Pan Asia Metals (ASX:PAM) has recently announced a significant breakthrough in its RK project located in Thailand. The results of flotation test work on ore extracted from the project have exceeded expectations, showcasing lithium recoveries of up to 87% and impressively high lithium oxide grades of 3.6% in the produced concentrate. This development highlights the substantial potential of the RK project and positions Pan Asia Metals with a competitive advantage within the lithium processing landscape.
RK Project: A Strategic Lithium Target in Thailand
The RK project occupies a pivotal place in Pan Asia’s strategic lithium endeavors within Thailand. This endeavor focuses on extracting lithium from lepidolite/mica-rich pegmatites found within the hard rock formations. These pegmatites predominantly consist of minerals such as quartz, albite, lepidolite, and muscovite. Notably, in the 1970s, the area witnessed open pit tin mining operations aimed at the weathered pegmatites.
Exceptional Flotation Test Results: A Turning Point
The recent flotation test results from the RK project have been described by Managing Director Paul Lock as “incredibly pleasing.” These outcomes showcase remarkable lithium recoveries ranging from 77% to 87% from an ore feed grade of 0.92% lithium oxide. Additionally, the concentrate produced through this process boasts lithium oxide grades spanning between 2.8% and 3.6%. This breakthrough reaffirms the project’s strong potential for producing high-quality lithium concentrate.
Elevated Competitive Standing: Implications of High-Grade Feed
The exceptional results from the flotation test have positioned Pan Asia Metals as a front-runner with one of the highest-grade lepidolite feed grades among its global peers. Managing Director Paul Lock highlights that this high-grade feed translates to a substantial reduction in both capital and operating costs per tonne of lithium carbonate, further enhancing the project’s economic viability.
Competing on a Global Scale: Benchmarking against China’s Best
Pan Asia Metals’ reported mining scenario projects a lithium oxide concentrate with a 3.0% grade and 78% recoveries, incorporating 20% waste material as dilution. With these parameters, the RK project demonstrates the potential to achieve noteworthy lithium and lithium concentrate grades. In light of the achieved high lithium oxide and lithium grades, the company asserts that it has the potential to rival the top lepidolite lithium carbonate processors in China—a significant feat that underscores the project’s global competitiveness.
Future Exploration and Advancements: More Test Work Planned
Looking ahead, Pan Asia Metals is planning to conduct further test work involving a range of blends encompassing both weathered and fresh mineralization. Additionally, the company is undertaking ore sorting test work on weathered mineralization, aiming to optimize recoveries and concentrate grades. The primary objective remains the expansion and enhancement of the existing mineral resource estimate through continued drilling efforts.
In summary, Pan Asia Metals’ recent achievement in the RK lithium project marks a transformative step forward. The outstanding flotation test results not only validate the project’s potential for high-grade lithium production but also position the company as a key player in the global lithium processing sector. With strategic plans for additional testing and resource expansion, Pan Asia Metals is undoubtedly poised to make a considerable impact on the future of lithium supply and innovation.
