• Pilot plant has produced its first high-purity lithium carbonate using synthetic brine identical in chemical composition to the Rio Grande Sur brines.
• 98.9% lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) successfully produced, validating process design and brine compatibility for conventional scalable processing.
• Completion of first production confirms full operational readiness. Initial samples to be sent to potential off-take partners and interested parties.
• Processing parameters are now being optimised to upgrade product purity to 99.95% LCE, targeting battery-grade specification and enhanced market value.
• Robust operational framework established, significantly de-risking the transition to commercial-scale production and supporting long-term project growth.
By Panorama Minero
Pursuit Minerals Ltd. announced the successful production of its first Lithium Carbonate at its 250tpa Lithium Carbonate Pilot Plant, located in Salta province. The plant has commenced processing synthetic brine formulated to replicate the chemistry of evaporated brines from the Rio Grande Sur Project, producing high-purity lithium carbonate and marking a significant milestone in the Company’s lithium development strategy. In relation to the first production, Pursuit Managing Director & CEO, Aaron Revelle, said:
“This is an outstanding milestone for Pursuit and a defining moment in the evolution of our Rio Grande Sur Project. Successfully producing high-purity lithium carbonate places us among a very select group of ASX-listed companies to have achieved this level of technical and operational execution. It is a clear validation of our flowsheet, our team, and our strategy to deliver scalable, cost-effective lithium production. With this achievement, we’ve taken a major step forward in unlocking long-term value and positioning Pursuit as a serious contender in the global lithium supply chain.”
First production of high purity Lithium Carbonate
With initial lithium carbonate production successfully underway, the Company is now focused on refining product purity through the evaluation and optimisation of additional circuit components. This next phase of process development is aimed at consistently achieving battery-grade specifications of 99.5% lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
As part of this advancement, the first several kilograms of high-purity lithium carbonate produced at the Pilot Plant will be distributed to selected interested parties. These samples will support ongoing product qualification and are expected to play a key role in progressing offtake discussions for the long-term supply of lithium carbonate from the Rio Grande Sur Project.
Strategic Importance & Next Steps
Following the successful commencement of production, Pursuit is advancing the next phase of its development strategy with a disciplined and focused approach. Key priorities include:
• Planning for the relocation of the 250tpa Pilot Plant to the Rio Grande Sur Project site.
• Construction of low-cost test ponds for the evaporation of Rio Grande brine for further small batch production testing at the Pilot Plant.
• Continuing engagement with potential off-take partners, with several parties already requesting product samples for qualification.
• Prioritising capital-efficient development by advancing feasibility studies for a 5,000 Stage 2 scenario, aligned with global lithium demand trends and long-term market positioning.
Building on the first production and recent plant upgrades, Pursuit is now advancing key permitting activities to support the relocation of its 250tpa Pilot Plant to the Rio Grande Sur site. In parallel, the Company is progressing submissions under its existing environmental permits to enable the construction of small-scale evaporation test ponds at the Maria Magdalena tenement. These ponds will facilitate the small-scale, low-cost pumping of brine from the cased DDH-1 well, allowing for on-site evaporation and processing through the pilot plant, further validating end-to-end production under real-world conditions.
