It was another quarter of strong operational performance for Sayona Mining Limited (
Following the completion of an operational review that confirmed on going production ramp-up at NAL, the team continues to optimise mining and production processes, with significant improvements in ore production and future ore availability (ore in sight up 53% Quarter on Quarter). Mill utilisation dipped to 73% (from 75% in the prior quarter) as both adverse weather conditions and blockage issues in the tailings line adversely impacted overall utilisation. Despite these challenges, recovery throughout the quarter continued to improve, successfully meeting the ramp-up target of 67%. In March, the mill performance was particularly strong exceeding the ramp-up recovery target with a recovery rate of 69%.
The Crushed Ore Dome is now complete and commissioning commenced in April. The dome is poised to significantly boost operational reliability during winter, providing an additional 6,000 tonnes storage capacity of crushed ore between the crusher and the mill. The additional storage capacity of crushed ore enables approximately 1.5 days of continuous mill operation without the need for further ore crushing, improving maintenance scheduling for the crushing area. The Tailing Storage Facility 1 has also been completed during the quarter.
The Moblan Definitive Feasibility Study confirmed a net present value for the project of C$2.2 billion. The challenging market conditions of recent months highlight the importance of developing Tier 1 lithium projects that are strategically located near existing transport corridors with end markets and that have the potential to deliver high grade lithium concentrate at competitive operating costs. Moblan is an exceptional lithium deposit and we will apply Sayona's operational expertise to minimise costs and develop the Project as efficiently as possible.
Exploration activity continued during the March Quarter, with drilling results progressively becoming available at both NAL and Moblan. The results are being compiled for ASX release and may provide the potential for further increases to the existing lithium resources at both projects.
The first drill program at the highly prospective Tabba Tabba lithium tenements in Western Australia has been completed with encouraging results released post quarter. A gravity survey has been completed during April and earthworks prepared for a deeper RC drilling program that will commence shortly.
During the quarter, Sayona appointed Lucas Dow as an additional independent Non-Executive Director which further strengthens our corporate governance. Mr Dow has also joined the Audit and Risk Committee and Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Sayona has an enviable portfolio of projects and exploration tenements that will generate material value for shareholders and ensure the Company is well positioned in the growing North American lithium market. Amid challenging market conditions, Sayona remains focused on delivering results for shareholders and ensuring the Company is well positioned for the eventual upturn.
*To view the full Quarterly Report, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/KZ19V46S
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
James BrownDirector/Interim CEO
E: info@sayonamining.com.au
Andrew Barber
President Investor Relations
T: +61-7-3369-7058
E: ir@sayonamining.com.au
Related Companies
Related Industry Topics: