Multi-asset lithium company Global Lithium Resources (ASX:GL1) reports it has commenced a Scoping Study for the Manna Lithium Project, located 100km east of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
The company says resource consultancy firm MinSol Engineering has been appointed to undertake the study, which will define the process and non-process infrastructure requirements at Manna, as well as the estimated capital and operating costs for project.
The outcomes of the study will form the basis for a subsequent Feasibility Study at Manna, whilst also providing the key risks and opportunities to be targeted. MinSol, in conjunction with Global Lithium will develop the forward work plan summarising the necessary testwork, studies, approvals, and site-specific investigations through to project implementation.
Global Lithium Managing Director Ron Mitchell says: “We are delighted to have commenced our Scoping Study for the Manna Lithium Project in the weeks following our consolidation of 100% ownership in the project and following the update to the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) earlier this month.
“Our 2022 exploration program at Manna has been highly encouraging and we are excited about the prospect of this Scoping Study further determining the potential of this project”
Our 2022 exploration program at Manna has been highly encouraging and we are excited about the prospect of this Scoping Study further determining the potential of this project.
The Scoping Study is an important step for Global Lithium as we move towards the Manna Lithium Project Feasibility Study, scheduled to commence in Q1 2023. MinSol Engineering has significant spodumene concentrate experience and we are confident the Scoping Study will deliver a positive outcome that GL1 can build from.”
Global Lithium reports the deliverables of the Scoping Study include preliminary process engineering design including development of process design criteria, undertaking preliminary mechanical design, as well as undertaking preliminary site General Arrangement Drawings including mine, mine infrastructure, processing facilities, non-process infrastructure and site access.
It will also undertake a logistics study to define key transport corridors and outline infrastructure access and capacity, as well as undertaking a preliminary hydrology study to assess the site water quality and availability.
The Scoping Study will identify key risks to the project and specify mitigating strategies to be pursued in subsequent studies. The development of a ‘high-level’ project and environment approvals list for action, and the development of a level 2 project implementation schedule is also being developed.
Other deliverables in the Scoping Study include developing a capital cost estimate, forming an operating cost estimate, and developing a ‘high-level’ financial model.
The Manna Lithium Project hosts a mineral resource of 32.7 million tonnes @ 1% Li2O, and Global recently released an updated MRE with the extended RC drilling program continuing into 2023 to further expand the resource.
Global Lithium also reports it has appointed Tony Chamberlain as Project Director. The company says Chamberlain has more than 25 years’ experience as a mining professional in the resource sector, comprising study and project management, construction and project delivery, as well as project evaluation, due diligence, management of operational teams, production and strategic business planning.
Mitchell says: “The company looks ahead to a number of significant activities, including the Scoping Study and then the Feasibility Study we intend to undertake in relation to the Manna Lithium Project. Tony’s background in delivering key project studies and associated approvals will be highly beneficial for Global Lithium as we continue to rapidly advance both of Western Australia projects.”
Global Lithium Resources is a diversified West Australian-focused mining exploration company with multiple assets in key lithium branded jurisdictions, with a primary focus on the wholly-owned Marble Bar Lithium Project in the Pilbara region, and the Manna Project in the Goldfields region.
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