(19)

(11)

EP 1 016 152 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 05.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/27 (21) Application number: 98932642.6 (22) Date of filing: 18.06.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01M 6/52, H01M 10/54, B01D 61/14, B01D 61/16, B01D 61/18, C25B 1/16, C01D 15/02 (86) International application number: PCT/NZ9800/087 (87) International publication number: WO 9859/385 (30.12.1998 Gazette 1998/52)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 23.06.1997 NZ 32815097 10.07.1997 NZ 32830197 (71) Applicant: Pacific Lithium Limited Manukau, Auckland (NZ)	(72) Inventors: MOK, Kin-Wai Auckland (NZ) PICKERING, Paul, Jason Auckland (NZ) BROOME, John, Edward, Victor Manukau City,Auckland (NZ) (74) Representative: Senior, Janet et al Abel & Imray20 Red Lion Street London WC1R 4PQ London WC1R 4PQ (GB)