TG Metals has lodged a provisional patent application for a new technology that significantly improves lithium recovery and concentrate quality at its Burmeister deposit in Western Australia.
- Provisional patent filed for enhanced spodumene recovery technology
- Technology integrates dense media separation and flotation processes
- Improves lithium concentrate quality and recovery rates
- Potential commercialisation through licensing and royalties
- Technology to underpin future feasibility studies and resource drilling
TG Metals Advances Lithium Processing Innovation
TG Metals Limited (ASX – TG6) has taken a significant step forward in lithium processing technology with the filing of a provisional patent application for an enhanced metallurgical flowsheet. This proprietary technology targets the recovery of spodumene concentrate from lithium pegmatite mineralisation at the Burmeister deposit, part of the Lake Johnston Lithium Project in Western Australia.
The new flowsheet integrates dense media separation (DMS) with a downstream flotation process, addressing previously observed challenges in lithium mineral recovery selectivity. By improving both the recovery rate and concentrate quality, TG Metals aims to reduce processing costs and increase margins at Burmeister.
Technical Breakthrough and Commercial Potential
Following extensive forensic analysis and literature review, TG Metals collaborated with Wrays patent attorneys to prepare and lodge the provisional patent with IP Australia. The technology enhances flotation performance after DMS treatment, overcoming issues where lithium minerals were lost due to poor selectivity under certain operating conditions.
CEO David Selfe described the development as a "game changer" for the Burmeister project, highlighting the dual benefits of higher recoveries and improved concentrate quality. Beyond its application at Burmeister, the technology holds promise for other lithium pegmatite operations, opening avenues for commercialisation through licensing agreements and royalty streams.
Strategic Integration and Future Plans
TG Metals has established a wholly owned subsidiary, TG Metals Tech Pty Ltd, to hold the patent and facilitate future commercialisation efforts. The company plans to incorporate the enhanced flowsheet into upcoming feasibility studies and metallurgical research, supporting the preparation of a maiden resource estimate for Burmeister.
Additional drilling programs are planned to generate core samples for further testing, while ongoing patent progression and discussions with potential licensees are expected to continue throughout 2026. The company also anticipates that this technology could be integrated into existing hybrid flowsheets or new operations considering downstream flotation circuits.
Context within the Lake Johnston Project
The Burmeister deposit, located approximately 190km east of Hyden in Western Australia, hosts a significant spodumene resource with an exploration target ranging between 15.6 and 20.1 million tonnes at grades of 0.97% to 1.19% lithium oxide. While still conceptual, this target underscores the potential scale of the project, which is complemented by the nearby Van Uden Gold Project.
As TG Metals advances its lithium processing technology, the company is positioning itself to enhance the economic viability of its lithium assets while exploring new revenue streams through intellectual property commercialisation.
Bottom Line?
TG Metals’ patent filing marks a pivotal step in refining lithium recovery, with potential ripple effects across the lithium supply chain and project economics.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the provisional patent advance to full patent approval and what are the timelines?
- How will the improved recovery rates translate into cost savings and production volumes at Burmeister?
- What are the prospects for licensing this technology to other lithium producers globally?