Emerging lithium producer Sayona Mining Limited (ASX: SYA; OTC: DMNXF) has achieved another milestone in advancing downstream processing in Québec, following confirmation that spodumene from the company’s Authier Lithium Project can be refined to produce high purity 99.99% lithium hydroxide.
Testing showed Authier spodumene capable of being processed into high purity 99.99% lithium hydroxide
- Spodumene samples from Authier were processed into lithium hydroxide by Australian hydroxide technology provider ICS Lithium. The samples were then analysed at CSIRO’s Mineral Resources laboratories in Perth, Western Australia.
- Testing showed Authier spodumene capable of being processed into high purity 99.99% lithium hydroxide.
- Novonix Battery Technology Solutions in Nova Scotia, Canada, is currently analysing Authier product for performance comparisons with commercial lithium‐ion batteries. The Novonix tests will evaluate the project’s ability to deliver a high‐purity product suitable for leading battery cathode makers in North America.
- Sayona is advancing downstream processing in Québec to supply fast‐growing North American battery market.
Authier Lithium project
Sayona’s 100%-owned Authier Lithium Project is located in Québec, Canada. The project is a hard rock spodumene lithium deposit.
In January 2021, Sayona formed a strategic partnership with a leading U.S.-based lithium corporation, Piedmont Lithium Limited (ASX: PLL; Nasdaq: PLL). Under the agreements, Piedmont will acquire up to 19.9% of Sayona Limited for total consideration of around US$7 million. Piedmont also will invest around US$5 million for a 25% stake in Sayona Québec.
Sayona and Piedmont had also undertaken a joint bid to acquire North American Lithium, which hosts a former lithium mine and concentrator.
Next steps
Testing at Novonix is expected to continue through the Northern Hemisphere summer, with initial results expected shortly.
“This is an essential requirement to meet the needs of battery manufacturers and enhances the market value of our product”
Management comments
Sayona’s Managing Director Brett Lynch said: “This trial has highlighted that Authier spodumene can be refined into high purity lithium hydroxide. This is an essential requirement to meet the needs of battery manufacturers and enhances the market value of our product.
Our acquisition of North American Lithium [NAL] has given us the ability to fast‐track a move into downstream processing and we look forward to advancing this for the benefit of Québec and our shareholders.”
Images: Sayona Mining Limited