Li-FT Power starts 30,000 tpa lithium converter study

Executive Summary

• Li-FT Power Ltd. has commenced a scoping study for a lithium carbonate converter facility as part of its integrated downstream strategy for the Yellowknife Lithium Project.
• The proposed facility aims to process spodumene concentrate from the Yellowknife project into battery-grade lithium carbonate, targeting a production capacity of 30,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
• The study includes a high-level site evaluation to determine the optimal location based on logistics and proximity to the Yellowknife project, supporting the development of a vertically integrated domestic supply chain in Canada.

Key Details

• Project Scope: Scoping study for a lithium carbonate converter integrated with the Yellowknife lithium project in the Northwest Territories.
• Production Capacity: Planned capacity of 30,000 tonnes per annum of battery-grade lithium carbonate (LCE).
• Feedstock: Spodumene concentrate supplied from the Yellowknife lithium project.
• Strategic Rationale:
  • Focus on lithium carbonate as the preferred input for LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cathode materials.
  • LFP chemistry is growing in EV applications (over 50% global EV market share projected for 2025) and dominates the Energy Storage System (ESS) market (>90% share).
  • Aims to capture value locally by processing raw materials into lithium chemicals, supporting cell manufacturing in the region.
• Site Evaluation: The study will assess optimal locations based on key factors including proximity and logistics to the Yellowknife project.
• Partner Selection: Li-FT has partnered with SCT, a global engineering and technology provider specializing in lithium chemicals and battery materials.
  • SCT has offices in Australia, South Korea, China, Indonesia, and Germany.
  • SCT’s track record includes participation in over 60 lithium conversion facility projects worldwide.
  • Total planned production capacity from SCT projects: 1 million tpa LCE.
  • Operational capacity from SCT projects: 650,000 tpa LCE (at or above nameplate capacity).
  • Aggregate capital investment in SCT projects: >$7 billion USD.
  • SCT specializes in pyrometallurgy and processing various lithium minerals (spodumene, lepidolite, clay, etc.).

Notable Quotes

• Anthony Tse, Executive Chairman: "I am excited to see Li-FT advancing its integrated downstream strategy with the commencement of this study. The converter project will allow the company to further add value by processing the mined spodumene concentrate from its Yellowknife lithium project and processing it all the way through to lithium chemicals, thus importantly capturing that value locally. This strategy also allows Li-FT to play an important role in supporting the buildout of a vertically integrated domestic supply chain in Canada, providing a key input for the future production of battery materials which in turn will support cell manufacturing in the region. I am also pleased to be establishing this relationship between Li-FT and SCT, a strong technology and engineering partner with an invaluable depth of experience to support the company's integrated downstream strategy going forward."