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| Lithium carbonate |
Company Advances Toward Large-Scale Commercial Output
Pursuit Minerals (ASX:PUR) has commenced lithium carbonate production using synthetic evaporated brine at its pilot plant within the Rio Grande Sur Lithium Project in Salta, Argentina. The first phase aims to refine processing efficiencies and optimize lithium recovery.
Strategic Growth and Commercialization
The initial output will consist of technical-grade lithium carbonate, with plans to enhance production to battery-grade quality in future phases. With production now underway, Pursuit is focusing on expanding its strategy, including relocating its 250-tonne-per-year plant and establishing a pathway for larger-scale commercial lithium carbonate production.
The company is also engaging with potential offtake partners, as several parties have requested product samples. Additionally, Pursuit plans to advance feasibility studies for a scalable production strategy aligned with global lithium demand.
De-risking and Market Outlook
This milestone follows the completion of commissioning at its pilot plant, including hydrostatic circuit testing to ensure operational readiness. Pursuit confirms that its plant is processing synthetic brine chemically identical to naturally evaporated brines from the Rio Grande Salar.
CEO Aaron Revelle highlighted the significance of this achievement: “With global lithium demand continuing to show signs of recovery over the coming years, we are now firmly positioned to transition toward large-scale, low-cost lithium production.”
As lithium demand is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 13% through 2030, Pursuit’s developments come at a critical time. However, lithium carbonate prices have declined to approximately $16,329 this month, while EV sales in China rose by 17% annually in January 2025. The balance between supply and demand will be crucial for future market stability.
