Sayona Mining Limited (ASX:SYA) has successfully produced the first spodumene (lithium) concentrate at its flagship North American Lithium (NAL) operation in Québec, Canada, marking another milestone in NAL’s restart.
Approximately 70t of lithium concentrate was produced. Commissioning is proceeding as per plan, with the first saleable concentrate to be produced shortly. NAL’s restart is proceeding on schedule and within budget, amid intensifying demand for the key battery metal from North America’s fast‐growing EV and battery industry.
Managing Director, Brett Lynch, said the NAL operation will represent the most significant source of hard rock lithium production in North America, boosting Québec’s plans for the development of a local battery sector, from mining to manufacturing.
“This is another great achievement for the team at NAL. I extend my thanks to everyone concerned for progressing the NAL restart on time and on budget – something few others have achieved in recent times amid escalating cost and supply chain pressures,” Mr Lynch said.
“These are exciting times with the first saleable lithium concentrate to be produced soon, marking the next step in Sayona’s evolution towards becoming a leading hard rock lithium producer.”
Sayona expects the first shipment of spodumene (lithium) concentrate from NAL will occur in July 2023, with four shipments targeted for the first half of fiscal 2024. The company is targeting total production between 85,000t and 115,000t during this period.
This announcement continues Sayona’s regular, twice monthly updates on the NAL restart.
Extensive drilling program for NAL, Jourdan’s Vallée Lithium Project
NAL and Jourdan Resources Inc. have agreed to embark on an aggressive exploration and development programme with the aim of expanding and defining sufficient mineral resources to supply increased tonnages to the NAL concentrator.
More than 50,000m of drilling are planned in 2023 – likely one of Québec’s largest drilling programmes this year – at NAL and Jourdan’s adjacent Vallée Lithium Project, comprising the 28 claims subject to the earn‐in and joint venture agreement entered into between NAL and Jourdan in November 2022.
More than 24,000m of drilling is planned at the Vallée project (earn‐in claims), with the programme expected to commence in May 2023.
“This is an historic moment which truly showcases the strong partnership between Jourdan, NAL and Sayona. With Jourdan having over 13,000 hectares of land surrounding Sayona’s NAL project, the opportunity to partner with NAL and Sayona to accelerate Jourdan towards production is clear,” Jourdan CEO and President, Rene Bharti, said.
“Given that the Sayona NAL concentrator has commenced operations, Jourdan is in a very rare position to benefit from having access to what we expect will become Canada’s leading lithium producing mine and concentrator. We are truly proud and honoured at what we see as significant upside potential for both companies, in such a strong lithium environment.”
The Vallée project comprises 48 claims covering around 1,997 ha, closely neighbouring the NAL mine tenure, with 20 leases located within 500m of the mine boundary. In comparison, NAL’s leases cover some 582ha.
In November 2022, Sayona announced a strategic acquisition and earn‐in by NAL at the project, with NAL acquiring 20 claims outright and with the right to earn up to a 51% stake in the remaining 28 claims.
For further information please visit: https://sayonamining.com.au/
