Lithium Universe appoints engineering firm Hatch to manage Quebec lithium plant study – The Market Herald

Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) has appointed an engineering partner to oversee a study of its downstream lithium carbonate plant.
This initiative is part of LU7’s broader Quebec Lithium Processing Hub (QLPH) strategy.
The company has entered into an agreement with Hatch Limited to assess the feasibility of establishing a 16,000 tonnes per annum battery-grade lithium carbonate plant in Canada.
Canada is home to James Bay, which has recently gained international recognition as a premier tier-one lithium mining province.
It’s worth noting that Hatch had previously been engaged by Galaxy Resources to design and construct a 17,000-tonne per annum lithium carbonate plant in Jiangsu.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with Hatch once again. We have got the team back together and their role is to replicate the success of their previous experience at the Jiangsu lithium carbonate refinery,” LU7 Chair Iggy Tan said.
“Today that plant is considered to be a global benchmark for lithium refineries and is renowned for producing the highest-quality battery-grade lithium carbonate worldwide.”
The study will encompass the utilisation of a conventional kiln for spodumene conversion, sulfuric acid sulfation and leaching, impurity screening, and final-stage purification.
Prior to commencing construction, Hatch will need to determine the optimal location for the facility, considering various factors. Hatch can draw upon expertise from Brisbane, Perth, and Montreal, with staff from all three cities contributing to the project.
LU7 noted on Tuesday that it intends to focus on lithium carbonate, as opposed to lithium hydroxide, due to “its widespread use in the fast-growing lithium iron phosphate batteries market.”
LU7 shares last traded at 5 cents.

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