Sayona starts downstream studies at NAL

4th October 2022 By: Esmarie Iannucci - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Australasia

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Lithium developer Sayona Mining has launched a prefeasibility study (PFS) for the development of downstream processing options at the North American Lithium (NAL) operation in Quebec.

The ASX-listed company on Tuesday said that it was working closely with its partner Piedmont Lithium to examine options for lithium carbonate or hydroxide production in Quebec.

The PFS will examine the production of lithium carbonate from spodumene produced at NAL, where production is scheduled to start in the first quarter of next year.

Sayona MD Brett Lynch said the study would provide valuable intelligence on future planned downstream processing in Quebec, which could prove to be a significant value-adding boost to enhance the long-term value and profitability of the NAL operation.

The development of downstream capabilities also formed part of Sayona and Piedmont’s commitments to Investissment Quebec and the Quebec government in the NAL acquisition.

“Moving downstream has always been the plan for Sayona in Quebec to enable a significant increase in profitability, whether through lithium carbonate or hydroxide production,” said Lynch.

He pointed out that the NAL complex already included around 50% of the facilities required to produce lithium carbonate, having been partially constructed by NAL’s previous owners.