Medaro Spodumene Processing Technology Produces High-Purity Lithium Carbonate

Rhea-AI Summary

Medaro Mining Corp (CSE: MEDA) (OTC: MEDAF) announces significant progress in its innovative spodumene processing technology, achieving 100% extraction of lithium (Li) and aluminum (Al) from spodumene. The company reports the creation of 99.91% pure Li₂CO₃, with further developments aiming for ≥99.99% purity. A custom equipment set for delivery by February will enhance testing capabilities. Medaro's focus remains on creating a process that is 30-50% cheaper than current methods, with potential co-production of high-value by-products to offset costs.

Positive

• Achieved 100% extraction of lithium (Li) and aluminum (Al) from spodumene.
• Produced Li₂CO₃ at 99.91% purity, targeting ≥99.99% purity next.
• Upcoming equipment to facilitate high-temperature and high-pressure testing by February.
• Development process projected to be 30-50% cheaper than existing methods.

Negative

• None.

—Readily formed Li₂CO₃ is 99.91% pure

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medaro Mining Corp. (CSE: MEDA) (OTC: MEDAF) (FWB: 1ZY) (“Medaro” or the “Company”), a multi-faceted organization featuring an innovative spodumene processing technology and a cleantech mineral exploration and mining program, is pleased to report a major advance in its goal to develop a much more cost-effective method for manufacturing commercial grades of spodumene-sourced, high-value lithium, aluminum and silicon materials.

Subsequent to the recent proof of concept announcement of January 13, 2022, the Company has proceeded to successfully demonstrate 100% extraction of both Li and Al from spodumene. Now, the emphasis of bench-scale laboratory work has shifted to Li, Al and Si compound—Li₂CO₃, LiOH, Al (OH)₃ and SiO₂—crystallization, separation and purification. As one piece of evidence that this is being done very quickly, it can now be reported that an Li-rich process intermediate has been converted to 99.91% pure Li₂CO₃, and follow-on work is being conducted to explore the possibility of synthesizing Li₂CO₃ that is ≥99.99% pure.

Furthering the Company’s ability to achieve prototype-scale demonstrations, a custom-designed item of equipment built to dramatically advance testing capabilities is scheduled for delivery by the end of February. The apparatus will afford the opportunity to perform bench-scale laboratory tests at temperatures to 300 °C, and at pressures as high as 10 atmospheres, which together will greatly accelerate progress in the current phase of technology development.

It’s also noteworthy that the Medaro technical team has expanded its bench-scale testing to include samples of spodumene concentrate received from active and prospective lithium producers. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the applicability of the Medaro technology to all types and grades of spodumene concentrate produced around the world.

James G. Blencoe, Ph.D., CTO and lead developer of the JV technology notes, “The results of our bench-scale laboratory tests continue to exceed expectations, and further bolster our ambitious commercial goals. Most importantly, the overarching aim of developing a spodumene processing technology that is at least 30-50% cheaper than incumbent methods remains on track—one key reason for this being that the compound purification methods under development leverage scalable efficiencies designed to meet specific strategic economic targets. In addition, as previously emphasized, the co-production of high-value by-products will go a long way toward offsetting Li₂CO₃/LiOH manufacturing costs.”

Michael Mulberry, CEO of Medaro Mining states, “The data from Dr. Blencoe’s team is fantastic news and we are thrilled by the rapid results that have been forthcoming. One indicator of the progress being made is that the first item of prototype-scale equipment was purchased on February 4^th, and once in place it will be used to demonstrate the Medaro process at a greater scale, which will be a critical step in guaranteeing the future commercial success of the project work. Blencoe’s testing program is well designed and has been carried out very efficiently. If the next phase of his work goes as smoothly as the initial one, it can be anticipated that all of Medaro’s spodumene processing goals will be met or exceeded.”

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michael Mulberry, CEO
Medaro Mining Corp.

About Medaro Mining Corp. (CSE: MEDA) (OTC: MEDAF) (FWB: 1ZY)
Medaro Mining is a lithium exploration company based in Vancouver, BC, which holds options on the Superb Lake lithium property located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Cyr South lithium property located in James Bay, Quebec and the Yurchison uranium property in Northern Saskatchewan. The Company is also actively involved in the development and commercialization of a new process to extract lithium from spodumene concentrate through a joint venture with Global Lithium Extraction Technologies. Find out more at: https://medaromining.com/.

For detailed information, investors are invited to review the Company’s filings available at www.sedar.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Investor Relations
Email: info@medaromining.com
Phone:604-256-5077
Web: https://medaromining.com/

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements respecting (i) Medaro’s continued expansion of its testing capabilities and (ii) expected completion of a configuration that will operate at temperatures up to 300 °C and at pressures to ~10 atm are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

FAQ

What recent achievement did Medaro Mining Corp (MEDAF) announce regarding lithium extraction?

Medaro Mining Corp announced the successful extraction of 100% lithium (Li) and aluminum (Al) from spodumene.

What is the purity level of the lithium carbonate produced by Medaro (MEDAF)?

Medaro Mining Corp produced lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) at a purity of 99.91%.

What are the cost-saving goals for Medaro's lithium processing method?

Medaro aims to develop a lithium processing technology that is 30-50% cheaper than current methods.

When is the new testing equipment for Medaro Mining (MEDAF) scheduled for delivery?

The new custom-designed testing equipment is scheduled for delivery by the end of February.

What is the significance of producing high-value by-products for Medaro (MEDAF)?

Producing high-value by-products will help offset the manufacturing costs of lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) and lithium hydroxide (LiOH).