Canada [North America]: Piedmont Lithium Inc and Sayona Mining Ltd, a prominent Lithium resource developer, have successfully resumed commercial spodumene concentrate production at the North American Lithium (NAL) project in Quebec, which they co-own. The US$80 million restart was executed on time and on budget, making it the sole significant source of new spodumene production anticipated in North America for the next two years.
The venture's commercial operations have begun with current deliveries to the Port of Quebec City. The joint enterprise aims to produce 226,000 metric tons per year of spodumene and anticipates its first commercial expeditions in Q3 2023.
NAL is a joint venture formed by Sayona and Piedmont, with Sayona holding a majority stake of 75%, while Piedmont holds 25%. NAL aims to ship around 120,000 metric tons of Lithium concentrate in four shipments by the end of 2023, with LG Chem and Tesla among its target customers in the electric vehicle and battery industry.
The project is based in Quebec's Abitibi region, which has excellent access to rail, highway, and port infrastructure. Additionally, the project utilizes renewable hydroelectricity, making it an eco-friendly initiative. Sayona Quebec's Abitibi Hub projects' mineral resources will support NAL's production, and Sayona Quebec will submit an updated definitive feasibility study (DFS) for both NAL and the Authier Lithium Project.
NAL and Jourdan Resources Inc. have announced plans for a new and comprehensive drill program in 2023. The program aims to define a mineral resource base that can provide higher quantities and superior material quality to the NAL concentrator and adjacent Vallee Lithium Project. The planned prefeasibility study will evaluate downstream production at NAL, including the completion of the partially built Lithium carbonate plant that was started by the previous operation owners.
Exciting news for Piedmont Lithium and Sayona Mining, as the results of their PFS are anticipated to be published in the first half of 2023. Following the PFS study, there may be further examination of downstream production of Lithium carbonate or Lithium hydroxide in Quebec, marking a significant milestone for the North American market where they're striving to provide crucial Lithium resources. NAL has the potential to become a major contributor to the electric vehicle and battery supply chains, with the demand for Lithium accelerating along with the electrification economies in both Canada and the US.
