United Lithium Corp. Announces Lithium Extraction and Purification Development Agreement for its Bergby Lithium Project in Sweden

Rhea-AI Summary

United Lithium Corp. (CSE:ULTH)(OTC PINK:ULTHF) has partnered with Process Research Ortech Inc. to develop a leaching and purification protocol for lithium extraction from hard rock deposits. The program aims to create preliminary mineral processing flow-sheets that optimize lithium recovery, with an expected timeline of 16-22 weeks. This partnership aligns with the growing demand for lithium, particularly in battery production, as consumption for lithium-ion batteries is projected to rise to 66% by 2025.

Positive

• Partnership with Process Research Ortech to advance lithium extraction technology.
• Development of preliminary mineral processing flow-sheets for spodumene.
• Alignment with increasing global lithium demand for battery production.

Negative

• None.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 25, 2021 / United Lithium Corp. (CSE:ULTH)(OTC PINK:ULTHF)( FWB:0UL) (the "Company" or "United Lithium"), is pleased to announce it has signed a partnership with Process Research Ortech Inc. ("Ortech") of Mississauga, Canada, to develop a leaching and purification protocol for hard rock lithium deposits.

The proposed work program will develop preliminary mineral processing and metallurgical process flow-sheets for the recovery of lithium from hard rock spodumene mineralization. The development of this process will allow the Company to move towards commercialization of lithium extraction and purification from spodumene through a pilot project. The Company anticipates the program will require approximately 16-22 weeks from engagement to full completion and results.

Ortech will work with United Lithium to undertake the following steps for completion of Phase I;

• Mineral processing (Spodumene/Petalite)

• Impurity removal (i.e., Al, Fe, Si, Mn, Zn, Mg and Ca)

• Product recovery (lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃))

This test work will lead to the development and evaluation of an initial process flow-sheet for optimization in subsequent research, which will involve a mini pilot plant test program to obtain preliminary process design criteria and economic feasibility data.

Background information

Lithium (Li) is one of the important strategic metals due to its increasing use in emerging technologies, especially batteries for plug-in hybrid, electric and hybrid electric vehicles, portable electronics and energy storage. High purity lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) is used as a raw material to produce these batteries. Currently, ~35% of global lithium production is being used in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and consumption for estimated LIB demand could be 66% by 2025. High-grade lithium hard rocks/ores and brine are the present sources for commercial lithium production. More than 80% of the lithium is produced from brine due to significantly lower production costs compared to hard rocks. However, the global distribution of lithium brine is geographically concentrated and dramatically uneven which may result in monopolies. Therefore, hard rock minerals should be used more effectively and economically to meet the increasing demand for lithium.

The largest concentrations of lithium-containing minerals are found in granitic pegmatites. The most important of these minerals are spodumene (Li₂O.Al₂O₃.4SiO₂), petalite (Li₂O.Al₂O₃.8SiO₂) and lepidolite (LiKAl₂F₂Si₃O₉ or LiF·KF·Al₂O₃·3SiO₂). Among these minerals, spodumene is considered the most important commercial lithium mineral due to its higher content.

Qualified person

Mark Saxon (FAusMM), Technical Advisor to the Company, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure or Mineral Projects) and has prepared or reviewed the preparation of the scientific and technical information in this press release.

On Behalf of The Board of Directors
Michael Dehn
Chief Executive Officer

Investor Relations
(604) 259-0889
ir@unitedlithium.com

About Process Research Ortech Inc.

Process Research ORTECH Inc was formed in January 1999 to take over the Process Technologies division of ORTECH Corporation (Formerly Ontario Research Foundation) under the privatization scheme of the Ontario Government. The mandate of this company is to continue the research and development work carried on by this division of ORTECH Corporation for the past 70 years, and to explore innovative solutions in this area to better serve the needs of Canadian industries as well as international companies.

Process Research ORTECH (PRO) is now a privately owned organization serving mining, metallurgical, recycling and chemical industries. Recognizing the need for sustainable development for these industries the company has expanded to offer its clients process technologies for economic advantage, environmental stewardship and societal care.

About United Lithium Corp.

United Lithium Corp. (CSE:ULTH)(OTC PINK:ULTHF)( FWB:0UL) is an exploration & development company energized by the global demand for lithium. The Company is targeting lithium projects in politically safe jurisdictions with advanced infrastructure that allows for rapid and cost-effective exploration, development and production opportunities.

The Company's consolidated financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis are available on the Company's website at www.leadingedgematerials.com or under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, in relation to statements regarding the anticipated completion of the Acquisition, the commencement and completion of the Program, and the Company's business and plans. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance and developments to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risks that the Acquisition does not complete as contemplated, or at all; that the Program does not proceed as contemplated, or at all; that the Company does not carry out any further exploration activities in respect of the Project; that the Company does not complete any resource, technical or other geological report in respect of the Project; and that the Company may not be able to carry out its business plans as expected. Except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information in this news release. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release.

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

SOURCE: United Lithium Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/637322/United-Lithium-Corp-Announces-Lithium-Extraction-and-Purification-Development-Agreement-for-its-Bergby-Lithium-Project-in-Sweden

FAQ

What is the significance of United Lithium's partnership with Process Research Ortech?

The partnership aims to develop efficient processes for lithium extraction from hard rock deposits, crucial for meeting rising lithium demand.

How long will the development program for lithium extraction take?

The program is expected to take approximately 16-22 weeks to complete.

What is the expected market trend for lithium consumption by 2025?

Lithium consumption for lithium-ion batteries is projected to rise to 66% by 2025.

What is the stock symbol for United Lithium Corp.?

United Lithium Corp. trades under the stock symbol ULTHF.