Australia-based lithium producers Sayona Mining and Piedmont Lithium say they have successfully restarted production of commercial spodumene concentrate at their jointly owned NAL project in Quebec, Canada, at a cost of $80 million.

The companies expect the project to be the only major source of new spodumene production in North America in the next two years. It is hydroelectric-powered and has a target annual production of 226,000 metric tons. Shipments are scheduled to begin in Q3 2023. Four shipments of up to 120,000 metric tons, anticipated by the end of the year, are expected to supply customers including LG Chem and Tesla.

“Our project team has maintained a forward-looking focus to improve lithium capture, achieve more consistent runtimes and streamline operating costs,” said Sayona Managing Director Brett Lynch.

Source: Piedmont Lithium