PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Lithium developer Sayona Mining is on track for a first quarter start at its North American Lithium (NAL) operation, in Quebec, with procurement reaching a 99% completion rate.
The ASX-listed company this week said that all contracts have been awarded for all critical installation items, and with all environmental approvals in place the project has restart has been significantly de-risked.
Mining operations are also ramping up, with contractor mobilisation having reached 90%, with four excavators, 10 mining trucks and three drill rigs in operation together with other support and service equipment, using 32 operators per shift.
Since the beginning of mining operations, starting with the first blast in November, a total of six production blasts have been undertaken for production of 77 020 t of ore and total blasted material of 378 458 t. From the previous run-of-mine pad and in‐pit inventory, total ore inventory on the run-of-mine pad is now 157 907 t grading 0.87% lithium oxide.
Sayona is now optimising the short‐term mining sequence from the pre‐feasibility study mine plan to facilitate a smooth start for commercial production, the company said in a statement.
“Time is of the essence to get into production at NAL and I’m pleased with the progress made to date, with the operation on track for production of the first saleable spodumene concentrate in the first quarter of 2023,” said Sayona MD Brett Lynch.
“Our planned expansion at NAL, together with the growth of our northern lithium hub centred on the Moblan lithium project, have positioned Sayona well for 2023 as we work to cement Québec’s position as North America’s key supplier of essential battery minerals for the clean energy revolution.”