Ongoing metallurgical tests continue to underpin the Mina Do Barrosso lithium project, according to Savannah Resources PLC (LON:SAV).

The junior is working on a definitive feasibility study for the project and this has led to a change in the method of ore processing at the site in Portugal to boost recoveries and potentially the economics of the project.

''We have put an enormous amount of effort into validating the new flow sheet,” chief executive David Archer said.

Metallurgy testing using the new method produced concentrates grades of between 5.5% and 6.1% and recoveries in a range of 77% and 73%.

Archer said: "Definitive Feasibility Study test work has shown that ‘whole-of-ore’ float has the potential to provide the best overall economic outcomes for the project."

Additionally, the current work resulted in low levels of the iron, potassium and sodium making for a very saleable concentrate. 

“Using a single method recovery circuit rather than the dual circuit in the scoping study means Savannah will not need to purchase dense media separation equipment, so the processing plant capital expenditure (capex) could be lower on a like-for-like basis", says Proactive Research’s Ryan Long.