ASX-listed boron and lithium company 5E Advanced Materials has initiated operations at all four wells of the 5E Boron Americas Complex, confirming the presence of lithium in the Pregnant Leach Solution (PLS) and noting a continual increase in the boric acid head grade.
Since the commencement of mining operations on 1 January 2024, in California, 5E Advanced Materials reported that the initial results align with, and in some cases exceed expectations, the company said in a media release.
One notable operational achievement is the entirety of the Injection/Recovery wells, numbering four in total, are fully operational and, when working in unison, efficiently manage the extraction of PLS.
Significantly, the head grade of boric acid has exceeded 5.0 per cent, displaying a consistent upward trajectory that surpasses historical levels.
Furthermore, 5E Advanced Materials has validated the presence of lithium during its extraction process, with the Parts Per Million (PPM) content of lithium continually increasing as the wells undergo conditioning.
In the wake of a recent recapitalisation effort, the company has enlisted the services of an on-site electrical contractor to advance the final stages of the boric acid and gypsum areas within the plant.
All associated operational schedules are on track for completion by early March, according to the company.
Chris Knight, vice president of Operations at 5E Advanced Materials, expressed enthusiasm about the results, stating, “We are thrilled with our initial results confirming lithium content and a consistently increasing boric acid head grade.”
He continued, “This marks another crucial step in validating all our mining assumptions and confirms the overall value of our ore body. 5E has already started off 2024 with great momentum.”
According to Knight, the company’s contractors are in the process of finalizing the remaining areas of the processing plant, contributing to the adherence to 5E’s planned operational schedule.
Looking ahead, Knight conveyed the company’s commitment to continuing the execution of their strategic and operational milestones throughout the year.
