Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX:SYA) Authier Metallurgical Pilot Program Commences

Sayona Mining Limited (ASX:SYA) (OTCMKTS:DMNXF) ("Sayona" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of the pilot plant program for the Authier Lithium Project. The pilot program is being completed by SGS Canada ("SGS") at Lakefield, Ontario. SGS has extensive experience in developing spodumene concentration flowsheets. Over the last ten years, SGS has operated pilot plants for several Canadian hard rock lithium deposits.

Approximately 5.5 tonnes of mineralised pegmatite ore was collected during the Phase 3 drilling program in December 2017 (see Figure 1 in link below). The diamond drill core was assayed and stagecrushed to the appropriate particle size to feed the pilot plant (see Figure 2 in link below). Two composite pilot plant feed samples have been prepared to represent Years 0 to 5 and Years 5+ of the operation. The pilot plant flowsheet comprises grinding, de-sliming, magnetic separation, mica and spodumene flotation (see Figure 3 in link below). The pilot plant is scheduled to operate for 100 hours at a feed rate of 50 kg/hour.

The objectives of the piloting program are to produce a 6% Li20 concentrate at recoveries of greater than 80% and confirm:

- Finalisation of the flowsheet and processing parameters for spodumene concentrate production developed during the Pre-Feasibility Study;

- Produce engineering data for equipment sizing and plant design; and

- Generation of spodumene concentrate for downstream lithium carbonate testing and marketing purposes.

The data collected from the piloting program will be incorporated into the Definitive Feasibility Study which is expected to be completed during the 2Q 2018.

Corey Nolan, Chief Executive Officer, commented "The objective of the pilot program is to further refine the design and confirm the operating parametres for the Authier process plant, in order to de-risk the plant construction, commissioning and ramp-up. The Company is focused on the rapid progression of the project towards production to capitalise on the strong projected price outlook for spodumene concentrates".

To view figures, please visit:
http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/VRZJWQSZ


About Elevra Lithium Limited

Elevra Lithium Limited (ASX:ELV) (NASDAQ:ELVR) is North America's largest hard-rock lithium producer with a diversified portfolio of high-quality assets across Quebec Canada, the United States, Ghana and Western Australia.

Our flagship operation, the North American Lithium (NAL) mine in Quebec, Canada has successfully ramped up production of spodumene concentrate, supported by ongoing operational enhancements to increase recovery rates, throughput, and mill utilisation. Following a Mineral Resource upgrade, Elevra completed a Scoping Study for a brownfield expansion to increase NAL's annual spodumene concentrate production and reduce unit operating costs.

Complementing NAL, the Moblan Lithium Project in northern Quebec represents one of the largest undeveloped spodumene resources in North America, with a Mineral Resource of 121 Mt @ 1.19% Li2O.

Development activities are progressing with feasibility studies targeting a large-scale, long-life operation capable of supplying both domestic and international markets.

In Western Australia, Elevra holds an extensive portfolio of lithium and gold tenements, where exploration programs are advancing to unlock additional growth opportunities. Meanwhile, in the United States, our Carolina Lithium Project offers a strategic foothold in the downstream lithium chemicals market and our project in Ghana provides a further option for future growth.

Looking ahead, Elevra is focused on strategic downstream partnerships to enable further value-added lithium production, positioning the Company to deliver a secure, sustainable supply of critical minerals to global customers. Together, these assets establish Elevra as a growth-focused supplier supporting the global energy transition.

   

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