Fulcrum Lithium reports encouraging initial metallurgical results from its Alkali Flats project in Nevada, showing up to 91% lithium recovery at moderate conditions, setting the stage for further exploration and resource definition.
- Up to 91% lithium recovery after 4-hour sulfuric acid leach at 60°C
- 72% lithium recovery achieved at ambient temperature
- Claystone mineralogy aligns with nearby advanced lithium projects
- Phase 3 drilling planned to support detailed metallurgical studies
- Project located near the only operating US lithium mine in Nevada
Initial Metallurgical Breakthrough
Fulcrum Lithium Ltd (ASX – FUL) has released the first metallurgical test results from its Alkali Flats lithium claystone project in Esmeralda County, Nevada. The scoping program, conducted on composite samples from Phase 2 drilling, revealed lithium recoveries of up to 91% following a four-hour sulfuric acid leach at 60 degrees Celsius. Remarkably, even at ambient temperature, the lithium recovery reached 72%, highlighting the potential for cost-effective extraction methods.
Geological Context and Mineralogy
The project covers 512 lode claims over 43 square kilometres, situated close to established lithium operations including Albemarle’s Silver Peak mine, the only producing lithium mine in the United States. Mineralogical analysis identified the claystones as a mix of illite and smectite clays with calcite and feldspar components, closely resembling the claystone deposits of neighbouring projects such as American Battery Technology’s Tonopah Flats. This similarity suggests that beneficiation techniques proven nearby could effectively upgrade lithium grades at Alkali Flats.
Next Steps – Phase 3 Drilling and Resource Definition
Building on these promising results, Fulcrum is preparing for a Phase 3 drilling campaign that will include core drilling to provide detailed samples for comprehensive metallurgical testing. This phase aims to infill data gaps and test extensions of the known mineralisation, ultimately supporting the company’s goal of delivering a maiden JORC-compliant resource estimate. The initial metallurgical data will guide the design of this program and help refine extraction techniques, including beneficiation strategies to enhance lithium concentrations.
Strategic Positioning in a Growing Lithium Hub
Alkali Flats is strategically positioned within Nevada’s lithium belt, a region gaining increasing attention amid the global push for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage. The project’s proximity to existing lithium infrastructure and favourable mining jurisdiction enhances its appeal. Fulcrum’s early metallurgical success adds a layer of confidence that the project could become a significant contributor to the US lithium supply chain.
Outlook and Market Implications
While these initial results are encouraging, they represent an early stage of evaluation. The company has yet to provide detailed cost analyses or production forecasts. However, the strong lithium recoveries at relatively low temperatures and short leach times suggest potential for efficient processing. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting the outcomes of the Phase 3 drilling and subsequent metallurgical programs to better understand the project’s commercial viability.
Bottom Line?
Fulcrum’s promising early metallurgical results at Alkali Flats set the foundation for a critical next phase of drilling and resource definition that could reshape its lithium prospects.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Phase 3 core drilling refine lithium grade and recovery estimates?
- What beneficiation methods will be most effective in upgrading Alkali Flats claystones?
- How might these metallurgical results influence project economics and development timelines?