E3 Big News - DLE process is scalable!!
E3 Metals begins constructing DLE pilot prototype
2021-09-14 04:10 ET - News Release
Shares issued 53,138,906
ETMC Close 2021-09-13 C$ 2.39
Mr. Chris Doornbos reports
E3 METALS SCALES UP WITH CONSTRUCTION OF LAB-PILOT PROTOTYPE ON SUCCESS OF DLE TESTING
E3 Metals Corp.'s initial flow system test was completed successfully. The sorbent candidate used in this successful test will now advance to the pilot prototype testing phase. The company has started the construction of the lab-based pilot prototype and has already prepared enough of this sorbent to complete the test.
The results from the initial flow system, outlined in the June 9, 2021, news announcement, have confirmed that lithium from the Leduc aquifer can be extracted while operating under continuous flow conditions, running over extended periods, and within the anticipated operating parameters. The process mimics similar operational conditions to the pilot at a reduced scale. Further tests will continue on the company's alternative sorbents to ensure the technology will operate at optimal efficiency.
The company is advancing its preparations to complete further advanced tests in a pilot prototype. The prototype will be operated in the lab at high flow rates with the ability to operate 24-seven. The prototype allows testing at larger volumes and scale, over multiple test cycles that more closely resembles commercial operations, with fully automated process equipment. The prototype is currently under construction and anticipated to be in full operation in October, 2021.
"We are very encouraged by all the work that is coming out of our lab and are pleased to announce that we have broken ground on moving forward to the next phase of our development plan," commented chief executive officer Chris Doornbos. "We have in place a top-notch technical team that is continuing to deliver exceptional results that further advance the development of our DLE [direct lithium extraction] technology. We look forward to continuing to update the market on our progress and we expect a very exciting fall."
About E3 Metals Corp.
E3 Metals is a lithium development company with 7.0 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) inferred mineral resources (1) in Alberta and a net present value 8 per cent on its Clearwater lithium project of $1.1-billion (U.S.) with a 32-per-cent internal rate of return (IRR) pretax and $820-million (U.S.) with a 27-per-cent IRR after tax (1). Through the successful scale up its DLE technology toward commercialization, E3 Metals' goal is to produce high-purity, battery-grade, lithium products. With a significant lithium resource and innovative technology solutions, E3 Metals has the potential to deliver lithium to market from one of the best jurisdictions in the world.
(1) The preliminary economic assessment (PEA) of the Clearwater lithium project National Instrument 43-101 technical report is effective Dec. 21, 2020. E3 Metals has also released three NI 43-101 technical reports providing a total resource of 7.0 million tonnes LCE. The Clearwater lithium project PEA resource estimate, identifying 2.2 million t LCE (inferred) effective Dec. 21, 2020; the North Rocky resource area (NRRA) technical report effective Oct. 27, 2017, identifying 900,000 t LCE (inferred); and the Exshaw West resource area (EWRA) identifying 3.9 million t LCE (inferred) dated June 4, 2018. All reports are available on the company's website and SEDAR.