Photo by: ©Bloomberg
Name of the Project
Karibib lithium project – Phase 1.
Location
The mine will be located in Namibia, and the chemical conversion plant in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
Project Owner/s
Lepidico.
Project Description
Karibib has ore reserves estimated at 9.4-million tonnes at 0.43% lithium oxide, 278 parts per million caesium sulphate, 2% potassium and 0.21% rubidium. The project involves the development of a vertically integrated mine and chemical conversion plant, with a production life of 19 years.
Lepidolite concentrate will be produced and shipped from Namibia to a chemical conversion plant at the Khalifa Economic Free Trade Zone industrial park, in Abu Dhabi.
The project envisages lithium hydroxide production of about 4 350 t/y, after ramp-up. Total rubidium sulphate production is estimated at 1 400 t/y, caesium sulphate production (salt basis) at 235 t/y and sulphate of potash production of 6 900 t/y.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The Karibib operations have an after-tax net present value (NPV), at an 8% discount rate, of $100-million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 27%. The chemical plant has an after-tax NPV, at an 8% discount rate, of $357-million and an IRR of 24%. The project has a payback of less than three years.
Capital Expenditure
Phase 1 preproduction capital is estimated at $266-million.
Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.
Latest Developments
None stated.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Lepidico, tel + 61 8 9363 7800 or email info@lepidico.com.