PMET Resources (PMET.TO) after the close Wednesday said entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. to jointly evaluate the application of proprietary microwave calcination technology to spodumene samples from its Shaakichiuwaanaan project in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec.
According to the statement, microwave calcination has the potential to support electric calcination at site, which is the first step in the production of value-added lithium chemicals from spodumene concentrate, leveraging Quebec's low-cost, renewable hydroelectric power as a potential alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based calcination.
Calcination is an initial processing step in the conversion of spodumene concentrate into downstream lithium chemicals, using heat to convert alpha-spodumene into beta-spodumene for subsequent lithium extraction. Historically, fossil fuels have been the key energy source to create heat and the overall energy required to undertake the phase change.
"This collaboration is a direct extension of the downstream growth strategy we outlined recently for Shaakichiuwaanaan. Our concept study identified a potential pathway to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate on site, and microwave calcination now represents an opportunity to evaluate one of the key enabling technologies that could support that vision," chief executive Ken Brinsden said. "Shaakichiuwaanaan is already one of the world's premier hard-rock lithium projects, and the collaboration with Mitsui and Microwave Chemical represents another important step in our strategy to evaluate additional value-creation opportunities beyond spodumene concentrate."
PMET shares closed down $0.16 to $6.19 on Toronto Stock Exchange.