Chemionex was chosen due to its experience in hydrometallurgical process development and electrochemistry, adsorption, filtration, membranes, evaporation and crystallization, said Cypress. 

"We are pleased to have access to Chemionex and their considerable expertise in chemical processing in support of our pilot plant," said Cypress CEO, Bill Willoughby. "Along with the invaluable contributions from our other contractors, we look forward to advancing our concepts to develop a unique opportunity in lithium." 

Chemionex will provide the equipment for the DLE section of the pilot plant. Additionally, Cypress will be granted an option upon completion of the pilot plant program to license Chemionex's proprietary Lionex DLE technology for commercial use at its Clayton Valley Lithium Project. 

Cypress also noted that other equipment deliveries are on track for the plant assembly, which is on schedule is to be fully operational in July 2021, added the company. 

The plant at the Amargosa Valley site, which is owned and operated by del Sol Refinery, will be configured into three primary sections: leaching, tailings handling and DLE. 

A leaching section will work to optimize leach conditions and confirm lithium extraction into pregnant leach solution, while the tailings handling section will utilise a counter current decantation arrangement of thickener settlers and flocculant mixing