Name of the Project
Authier lithium project.
Location
Quebec, Canada.
Project Owner/s
Sayona Mining.
Project Description
A revised definitive feasibility study (DFS) has shown the project’s potential to become a sustainable and profitable new lithium mine, with higher returns than previously estimated.
The study is based on proven and probable reserves of 12.1-million tonnes at 1% lithium oxide at a 0.55% cutoff grade.
The project has a life-of-mine of 13.8 years, based on a higher daily production rate of 2 600 t, compared with the previous DFS that envisioned a lower daily rate of 1 850 t.
Mining will be undertaken using drill-and-blast, and conventional bulk mining methods using hydraulic excavators and dump trucks to deliver ore to the primary jaw crusher or to the run-of-mine stockpile.
The concentrator will process about 883 000 t/y of ore using conventional flotation technology suitable for a pegmatite orebody that will be located near the openpit.
Average spodumene production is estimated at 114 116 t/y in the revised DFS, compared with 87 400 t/y in the previous DFS.
Potential Job Creation
The project has the potential to create up to 176 new jobs.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The revised DFS shows an improved net present value, at an 8% discount rate of C$216-million, compared with C$184.8-million in the previous study. The revised DFS estimates a pretax internal rate of return of 33.9% and a payback of 2.7 years.
Capital Expenditure
Initial capital costs are estimated at C$120-million.
Planned Start/End Date
Pending the necessary stakeholder support and government approval, construction could start as early as 2021, with the start of mining operations a year later.
Latest Developments
None stated.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
Sayona Quebec and BBA (revised DFS).
On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.
Contact Details for Project Information
Sayona Mining, tel +61 7 3369 7058 or email sayonamining.com.au.