While the production of lithium hydroxide from spodumene ore is our primary focus, we are extremely fortunate to have such a rich mineral resource. In addition to lithium, our ore body contains other valuable minerals, quartz, mica and feldspar. There is a market for each of these minerals in a number of different areas.
Quartz is used in solar panels, as well as countertops. Mica is used to make various colorants and coatings across a range of industries. Feldspar is a primary building block for ceramics used to make glass for drinking, glass for protection, fiberglass for insulation, the floor tiles and shower basins in our bathrooms, and the tableware we use every day.
Depending on how you look at it, this creates the potential for more revenue per ton, and less waste per ton. This helps our overall operational economics, allowing us to be the lowest cost producer of high quality, battery grade, lithium hydroxide, which advantages the entire US supply chain. Win. Win.