Toronto, Canada, June 11, 2013: Rodinia Lithium Inc. (“Rodinia” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: RM)
is pleased to provide an update on its small scale pilot pond system
at its wholly owned Salar de Diablillos lithium-potash project, located
in Salta Province, Argentina. The small scale pilot pond system,
which has been working continuously since February 2012, has been
providing on site experience and allowing for several advances in the
metallurgical process. Highlights from the pilot pond system include:
- Second batch of lithium carbonate produced, increasing purity to 99.79% Li2CO3
- Additional work completed to improve removal of interfering magnesium and sulphate ions
- Developed and demonstrated an alternate method to produce caustic soda during the process
- Use of caustic soda later in the production process, potentially reducing reagent costs
- Work continues on site to improve yield, develop separation techniques and reduce raw material costs
William Randall, President & CEO of Rodinia, commented “While we
experienced delays due to a variety of factors, including a third
straight year of record rainfall during January and February, we are on
track to deliver an updated economic study on the project. Results of
additional work conducted on the Salar lead us to believe the updated
study will be in line with our previously completed Preliminary
Economic Assessment, showing very robust figures with relatively low
capital expenditure. Management believes that the high returns and low
capital output of the project are attractive components in the current
financial climate.”
During the first quarter of 2013, a second process
run on a larger scale was completed, resulting in the production of a
second batch of lithium carbonate. The process employed remains
largely the same as the Company’s initial run, but the increased
quantity of lithium carbonate produced allowed for a hot water wash to
improve the quality of the lithium carbonate. This additional step in
the process resulted in increased lithium carbonate purity of 99.79%.
In addition to completing production of a second
batch of lithium carbonate, the Company’s engineering team has been
operating the small scale pilot pond system continuously in search of
improvements in the process design. The engineering department has
been successful in lowering magnesium and sulphate concentration below
levels achieved in previous runs. Removal of magnesium and sulphate
ions to achieve low concentration levels in accordance with the
Company’s process design has been successful.
In addition, a significant development has been
achieved in the production of caustic soda during the evaporation
sequence. An alternate method was tested on the Salar in an attempt to
harvest caustic soda during the regular operation of the evaporation
ponds. The Company remains encouraged that the successful harvesting
of caustic soda could result in lowered externally sourced reagent use,
which in turn, has the potential to lead to meaningful operating cost
savings.
The Company expects to provide further updates of work completed on the Salar de Diablillos over the coming months.
The project is supervised by Bob Cinq-Mars, P. Eng.
Mr. Cinq-Mars is considered a Qualified Person, as defined by National
Instrument 43‐101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and
technical information contained in this press release. Mr. Cinq-Mars is
not independent of the Company.
Rodinia Lithium Inc. is a Canadian mineral
exploration and development company with a primary focus on Lithium
exploration and development in North and South America. The Company is
also actively exploring the commercialization of a significant Potash
co-product that is expected to be recoverable through the lithium
harvesting process.
Rodinia’s Salar de Diablillos lithium-brine project
in Salta, Argentina, contains a recoverable resource of 2.82 million
tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent and 11.27 million tonnes potassium
chloride equivalent. The project contains a recoverable inferred
resource of 952,553,000 m3 grading 556 mg/L lithium and 6,206 mg/L
potassium. Throughout 2013, Rodinia will focus on continuing to develop
the Diablillos project by completing additional drilling and advancing
through feasibility study.
The Company also holds 100% mineral rights to approximately 15,000
acres in Nevada’s lithium-rich Clayton Valley in Esmeralda County, and
is currently in the process of assessing the size, quality and
processing alternatives of this deposit. The Clayton Valley project is
located in the only known lithium-brine bearing salt lake in North
America, and looks to represent the only new source for domestic lithium
carbonate supply.
For further information please contact
Aaron Wolfe
Vice-President, Corporate Development
Tel: +1 (416) 309-2696
Cautionary Notes
Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the
information in this press release constitutes “forward-looking
information” within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such
forward-looking information may be identified by words such as “plans”,
“proposes”, “estimates”, “intends”, “expects”, “believes”, “may”,
“will” and include without limitation, statements regarding the
anticipated effects of the results and the impact of such results with
respect to the pilot pond system, the timing with respect to future
results, timing with respect to the completion of an updated economic
study; the potential of the Diablillos property; the potential results
and timetable for further exploration with respect to the Diablillos
property, the timetable with respect to future acquisitions and
exploration developments at Clayton Valley and Diablillos, timetable
for further exploration, analysis and development, title disputes or
claims; and governmental approvals and regulation. There can be no
assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual
results and future events could differ materially from such
statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, financing
risks, acquisition risks, risks inherent in the mining industry, and
regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of the
Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on
forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable
securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any
intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS
REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES
OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR
ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
| For further information please contact |
Aaron Wolfe |
| Investor Cubed Inc. |
Vice-President, Corporate Development |
| Investor Relations |
Tel: +1 (416) 309-2696 |
| Tel: +1 (647) 258-3311 |
