Multinational mining and metals processing group Sibanye-Stillwater has approved the start of the second phase of its Keliber lithium project, which includes the construction of the concentrator and the development of the Syväjärvi openpit mine in Päiväneva in Finland.

The delivery of ore from the Syväjärvi openpit mine will be timed to coincide with the commissioning of the concentrator.

”We are pleased to be commencing construction of the lithium concentrator and Syväjärvi mine. The Keliber lithium project remains on track to be the first integrated lithium hydroxide supplier in Europe.

"We look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver this exceptional project, which will contribute to the regional economy, as well as to the growth of our unique portfolio of green metals that aim to reverse climate change,” Sibanye CEO Neal Froneman comments.

The group now expects the aggregated project capital for the Keliber project to be €656-million, compared with the previously estimated €588-million.

The equity funding for the project has already been secured and completed, while the finalisation of the debt funding is in progress, it says.

Sibanye plans to share more detail about the project capital and production profile during the group's upcoming virtual battery metals investor day on November 14.

METSO CONTRACT
Meanwhile, sustainable technologies and solutions provider Metso has announced that it and Keliber have signed an agreement for the delivery of an effluent treatment plant for Keliber’s lithium hydroxide refinery. 

Metso’s scope of delivery for the effluent treatment plant includes the engineering, procurement and supply of the equipment for the full process, as well as advisory services. 

The key equipment to be delivered for the plant include OKTOP® Atmospheric Reactors, enabling the precipitation of impurities and the recovery of lithium; an electrochemical water treatment unit for arsenic removal, as well as an inclined plate settler; and Metso’s Larox® PF filters and FP pressure filters for efficient dewatering.