Lithium Australia to 'close the loop' on the energy-metal cycle

Published on: Feb 28, 2018 | by Meagan Evans

Lithium Australia NL (ASX:LIT) has advanced its acquisition of Brisbane battery cathode developer, the Very Small Particle Company Ltd (VSPC), with LIT and major VSPC shareholders executing a binding Share Sale and Purchase Agreement.

Brisbane-based unlisted public company, VSPC, has researched and developed some of the world's most innovative and respected new-era cathode material production technology. The simple and cost effective VSPC process has potential to deliver a wide range of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, with superior control of product particle size and chemistry.

The process is capable of generating superior cathode powders over a wide range of cathode chemistries. Independent testing at a leading battery laboratory in Germany confirmed that batteries manufactured from VSPC cathode materials outperform industry benchmarks.

The VSPC assets include intellectual property and a decommissioned pilot plant in Brisbane that's designed to produce complex metal oxides/phosphate powders for the production of lithium-ion batteries. The plant incorporates Australia's most advanced LIB laboratory/testing facility and equipment for cathode coating and battery-cell production.

However, any news is speculative at this stage therefore investors considering this stock for their portfolio, should seek professional financial advice.

Alternative sources of energy metals = sustainability

The acquisition, which is subject to a minimum acceptance of 75%, will provide LIT with the ability to deliver cathode materials into the global lithium-ion battery supply chain from a number of sources. The initial feed sources include unconventional silicates such as micas contained in mine waste, low-grade and contaminated spodumene concentrates, waste materials from battery manufacturers, and used batteries.

Integration of compatible technologies will ‘close the loop’ on energy-metal usage and re-birth waste materials as superior cathode powders for the manufacture of LIBs.

Managing Director Adrian Griffin said, "The ability to utilise mine waste, unconventional lithium minerals and waste batteries in the production of high-quality cathode materials is the ultimate test of sustainability. This approach will help reduce the pressure on primary sources of energy metals. The integrated technologies available to LIT will allow for better resource utilisation, reduce the quantity of valuable materials going to landfill and enable the rebirth of many materials as new generation LIBs."