RE: Listen to Interview22 May 2022 23:04
Subject to likely legal framework improvements, Clontarf plans to complete an exploration and laboratory work programme
on a select group of salares, if required by law produce an initial precipitate product as an Engineering, Procurement and
Construction (EPC) contractor, and then produce additional, enhanced high performance precipitated and processed salts
as a joint venture partner. This formula fits with the spirit and letter of current Bolivian legislation, and offers a sustainable
route to participate in the coming lithium ion battery boom.
There is no quick and easy way to process brine to produce Li. Each brine is unique, and the differences matter, as tests
(such as the new German, and American technologies) show. Additional work is necessary to streamline evaporation, reduce
costs and boost yields.
Bolivia needs effective exploration before attracting existing lithium producers, and battery manufacturers, in order to achieve
the stated national ambition of moving from exploration to domestic production and value added.
Clontarf’s preference is to identify potential for improvement on the model used in similar Chilean and Argentine deposits to
define resources and reserves with a pilot plant mainly designed for LiCO3 output. The Group has, as yet, limited expertise
in battery production, but are close to the leading Lithium metal and battery producers. They target involvement after
successful completion of the first phase of exploration.
Clontarf plans to finalise a strategic alliance with leading Lithium metal / Lithium-ion battery producers for the advanced
stage development, and may include a global car manufacturer to off-take and finance Lithium-ion battery production in
Bolivia. The anticipated global demand surge is greatly in excess of current quality, purity and volume capacity. These
manufacturers are anxious to secure a reliable supply of adequate high purity LiCO3. Clontarf has the experience, presence
and vision to help bring these diverse needs together.
The optimal way to exploit smaller salares is to cooperate with other potential LiCO3 producers in order to achieve world
scale LiCO3 output necessary to sustain a battery factory in the Bolivian Altiplano.
Clontarf expects the new government to enact legislation to encourage investment for a mega Lithium-ion battery factory,
which can be expanded with growing LiCO3 production for the benefit of Clontarf, Bolivia, Lithium producers and battery
producers.