By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : August 31, 2021 8:13 am
Combining Authier and NAL creates a potential lithium production hub in the Abitibi region of Québec
Piedmont Lithium has announced that Sayona Québec has completed its acquisition of North American Lithium (NAL) pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement previously announced on June 30, 2021. Sayona Quebec is 25% owned by Piedmont Lithium and 75% owned by Sayona Mining. Piedmont Lithium is Sayona Mining’s largest shareholder at 18.8%.
Piedmont and Sayona are now advancing technical studies for the future restart of NAL’s spodumene concentrate operations, with a Scoping Study expected in H2 2021. Additionally, studies have commenced for the manufacturing of lithium chemicals in Québec.
Keith D. Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are very pleased to have partnered with Sayona in the consolidation of the spodumene resources in the Abitibi region of Québec, with Sayona Québec now comprising a large Canadian lithium resource base. Importantly, North American Lithium is a past-producing business with $400mm of investment over the past decade.
“NAL’s concentrate operations are amenable to a relatively rapid restart and we will work with Sayona to develop suitable plans in that regard. We are also evaluating a variety of options for production of lithium hydroxide in Québec and will update the market further as our plans crystallize. Piedmont intends to become North America’s leading lithium hydroxide producer and our Québec investments are an ideal complement to our flagship Carolina Lithium Project in Gaston County, North Carolina.”