Mining Technology

Atlas Lithium appoints Alfa for Neves Project

The company’s wholly owned lithium processing plant, custom-made in South Africa, has been moved to Brazil.

Atlas Lithium has appointed Alfa Engenharia as the electromechanical assembly contractor for the lithium processing plant at its Neves Project in Brazil.

The wholly owned plant, custom-made in South Africa, has been moved to Brazil.

Alfa's appointment brings expertise in Brazilian projects, ensuring the assembly is both efficient and timely, representing a significant milestone in the progression of the Neves Project.

Through Atlas Lithium’s procurement process, Alfa was selected for its experience in large-scale industrial and mineral processing projects, aligning technically with the definitive feasibility study (DFS) and adhering to standards for quality, safety and schedule.

The contract with Alfa aligns with the budget projections of the DFS.

The DFS indicates that the Neves Project is forecasted to produce approximately 146,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lithium concentrate with an estimated operating cost of $489/t.

Recently, lithium concentrate prices have exceeded $2,500/t, highlighting the project’s strong economic potential.

Alfa's scope of work includes the full assembly of the processing plant, covering everything from crushing systems to final product dispatch.

The contract also involves the installation of all necessary mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and automation systems for operation.

Atlas Lithium’s technical team is in the process of finalising the choice of the remaining operational partners, steadily moving the Neves Project towards full implementation and aiming for lithium concentrate production.

Atlas Lithium project management officer and vice-president of engineering Eduardo Queiroz said: “The engagement of Alfa Engenharia builds directly on the momentum established last month with the contracting of Promon Engenharia, TSX Engineering, Cerne ConstruÃ§Ãµes and RETC Infraestrutura.

“With each of these awards, we continue to assemble a team of top-tier technical partners whose execution capabilities and professionalism support the on-schedule and on-budget delivery of the Neves Project.”