Galaxy's Jiangsu Plant achieves 99.9% purity lithium carbonate

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Highlights

• Jiangsu Plant produces 99.9% Li₂CO₃ purity lithium carbonate (EV Grade^®)
• EV Grade^® used in electrolytes solution in lithium-ion batteries
• EV Grade^® commands 20%-30% price premium to battery grade lithium carbonate
• Provides potential to extend market base to electrolyte manufacturers
• Battery Grade (99.5% purity) lithium carbonate will continue to make up bulk of Galaxy's sales
  
  

PERTH, Australia, March 8, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Galaxy Resources Ltd (ASX: GXY) ("Galaxy" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has achieved commercial production of 99.9% Li₂CO₃ purity lithium carbonate at its wholly-owned Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate Plant ("Jiangsu Plant") in China.

The Jiangsu Plant was originally designed to produce 17,000 tpa of battery grade (minimum 99.5% Li₂CO₃ purity) lithium carbonate product making it the largest battery grade producer in the world. Recent adjustments and improvements to the process have allowed the Jiangsu team to produce a higher specification product of 99.9% purity.

Lithium carbonate of minimum 99.9% purity, registered by Galaxy as EV Grade^®, is used specifically in the manufacture of electrolyte solution for lithium-ion batteries. Up until now, the Jiangsu Plant has produced battery grade (99.5% Li₂CO₃) lithium carbonate, which is used in the cathode part of the batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are used in electric and hybrid vehicles and electronics like PDAs, mobile phones and laptops.

EV Grade^® currently accounts for 5-10% of the overall battery grade lithium carbonate market but commands a price premium of 20%-30% to battery grade (99.5% purity) lithium carbonate product due to the higher purity specification and limited supply globally.

While the main future demand for lithium carbonate will come from cathode producers seeking 99.5% purity product, Galaxy Managing Director Iggy Tan said the capability to produce higher purity grades gives the Company more marketing options.

"We wanted to become a market leader in EV Grade^® production, so I'm very pleased to have achieved this quality beyond the plant design. The ability to produce EV Grade^® product extends Galaxy's potential customer base, allowing the Company to tap into growth in both the cathode and electrolyte markets.

"Although it's a smaller market, the higher price EV Grade^® makes it a valuable product to add to our mix, and we will determine how much of each product to produce based on demand levels from our customers," Mr Tan added.

About Galaxy (ASX: GXY)

Galaxy Resources Ltd ("Galaxy") is an Australian-based global lithium company with lithium production facilities, hard rock mines and brine assets in Australia, China, Canada and Argentina. The Company is an integrated lithium mining, chemicals and battery company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (Code: GXY) and is a member of the S&P/ASX 300 Index.

Galaxy wholly owns the Mt Cattlin project near Ravensthorpe in Western Australia where it mines lithium pegmatite ore and processes it on site to produce a spodumene concentrate and tantalum by-product. At full capacity, Galaxy will process 137,000 tpa of spodumene concentrate which will feed the Company's wholly-owned Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate Plant in China's Jiangsu province. The Jiangsu Plant has commenced production and will produce 17,000 tpa of battery grade lithium carbonate, the largest producer in the Asia Pacific region and the fourth largest in the world.

Galaxy is also advancing plans to develop the Sal de Vida (70%) lithium and potash brine project in Argentina situated in the lithium triangle (where Chile, Argentina and Bolivia meet) which is currently the source of 60% of global lithium production. Sal de Vida has excellent promise as a future low cost brine mine and lithium carbonate processing facility.  The Company also owns the James Bay (100%) Lithium Pegmatite Project in Quebec, Canada.

Lithium compounds are used in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, electronics and are an essential cathode material for long life lithium-ion batteries used to power e-bikes and hybrid and electric vehicles. Galaxy is bullish about the global lithium demand outlook and is positioning itself to achieve its goal of being involved in every step of the lithium supply chain.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information.

This document contains forward looking statements concerning Galaxy.

Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and actual events and results may differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements as a result of a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors.  Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies.  Many factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking information provided by the Company, or on behalf of, the Company. Such factors include, among other things, risks relating to additional funding requirements, metal prices, exploration, development and operating risks, competition, production risks, regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulation and liability and potential title disputes.

Forward looking statements in this document are based on Galaxy's beliefs, opinions and estimates of Galaxy as of the dates the forward looking statements are made, and no obligation is assumed to update forward looking statements if these beliefs, opinions and estimates should change or to reflect other future developments.

Not For Release in US

This announcement has been prepared for publication in Australia and may not be released in the U.S. This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in any jurisdiction, including the United States, and any securities described in this announcement may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the issuer and that will contain detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

EV Grade^® is a registered trademark of Galaxy Resources Limited

SOURCE Galaxy Resources Limited