Authier Approval Process on Track
Brisbane, April 9, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Emerging lithium miner Sayona Mining Limited (
ASX:SYA) (DML:FRA) (DMNXF:OTCMKTS) announced today it had received feedback from Quebec's Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change (MELCC) concerning the environmental impact study (EIS) submitted for the Company's flagship Authier Lithium Project.
Highlights
- Feedback received from Quebec's Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change (MELCC) concerning Authier Lithium Project's environmental impact study (EIS)
- MELCC response received on time and as per schedule; Sayona advancing project in accordance with planned timelines for benefit of Quebec.
The EIS was lodged in January in accordance with the environmental impact assessment and review procedures under Quebec's Environmental Quality Act (refer ASX announcement 22 January 2020).
The Ministry's feedback was received on time and as per schedule. The Company will now prepare its response, addressing queries concerning a range of categories including flora and fauna, impact on air quality, roads and traffic and water management, among other issues. Sayona continues to advance the project in accordance with planned timelines.
Sayona Quebec's Environment Director, Yanick Plourde commented: "It is normal for mining projects of the scope and value of the Authier project to receive various questions and comments from the MELCC and this is no exception.
"This feedback is welcome as it will allow us to further fine-tune the project to ensure it satisfies not only the Ministry, but the community of Abitibi, Quebec and all other stakeholders as we work to earn a social licence to operate."
Hydrogeologist Yves Leblanc said: "It is pleasing to note the very few questions relating to the study undertaken by Richelieu Hydrology Inc. and that the framework of the study on groundwater was clear and met the Ministry's expectations."
The study by Richelieu Hydrology concluded that the Authier project would have no impact on the St-Mathieu-Berry esker where the esker is used to pump drinking water.
Sayona Quebec CEO Guy Laliberte said: "The protection of the St-Mathieu-Berry esker has been a key focus of the EIS and Sayona as we recognise its importance to the people of La Motte and Abitibi.
"We are proud to present a project that will make Quebec greener by removing gasoline vehicles from our roads and replacing them with electric vehicles with lithium from Abitibi."
Sayona is currently bidding for North American Lithium (NAL), which it plans to integrate with Authier to deliver a significant improvement in plant performance and economics.
Sayona's Managing Director, Brett Lynch said the Company remained confident of success, both at NAL and Authier, as it advances its expansion plans in Quebec.
"Sayona's strategy remains on track and we are very confident of delivering a successful turnaround at NAL with the backing of our world-class support team. Authier is crucial to our plans and we look forward to securing the necessary approvals to support its development, delivering new jobs, investment and a sustainable future for Quebec," Mr Lynch said.
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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