There is a huge demand for various minerals by different industries, but it wasn t that long ago that lithium was near the bottom of the list based on importance.
Perth and Toronto-based Lepidico (ASX:LPD) is a lithium development company which owns and operates the Karibib Lithium Project (KLP) in Namibia. Lepidico Ltd is focussed on exploration, development and production of lithium chemicals, principally lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide as well as saleable by-products. Lepidico owns the L-Max(R) Process technology which is a metallurgical solution for lithium carbonate production from mica ores. More recently Lepidico has added LOH-Max(TM) to its technology base, which produces lithium hydroxide and importantly without without by-product sodium sulphate. The Company is currently conducting a Feasibility Study for a 5,000 tonne per annum (LCE) capacity Phase 1 lithium chemical plant, targeting commercial production for 2021. Feed to the Phase 1 Plant is planned to be sourced from the Karibib Lithium Project in Namibia, 80% owned by Lepidico and/or the Alvarroes Lepidolite Mine in Portugal under an ore access agreement with owner- operat