Name of the Project
Keliber lithium project.

Location
The project is located in Central Ostrobothnia, Finland.

Client
Keliber Oy.

Project Description
A definitive feasibility study has confirmed the project’s strong financial and technical feasibility. The project has total proven and probable reserves of 7.41-million tonnes grading 1.04% lithium oxide (Li₂O) and total measured, indicated and inferred resources of ten-million tonnes grading 1.16% Li₂O.

Based on current ore reserves, the project has a life-of-mine of 13 years. The project could be extended by seven years by acquiring spodumene concentrates from third parties after the mines are exhausted. There also exists significant exploration potential in the area, which creates the possibility of continuing the operation from the project’s reserves.

Conventional truck-and-shovel has been selected as the most suitable mining method for the openpit mining areas.

The main underground mining method comprises bench-and-fill mining and is appropriate for this style of deposit, with the orebody being accessed from the decline. Mining will advance from the bottom upwards in 20-m-high mining lifts and backfill will be waste rock from the openpit and development drives.

The selected overall flowsheet comprises a conventional spodumene concentrator, conversion of alpha to beta spodumene in a rotary kiln and a soda pressure leach process to produce lithium carbonate. 

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a pretax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of €295-million and an internal rate of return estimated at 24%, with a pretax payback of 5.5 years.

Value
The total project development capital cost estimate for the mines, concentrator and chemical plant is €255-million. The initial investment is €199-million, with the remaining €56-million to be invested later.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Keliber has appointed Carnegie Investment Bank and Nordea Bank as advisers for the equity financing for the project.

The advisers will explore different financing options, including a potential initial public offering through a listing of the company’s shares.

Keliber has appointed Northcott Capital as the coordinator of the debt financing. Initial contacts have been established with relevant banks and sources of debt financing, and assessments of opportunities are ongoing.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Carnegie Investment Bank (equity financing advisers) and Northcott Capital (coordinator of debt financing).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Keliber Oy tel +358 10 567 0600 or email info@keliber.fi.