Future Battery Minerals initiates metallurgical test work at Kangaroo Hills lithium project

Future Battery Minerals Ltd (ASX: FBM) has appointed Minsol Engineering Pty Ltd as the lead metallurgical and engineering consultant for the Kangaroo Hills Lithium Project (KHLP) in WA.

Minsol will oversee the early-stage metallurgical test work on the recently drilled spodumene-bearing diamond core to assess its recovery potential through conventional methods such as dense media separation (DMS) and froth flotation.

The decision to commence metallurgical test work follows the discovery of a spodumene-bearing pegmatite at the KHLP in March 2023.

The test work aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mineralised pegmatite’s characteristics and processing requirements.

Minsol, led by principal and process manager Robert Simmons, brings extensive experience in metallurgical test work and lithium project development.

Their expertise will contribute to developing a thorough technical and commercial understanding of the Kangaroo Hills project.

FBM technical director Robin Cox expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Minsol.

“Given the continued flow of positive results from our RC drilling campaign, we believe the timing is now right to begin early metallurgical testing activities,” he said.

“We hope these results will provide confirmation of the amenability of the diamond core to conventional lithium processing techniques, as well as additional mineralogy and characterisation data, which will be invaluable to our ongoing exploration activities.”

The test work will include non-destructive core scanning, sample characterisation, mineralogical assessments, crush and screening, heavy liquid separation, grain size, and liberation assessments, and sighter flotation tests.

Metallurgical and mineralogical studies will contribute to FBM’s ongoing technical analysis of the lithium mineralisation at the KHLP.

FBM aims to unlock the technical and commercial potential of the Kangaroo Hills Lithium Project through these metallurgical test work initiatives.

The company’s focus on sustainable exploration and development aligns with the growing demand for lithium in the battery materials sector.