
Western Australia proved to a reliable consistent producer and government did not tax the industry as is happening in the lithium triangle in South America. Also the number of conversion plants in Western Australia continues to grow.
Due Diligence
METS independence means we can provide unbiased engineering due diligence reviews and appraisals for financial institutions and other firms, where we consider the lending of funds or expansion of existing projects, joint venture, and purchase or royalty arrangements. We look for gaps and evaluate if the investment is warranted, and establish the opportunities and risks.
Our thorough due diligence reports identify and assess significant factors affecting the operation of the current or future mining projects. METS also conducts risk assessments and analyses that include the identification of all risks, which may have a significant impact on the project’s organisation, structure, design, construction and operation, and any other issue under consideration. Undertaking due diligence during feasibility studies will help determine the effectiveness of planned strategies for mitigating risks and adverse consequences.
Please send through your enquiry today via email to?[email protected]?and we will call you to discuss your project.
Testwork Development
Crucial inputs to flowsheet development are the metallurgical results obtained from testing mineral samples. The result of the metallurgical testwork has a defining influence on all the process units of a mineral processing plan. Testwork is necessary from the plant development phase through to the end of life of the mine. Sighter testwork establishes if the metals can be extracted from the ore easily or if not possible. It is a critical upfront benchmark.
METS provides the management of metallurgical tests from beginning to end. In the various study stages, metallurgical testwork is required to optimise the mineral processing method and guide equipment selection. METS works in close collaboration with laboratories to plan and supervise testwork programs on behalf of clients. The supervision of the program enables a proactive evaluation of the testwork results and on-the-fly adjustment to the testplan, if necessary. METS has accumulated considerable experience in planning, conducting and supervising many types of metallurgical testwork.
Please send through your enquiry today via email to?[email protected]?and we will call you to discuss your project.
Studies
The Scoping Study is the first attempt at assessing the business case established by the venture analysis and the basic project parameters such as geological and deposit characterization, mineral resource configuration, head-grade, product quality, production rate, power requirements and water consumption. This phase identifies whether or not it is financially viable to continue exploration of the deposit. It also establishes the scope of the project, and a conceptual outline of the project architecture, which includes the development of preliminary process flowsheets, preliminary site location plan, conceptual plant layouts, and plant and support facility descriptions.
This may evaluate at a high level a number of options in order to establish the most likely route. The engineering is at a high level with a low order of accuracy. With an accuracy level of about +/- 50% we will identify whether or not it is viable to proceed to pre-feasibility stage.
Please send through your enquiry today via email to?[email protected]?and we will call you to discuss your project.
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Plant Design
The METS team has an in-house multi-disciplined engineering and design team providing engineering design services to our clients. Our engineering and design capability is based on extensive operational and delivery experience gained over the last 30+ years that we have been providing services to the resource industry. We take pride in the success of our clients’ projects through providing practical, functional, cost effective and constructible solutions to complex problems.
METS Engineering includes experienced processing, electrical, mechanical, civil and structural engineers with substantial experience. Our METS team apply their expert knowledge to all stages of a project from front end engineering design, conceptual design, planning, detailed design through to commissioning.
Process Optimisation
METS has considerable experience in plant optimisation around the world on a number of projects as a means of increasing profitability and reducing costs. Optimisation is not optional, it is a necessity in mineral processing plants. The small relative outlay compared with the financial benefits is a compelling motivation. The input of considerable experience, fresh ideas, new technology and optimisation of the existing technology can lead to much improved plant performance.
Advantages of plant optimisation are:
Please send through your enquiry today via email to?[email protected]?and we will call you to discuss your project.
Consulting
We can provide consulting services based on our global experience. Our extensive process knowledge and financial analysis allows to provide the best technology solution.
Training
METS offers a range of 50+ training courses that are delivered in our modern training facility in the heart of the Perth CBD. The variety of topics offers an excellent opportunity to broaden one’s knowledge of the resources sector in general and individual disciplines in specific. Our courses can be run in person, online or both, so no matter where in the world you are, you can attend online!
Refer picture boxes below for details on each training course offered or?click here?to view the full 2023 Training Course Catalogue.
Customised Training If our list of standard courses does not include what you are looking for, we can customise a course to your organisation’s specific requirements. METS customised training option allows businesses the opportunity to provide personalised courses designed specifically to satisfy employees’ unique requirements.
Plant Operator Training The METS Team can also train your plant operators on the proper procedures and risks associated with operating equipment. this can be done as a short course or if required, a longer-term training assignment where Mets provides you with site-based training staff to deliver on-site training, assessment and support for the plant personnel.
Commissioning & Operator Manuals We can assist in creating, re-writing or updating your manuals. Designed to train plant operators in the best practice for running process machinery. Proper training in commissioning and operation of plant equipment can lead to a reduction in maintenance and operating cost whilst reducing the risk of losses and its likelihood.
Course Presenter Damian Connelly is a Consulting Metallurgist and author of over 220 technical papers. CP and fellow of AusIMM. He has a long and varied career with extensive experience on a range of commodities. Experience has been gained in plant operations feasibility studies, detailed design, construction and commissioning, and all unit operations. A wealth of hands-on operating experience as a Foreman, Plant Metallurgist, Plant Superintendent, Chief Metallurgist and Project Manager, which has provided Damian with a solid base to mix with engineering and construction management. Involved in over 5000 resource projects and recognised by his peers. He is highly respected and has received honours from Clients and the industry.