Proactive Investors - Piedmont Lithium Ltd ADR (NASDAQ:PLL) and strategic partner Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX:SYA) have effectively de-risked their North American Lithium (NAL) operation in Québec, Canada, with the award of the final permit for NAL’s restart ahead of the planned recommencement of production in the first quarter of 2023.
The completion of the permitting process follows an extensive process with the aim of ensuring the successful restart of NAL’s lithium mine and concentrator in compliance with all necessary environmental regulations and obligations.
Sayona Québec CEO Guy Laliberté said: "Since acquiring the NAL complex in August 2021 in conjunction with Piedmont Lithium (SYA 75%; Piedmont 25%), our team has been working hard to quickly restart operations to establish ourselves as a leader in lithium production, while maintaining a small environmental footprint and exemplary community engagement.
“Global demand for lithium is increasing weekly and it is essential that NAL go into production to help satisfy this demand."
The latest regulatory approval is among more than 130 permits to resume mining operations obtained from provincial and federal government authorities, including the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).
The equipment and facilities of the NAL complex have been significantly upgraded to ensure the successful optimisation of production, while respecting the highest environmental standards.
As of the end of October 2022, procurement was 98% completed, with construction activities ramping up and mining contractors on‐ site.
"Another important step in the de‐risking process"
Sayona managing director Brett Lynch welcomed this new milestone in the recommencement of production at NAL.
He said: “Securing all the necessary permits for NAL’s restart is another important step in the de‐risking process, and I would like to congratulate our team in Québec for this new milestone.
“With the planned expansions of our resource base both at NAL and at our northern lithium hub, Sayona is well placed to become the leading lithium producer in North America, facilitating the EV and battery revolution in North America.”