Emerging lithium producer Sayona Mining Ltd said it has effectively de-risked its North American Lithium (NAL) operation in Québec, Canada, with the award of the final permit for its restart ahead of the planned recommencement of production in the first quarter of 2023.
The completion of the permitting process follows an extensive process by Sayona Québec, with the aim of ensuring the successful restart of NAL’s lithium mine and concentrator in compliance with all necessary environmental regulations and obligations. The latest regulatory approval is among more than 130 permits to resume mining operations obtained from provincial and federal government authorities.
“Since acquiring the NAL complex in August 2021 in conjunction with Piedmont Lithium, our team has been working hard to quickly restart operations to establish ourselves as a leader in lithium production, while maintaining a small environmental footprint and exemplary community engagement,” Sayona Québec CEO Guy Laliberté said. “Global demand for lithium is increasing weekly and it is essential that NAL go into production to help satisfy this demand.”
Sayona said it has significantly upgraded the equipment and facilities of the NAL complex to ensure the successful optimization of production, while respecting the highest environmental standards. As of the end of October 2022, procurement was 98% completed, with construction activities ramping up and mining contractors on-site.
“With this major advance, Sayona will become the only producer of lithium concentrate in Québec and in Canada,” said Annie Blier, Sayona Québec’s Vice President Environment. “This is a very promising position for our region, which puts us at the forefront of the emerging energy transition.”
Sayona is an emerging lithium producer with projects in Québec, Canada and Western Australia.
