MOBLAN LITHIUM PROJECT FEASIBILITY STUDY: POSITIVE RESULTS DELIVER C$2.2B NPV

  • Annual production rate of 300ktpa spodumene concentrate over 21-year Life of Mine ("LOM") via open pit mining at rate of 1.8Mtpa, based on Mineral Reserve estimate of 34.5Mt at grade of 1.36% Li2O

  • Process plant feed rate at 4,800 tonnes per day (tpd); average LOM recovery of 74.7%; spodumene concentrate grade at 6% Li2O

  • Post-tax NPV(8%) of C$2.2 billion; net cash flow of C$6.0 billion from LOM net revenues of C$14.4 billion; post-tax IRR of 34.4% and payback of 2.3 years

  • Cost competitive operating unit cost of C$555/t and all-in sustaining costs of C$748/t

  • Low-risk operation to form centrepiece of Sayona's emerging northern lithium hub in Québec's Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory

MONTREAL, Feb. 19, 2024 /CNW/ - North American lithium producer Sayona Mining Limited ("Sayona") (ASX: SYA) (OTCQB: SYAXF) announced today a feasibility study (FS) that demonstrates the value of its Moblan Lithium Project, forming the centrepiece of the Company's Eeyou Istchee James Bay Hub in northern Québec, Canada. Moblan is owned 60% by Sayona and 40% by Investissement Québec.

The Project has an estimated post-tax NPV(8%) of C$2.2 billion. The operation is expected to generate estimated total net revenue of C$14.4 billion over its 21.1 LOM, with an EBITDA of C$11.2 billion.

These positive financial returns have been driven by an estimated head grade of 1.36% Li2O, a LOM recovery rate of 74.7% and LOM average annual concentrate production of 300,000tpa at a grade of 6% Li2O.

Moblan is a greenfield project situated in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory in north-western Québec, Canada. It is located within just 300 metres of the Route du Nord, a regional highway which is accessible year-round, providing access to railway lines that link with major ports in Eastern Canada.

The Project's key production parameters include a relatively low strip ratio of 2.3:1 (ore versus waste), expected product grade of 6% Li2O, and an estimated operating unit cost outlined in the FS are comparable with some of the most cost competitive international hard-rock lithium mines currently in production, supporting an extremely robust future for Moblan. Upon receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals, delivery of an appropriate financing package based on securing potential offtake and project partners, the Project is expected to require approximately two years to complete construction.

Sayona's Interim CEO, James Brown commented:

"We are delighted by the results of this FS, which demonstrate that the Moblan Lithium Project is an incredibly strategic and valuable asset for Sayona, representing one of the single largest hard rock lithium resources in North America.