Metallurgical testwork on feedstock from Australian Vanadium‘s (AVL) flagship project has yielded 99.4 per cent-pure vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) AVL tested two conventional production methods to produce samples of high-purity V2O5 as part of a detailed flowsheet validation program The first method was used in the project’s 2018 pre-feasibility study, while the second is a new process which yielded better results with reduced reagent use Further optimisation testwork is underway to assess and determine the final purification flowsheet for the bankable feasibility study (BFS) Once the production flowsheets are locked in, AVL will start engineering work for the BFS, slated for completion in mid-2021 Australian Vanadium is trading grey today for 1.1 cents Metallurgical testwork on feedstock from Australian Vanadium’s (AVL) flagship project has yielded 99.4 per cent-pure vanadium pentoxide (V2O5).
Refined process
AVL tested two conventional production methods to produce samples of high-purity V2O5 as part of a detailed flowsheet validation program.
The vanadium purification tests were carried out on leach solution derived from pilot scale testwork at Metso Outotec’s Dansville pyrometallurgical facility in the U.S.
Feed materials were made up from a blend of drill core from AVL’s WA project, with samples reflecting both the average first five years and life of mine process feeds.
The two production methods both yielded high-purity V2O5, though with differing inputs and processing requirements.
The AMV (ammonium metavanadate) method was adopted for the project’s 2018 pre-feasibility study and includes a desilication stage prior to precipitation of AMV at slightly basic pH level.
The alternative method — APV (ammonium polyvanadate) — uses a direct precipitation method and operates at lower pH and higher temperatures.
Preliminary indications for the APV method show enhanced vanadium recoveries and reduced reagent consumption, which could crate efficiencies in the production flowsheet.
Further optimisation testwork is underway to assess and determine the final purification flowsheet.
AVL is aiming to produce high-quality product to supply the vanadium redox flow battery and specialty chemical markets.
There are currently only three other V2O5 producers outside China. The 99.4 per cent-pure V2O5 yielded from AVL’s programs compares favourably to the other producers.
AVL Managing Director Vincent Algar says the testwork has given the company grater confidence in the project.
“Test results have shown that the AVL process, using standard methods, has the capability to achieve high purity V2O5 throughout the life of mine,” Vincent said.
“This high-purity product is comparable with the high-purity vanadium products made by our established producer peers,” he continued.
“Without doubt, this quality outcome further increases confidence in the project,” he added.
Next steps
AVL will continue to work on the process flowsheet for the project’s bankable feasibility study (BFS).
Significant pilot scale testing has been completed and further leach and vanadium purification testwork is underway to optimise the downstream refinery flowsheet.
AVL is planning for this to be completed by the end of year.
Once the production flowsheets are locked in, AVL will start engineering work for the BFS, slated for completion in mid-2021.
Australian Vanadium is trading grey today for 1.1 cents at 12:31 pm AEDT.
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