Noram Initiates Chemical Engineering Studies with Ghent University for Lithium Processing

Rhea-AI Summary

Noram Ventures Inc. has launched initial chemical engineering studies at Ghent University to enhance lithium extraction from its Zeus lithium deposit in Clayton Valley, Nevada. The findings indicate that 100% of lithium in the claystone can be extracted using sulfuric acid, resulting in a lithium-rich solution. An impressive 97% pure lithium carbonate was achieved, with potential for further refinement. With market demand for battery-quality lithium expected to outstrip supply, this research positions Noram favorably in the growing electric vehicle market.

Positive

• Successful extraction of 100% lithium from claystone using sulfuric acid.
• Achieved 97% pure lithium carbonate, indicating strong processing capabilities.
• Research aligns with increasing demand for battery-quality lithium in the electric vehicle sector.

Negative

• None.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 24, 2020 / Noram Ventures Inc. ("Noram") (TSXV:NRM)(Frankfurt:N7R)(OTCQB:NRVTF) is pleased to report on initial chemical engineering studies conducted at laboratories at the Ghent University , Belgium on lithium extraction and concentration for samples from the Zeus lithium deposit, Clayton Valley, Nevada.

The Centre for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) at University of Ghent has assembled a team and the equipment necessary to carry out membrane electrolysis on lithium-bearing solutions, including on brines and on variable pH solutions derived from leaching claystone material. Already, along with other researchers, the group used membrane electrolysis to successfully remove more than 99.99% of Mg⁺⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ cations from three different natural lithium brines from Salar de Hombre Mureto in northwestern Argentina. The lithium brine research at CMET is currently led by Dr. L. Bonin, who conducted the work on the Zeus claystone material. This research is in collaboration with CTBA Geoconsultants of Ottawa, Canada.

Initial results from the leaching studies are as follows:

1) Leaching studies of Zeus claystone material indicates that 100% of the contained lithium in the claystone goes into solution using 2 molal H₂SO₄ over 24 hours. This process can be optimized by using higher H₂SO₄ concentrations over shorter periods, which will be tested in the coming months.

2) Most of the deleterious cations precipitate out by adding hydroxide and carbonate. Lithium in the resulting solute can be concentrated 2x through an evaporation step, resulting in a lithium-rich solute of ~2200 ppm Li with low Mg⁺⁺ and low Ca⁺⁺.

3) This solute is subjected to a two-step membrane electrolysis to remove most all of the remaining cations except lithium. The calculated energy requirement for this step is 12.4 kW per kg Li₂CO₃ produced for these initial studies. The efficiency of this step can be optimized with further testing.

4) ~97% pure lithium carbonate is precipitated from the resultant solute using gaseous CO₂.

Noram's management is very encouraged by these initial studies on the Zeus lithium claystone material. "We recognize that 97% pure lithium carbonate is a significant achievement, and a major step toward a >99.5% pure lithium carbonate product. We believe that with final polishing of the lithium solution using ion exchange resins, our lithium claystone material can yield a product that would be marketable to the lithium ion battery market.

Lithium carbonate (>99.5% pure) currently sells for $US 7.25/kg. Major world banks and global lithium market experts consistently note that the supply for battery quality lithium carbonate will go into deficit in the mid-term due to the expanding lithium ion battery - electric vehicle market."

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by C. Tucker Barrie, Ph.D., P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person with respect to Noram's Clayton Valley Lithium Project as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Noram Ventures Inc.

Noram Ventures Inc. (TSX - Venture: NRM / Frankfurt: N7R / OTCQB: NRVTF) is a Canadian based junior exploration company, with a goal of developing lithium deposits and becoming a low - cost supplier. The Company's primary business focus since formation has been the exploration of mineral projects. Noram's long term strategy is to build a multi-national lithium minerals company to produce and sell lithium into the markets of Europe, North America and Asia.

Please visit our web site for further information: www.noramventures.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
/s/ "C. Tucker Barrie, Ph.D., P. Geo."
President and CEO
Office: (604) 553-2279

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding, among other things, the completion transactions completed in the Agreement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, regulatory approval processes. Although Noram believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, including that all necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained in a timely manner, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Noram disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Noram Ventures Inc.

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FAQ

What is the recent achievement of Noram Ventures regarding lithium extraction?

Noram Ventures has successfully extracted 100% of lithium from its Zeus claystone using sulfuric acid and achieved 97% pure lithium carbonate.

Where is Noram Ventures conducting its lithium research?

Noram Ventures is conducting its lithium extraction research at Ghent University in Belgium.

What is the significance of the lithium carbonate produced by Noram Ventures?

The lithium carbonate produced is significant due to its purity of 97%, which can be further refined for marketability in the lithium-ion battery market.

How does the lithium market outlook affect Noram Ventures?

The lithium market is expected to face supply shortages due to increasing demand from the electric vehicle sector, positioning Noram Ventures advantageously.