Fluor to work on Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project

According to Mining News Pro -An emerging lithium-boron supplier has appointed an engineering and design firm to complete a definitive feasibility study for a significant lithium project in Nevada, USA.

Fluor announced in a statement this week that it has been selected by ioneer ltd to deliver a definitive feasibility study, and subsequent engineering, procurement and construction management services at its Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project.

Fluor will book the feasibility study contract value in the fourth quarter of 2018 and expects to book the full EPCM contract value in 2019 dependent on a final investment decision.

The project will see ioneer extract and process ore to produce 20,200 tons of lithium carbonate and 173,000 tons of boric acid, annually. Lithium is a key component in batteries used for electric vehicles, power tools, drones and other items. Boron is widely used in the glass industry to strengthen and increase heat resistance for glass cookware, laboratory glassware and glass screens used in mobile phones, tablets and liquid crystal display televisions. Boron is also used in fiberglass, insulation, electronics and as a micronutrient in agriculture.