Cosmos progresses A-DLE testing of Bolivia’s promising lithium brines

Cosmos Exploration is continuing testing of lithium brines from Bolivia’s Salar de Coipasa and Salar de Pastos Grandes using Vulcan’s A-DLE technology.

Cosmos is motoring ahead with testing of brines from Bolivian salars. Pic: Getty Images

Special Report: Cosmos Exploration has completed initial testing at Vulcan Energy Resources’ laboratory in Germany using synthetic formulations based on of the chemistry of lithium-rich brines in Bolivian salars (salt lakes).

• Cosmos completes initial testing of synthetic brings at Vulcan’s laboratory in Germany
• Testing is key part of evaluating use of Vulcan’s A-DLE technology to extract lithium from Bolivian salars
• Additional testwork on Salar de Coipasa and Salar de Pastos Grandes samples currently underway

Private lithium development company EAU Lithium, which Comos is a shareholder in, advised that results from this initial testing found that further work would be required to meet all conditions of the company’s technology-testing agreement with Bolivian state-owned company Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB).

It also forms part of Cosmos Exploration’s (ASX:C1X) early-stage evaluation of Vulcan Energy Resources’ (ASX:VUL) proprietary VULSORB adsorption-type direct lithium extraction technology.

A-DLE technology uses physical processes, optimised by heat and salinity gradients, to selectively extract lithium from brines while minimising water loss and environmental impact.

It also has the potential to extract lithium from the magnesium-rich brines of Bolivian brines without needing to have the magnesium removed before hand using slaked lime.

“We remain fully aligned with our Bolivian partners in delivering a technically robust and collaborative development pathway for Bolivia’s lithium brine resources,” executive chairman Jeremy Robinson said. 

“Cosmos supports the process being led by EAU and YLB and remains committed to contributing to long-term outcomes through partnership and technology. 

“We are looking forward to completing the final stage of testwork and advancing towards a potential industrialisation agreement, particularly against the backdrop of improving sentiment in the lithium market.”

EAU agreement

C1X had last year signed an exclusive option agreement to acquire EAU Lithium, which is part-owned by VUL.

EAU has a technology-testing agreement to test lithium brines from Salar de Coipasa, Salar de Empexa and Salar de Pastos Grandes salars – some of the largest salars in Bolivia – using VUL’s A-DLE technology.

Successful testing could lead to an industrialisation agreement that will support sustainable, high-efficiency lithium extraction in one of the world’s largest untapped resource jurisdictions.

Additional testwork on brine samples from Salar de Coipasa and Salar de Pastos Grandes is currently underway, with scope and timing being coordinated in line with the agreed program framework.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

Originally published as Cosmos progresses A-DLE testing of Bolivia’s promising lithium brines