Emerging lithium producer Sayona Mining Limited (
Under the agreement, Solurail Logistique Inc., a Val d'Or company specialising in bulk transhipment and rail logistics, will be responsible for transporting lithium from the NAL operation in La Corne to the Port of Trois-Rivieres for delivery to customers.
The C$43 million (approximately A$48 million) contract includes the rental of 110 rolling stock (railway vehicles), with the equipment to be made available for the restart of production at NAL in the first quarter of 2023.
The agreement follows recent progress at NAL towards the recommencement of production, including the selection of a mining operator, Quebec company L. Fournier & Fils, with permitting and procurement largely completed. Sayona has also launched a pre-feasibility study for the production of lithium carbonate at NAL, evaluating options for downstream processing including lithium hydroxide.
Sayona Quebec CEO, Guy Laliberte, said the agreement marked another important step in the restart of operations at NAL.
"We are very happy to collaborate with a local company that will allow Sayona to easily supply its customers by rail, while establishing more roots in the region," Mr Laliberte said.
"Solurail's strategic location in Abitibi-Temiscamingue region and the expertise it has developed in transhipment and freight forwarding are key elements that will contribute to the achievement of our common objectives, as we advance the production of this key battery metal in Quebec."
A transhipment and transfer specialist, Solurail operates one of the only rail terminals in north-west Quebec, with the appropriate equipment to carry out large-scale operations efficiently and safely. It also provides integrated intermodal services to transport large volumes via its road and rail partners.
Sayona's Managing Director, Brett Lynch commented: "Securing the necessary pathway to market is a key part of our work in restarting operations at NAL. We are determined to employ as many local suppliers as possible to foster increased engagement with local stakeholders, enhancing Quebec's position as the leading supplier of battery metals to North America."
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.
Contact
Brett LynchManaging Director
Phone: +61 (7) 3369 7058
Email: info@sayonamining.com.au
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