Lepidico

Lepidico is developing lithium projects based on its proprietary L-Max and LOH-Max technologies for processing lithium micas. The company will mine lepidolite ore in Namibia and ship concentrate to a chemical plant in the UAE to produce lithium hydroxide.

Lepidico has completed a definitive feasibility study on an initial 5,000 tonne per annum lithium hydroxide Phase 1 project. The project has an NPV of US$530 million and 19 year mine life. Lepidico has offtake agreements and is working to secure project financing.

The L-Max process provides a more sustainable method of extracting lithium from micas compared to conventional processing. Lepidico aims to have low water and energy use and carbon emissions. The process also generates valuable by-product streams.

Lepidico is looking to expand production beyond the initial Phase 1 plant. The company is drilling to expand resources at its Karibib lithium project in Namibia and evaluating sites globally for a potential 10,000-20,000 tonne LCE Phase 2 chemical plant.