TSX-V-listed Pure Energy Minerals and partner Schlumberger New Energy have received federal approval for a pilot plant to be built and operated at their Clayton Valley lithium brine project, in Nevada.
In March, technology group Schlumberger, which is the operator of the project, announced plans to develop a lithium extraction pilot plant at the Clayton Valley project through its wholly owned subsidiary, NeoLith Energy.
The NeoLith's approach uses a differentiated direct lithium extraction process (DLE), which enables the production of high-purity, battery-grade lithium material while reducing the production time from more than a year to weeks.
The Bureau of Land Management approved the plan of operations after completion of the required engineering design, environmental studies and public comment period. Additional permit applications are in process with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
"Pure Energy is excited that this important step towards development of the Clayton Valley project has been achieved," stated Pure Energy director Mary Little.
Schlumberger y has invested more than $15-million in the DLE process technology, and the development and operation of the pilot plant in Nevada will require a similar amount of investment.
“The innovative and sustainable DLE process has the potential to disrupt the lithium economy by opening new opportunities to existing production regions, and to enable new lithium production regions across the globe to meet the growing demand,” Schlumberger executive VP Ashok Belani said earlier this year.