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LONDON (Alliance News) - Savannah Resources PLC said Thursday the collection of a bulk sample is underway at one of its three primary targets at the Mina do Barroso lithium project in Portugal.
The energy metals miner is hoping the bulk sampling will obtain a large sample of material test work for both the ceramics and lithium markets.
The material from the bulk sample will be evaluated in the on-going metallurgical test work programme currently underway at mineral processor Nagrom in Perth.
Savannah said it has "identified an opportunity" to "potentially generate additional revenue by selling feldspar/quartz" alongside its core sale of battery-grade spodumene concentrates.
The test marketing of feldspar/quartz will also help "guide plans for the potential sale of the primary lithium spodumene product for export markets".
CEO David Archer said: "The commencement of bulk sampling at Mina do Barroso marks the next stage in our strategy, as we advance the Project towards the production of export grade spodumene concentrates for European and international markets.
"The feldspar/quartz component from the bulk sample will help validate the possibility of selling this as a co-product, which will not only generate supplemental revenues but will potentially also help to reduce stored volumes of coarse rejects and tailings produced from the concentration process of our anticipated lithium mine development. We think this approach holds clear commercial, operational and environmental benefits for the larger development. Portugal has a vibrant ceramics industry and lithium enriched feldspar/quartz is a sought-after material."
Shares in Savannah were up 3.0% to 5.35 pence each Thursday.