Sayona Mining Limited announced the successful production of the first spodumene (lithium) concentrate at its North American Lithium (NAL) operation.
Around 70 tonnes of lithium concentrate were produced. Commissioning is continuing as planned, with the first saleable concentrate expected to be produced soon. According to Sayona, the resumption of NAL is going on time and within budget, despite increased demand for the critical battery metal from North America’s fast-growing EV and battery industry.
Sayona stated that the NAL operation would be North America’s largest source of hard rock lithium production, bolstering Québec’s objectives for developing 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 budget – something few others have achieved recently amid escalating cost and supply chain pressures,” Sayona Managing Director Brett Lynch said.
Lynch added that the first saleable lithium concentrate would be produced soon, marking the next stage in Sayona’s progression to become a top hard rock lithium producer.
Sayona anticipates the first shipment of spodumene (lithium) concentrate from NAL in July 2023, with four additional cargoes planned for the first part of fiscal 2024. Currently, the company expects total production to range between 85,000 and 115,000 tonnes.
NAL and Jourdan Resources Inc. have decided to launch an aggressive exploration and development program to extend and define enough mineral resources to deliver higher tonnages to the NAL concentrator.
More than 50,000 metres of drilling are scheduled for 2023 at NAL and Jourdan’s neighbouring Vallée Lithium Project, which includes the 28 claims subject to the earn-in and joint venture agreement put into between NAL and Jourdan in November 2022.
Over 24,000m of drilling is planned at the Vallée project, with the program set to begin 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 stated.
Bharti added that given that the Sayona NAL concentrator has begun operations, Jourdan is in a unique position to benefit from having access to what the company anticipate will become Canada’s leading lithium-producing mine and concentrator.
“Sayona is excited to be partnering with Jourdan Resources as we undertake a large-scale and extensive drill program at NAL and the earn?in claims at the Vallée Project. The combined drilling program will be undertaken in consultation with our local community stakeholders, to pursue a bigger mineral resource base and better grades in the Abitibi Hub capable of delivering increased ore tonnages to the NAL concentrator and a longer mine life,” Lynch said.
