Sayona (ASX:SYA) show first lithium production at NAL

Sayona Mining has produced the first commercial-grade concentrate from its North American Lithium operation in the Québec province of Canada.

Around 1200 tonnes of concentrate containing up to 6 per cent lithium confirms the high-quality production potential of the reawakening project.

The brownfield open-pit mining operation has received over CAD$400 million in investments from previous owners, and Sayona Managing Director Brett Lynch said this success for the restarting operation restart reflected an enhanced production system as it emerged as a North American leader for hard rock lithium.

“Having witnessed first‐hand the operation’s restart I can only express admiration for this achievement, which demonstrates we have the experience and expertise to run a successful operation,” he said.

“As the electrification revolution continues, Québec is in pole position thanks to its sustainable hydropower, leading infrastructure and proximity to market. For Sayona, the opportunity is only getting bigger and we are proud to play our part as North America’s emerging leading hard rock lithium producer.”

North American Lithium holds a 101.9 million tonne @ 1.06 per cent lithium oxide resource and hosts an existing carbonate plant with the nameplate capacity to produce as much as 220kt of spodumene concentrate every year, opening the gate for neighbours, including fellow Australian Burley Minerals, to make lithium product from a Québec province emerging as a continental force.

Sayona plans further campaigns for more than 50,000 metres of combined drilling over North American Lithium and its earn in claims at the adjacent Vallée Lithium Project.

Sayona cuts the ribbon on NAL at the PDAC convention.