Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX:PLL, NASDAQ:PLL, XETRA:) partner Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX:SYA) has produced the first spodumene (lithium) concentrate at its flagship North American Lithium (NAL) operation in Québec, Canada.
The emerging lithium producer has marked another milestone in NAL’s restart, with approximately 70 tonnes of lithium concentrate produced.
Another milestone will be the production of the first saleable concentrate, which is expected to happen soon.
Meanwhile, commissioning is proceeding as per plan, with NAL’s restart also proceeding on schedule and within budget.
“This is another great achievement for the team at NAL," Sayona’s managing director Brett Lynch said. "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,”
“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.”
Production comes at a key moment for lithium demand, as North America’s fast‐growing EV and battery industry continues to demand attention.
NAL represents 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.
NAL spodumene concentrate.
Extensive drilling set to start
To further capitalise on its achievements, PLL’s partner will start an aggressive exploration and development program aimed at expanding and defining sufficient mineral resources to supply increased tonnages to the NAL concentrator.
In November 2022, Sayona inked an acquisition and earn-in involving Jourdan Resources Inc’s Vallée Lithium Project adjacent to the NAL operation.
The current work plan will be undertaken by NAL and Jourdan Resources Inc. with more than 50,000 metres of drilling planned for 2023. It will be carried out at the Vallée Lithium Project, which is made up of 28 claims and is subject to the earn‐in and joint venture agreement between the two.
Sayona believes this will be one of Québec’s largest drilling programs this year.
More than 24,000 metres of drilling is planned at the Vallée project (earn‐in claims), and is expected to start in May 2023.
“This is a historic moment which truly showcases the strong partnership between Jourdan, NAL and Sayona,” Jourdan CEO and president Rene Bharti said.
“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.
“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.”
Lynch was excited to be chasing an increased resource base saying, “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.”
The Vallée project comprises 48 claims covering around 1,997 hectares, closely neighbouring the NAL mine tenure, with 20 leases within 500 metres of the mine boundary.
In comparison, NAL’s leases cover some 582 hectares. The strategic acquisition and earn‐in by NAL at the project, saw NAL acquire 20 claims outright, with the right to earn up to a 51% stake in the remaining 28 claims, thus significantly increasing its holding.