European Lithium on schedule to hit another key DFS milestone at its advanced Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria

European Lithium Ltd (ASX:EUR) (FRA:PF8) (VSE:ELI) (NEX:EUR) is on schedule to achieve another key milestone of the definitive feasibility study (DFS) at its advanced Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria.  Dorfner/Anzaplan (Dorfner) has been appointed for the complex metallurgical test-work, part of the DFS, and has received samples from the company’s bulk sample stockpiles. Dorfner has advised the company of the progress of the metallurgical test-work, confirming it will be completed with DRA Global supervising, on-budget as scheduled. High-quality battery-grade lithium hydroxide producer European Lithium chairman Tony Sage said: “European Lithium has the major advantage of an existing permitted working mine in central Europe, to provide Dorfner with the tonnage needed to build a pilot plant and produce samples for met testing. Successful metallurgical test work progresses our strategy toward the DFS that will see the company advance towards becoming a near term, high-quality battery-grade lithium hydroxide (LiOH) producer.” Metallurgical test work European Lithium previously sent ore to Dorfner from the 1,500 tonnes bulk sample stockpile of raw material from its Wolfsberg mine. This has allowed the complex metallurgical test-work to be undertaken before any final design of the hydrometallurgical production facility takes place, providing significant cost savings and a unique opportunity to optimise the future production facilities. The final results from the remaining locked cycle tests will be considered as a Q&A process applied to future production lines. It also serves as a strong risk mitigation factor as potential suboptimal process lines can be finalised before construction starts. The company will update the market once Dorfner completes the full and final report, expected within months. This report, together with all other work, will be collated and used to prepare the final DFS. Wolfsberg Project European Lithium is in the process of developing the Wolfsberg Project and aims to become the first local lithium supplier into an integrated European battery supply chain. These final tests are an integral part of risk mitigation to ensure a consistent, high-quality battery-grade lithium hydroxide final product. European Lithium is ideally placed to have an advanced stage project scheduled to commence operation in 2023, central to most major European electric vehicle (EV) automakers. With a favourable mining environment and existing mining permit, European Lithium will be well placed to meet the EV battery demand for high-grade lithium. The company also plans to make use of the projects by-products, quartz and feldspar, supplying the European glass and ceramics industry.