Published: February 23, 2022 |

[Click image to enlarge]

Piedmont Lithium released an update on near-term growth initiatives with its projects in North Carolina, Quebec, and Ghana.

“We are developing our assets at an opportune time with global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) having doubled in 2021, and large U.S. battery plant investments being made by major automotive and battery companies. This electrification of the automotive market is a generational investment opportunity, and we are uniquely well-positioned to capitalize on it,” said Piedmont Lithium President and CEO, Keith Phillips.

“We are advancing our flagship Carolina Lithium Project through key permitting, engineering, and project financing steps, and we expect to achieve significant milestones this year. Our recent feasibility study confirmed the strategic nature of Carolina Lithium, with NPV exceeding $2 billion and independent assessments confirming its impressive sustainability profile. We expect Carolina Lithium to be a critical factor in furthering the United States’ progress toward lithium self-sufficiency,” added Phillips.

“In addition to Carolina Lithium, we are progressing our two international investments and our plans to develop a second lithium hydroxide conversion plant. We are collaborating with our partner, Sayona Mining, to capitalize on strong lithium market conditions through the restart of spodumene concentrate production at our jointly owned North American Lithium (NAL) business in Quebec. Long lead equipment has been ordered and production is expected to commence in the first half of 2023,” said Phillips.

“Exploration activities are continuing at the Ewoyaa Project in Ghana and, along with our partner Atlantic Lithium, we plan to complete a feasibility study in 2022, with first production possible in 2024. These significant spodumene assets support our plans to launch a second 30,000 tpy lithium hydroxide conversion plant. U.S. lithium demand is soaring, and domestic lithium hydroxide capacity is currently a fraction of what will be required in the mid-/late-2020s,” concluded Phillips.

• Piedmont expects to double U.S. lithium hydroxide production to 60,000 tpy
— 30,000 tpy at the fully integrated Carolina Lithium Project
— 30,000 tpy at a second planned U.S. plant, with site selection expected in Q2 2022
— Piedmont plans to produce or has offtake rights to an estimated 500,000 tpy of SC6 production

• Flagship Carolina Lithium Project is advancing toward a Final Investment Decision
— Bankable feasibility study (BFS) published in December 2021
— Economic impact study (EIS) published in January 2022
— Key workstreams for 2022
  - Detailed engineering / front end engineering design
  - EPC contractor selection
  - Final permitting and approvals
  - Strategic partnering and potential project debt financing

• Investments in strategic resources in Quebec and Ghana position Piedmont for future growth
— Partnering with Sayona Mining to develop one of Quebec’s leading lithium businesses
  - Planned H1 2023 restart of North American Lithium’s spodumene concentrate plant
  - Piedmont holds offtake rights to 50 percent of NAL production life-of-mine
— Partnering with Atlantic Lithium to develop a world-class spodumene resource in Africa
  - Expected increases to mineral resource estimates in 2022 based on recent drill results
  - Feasibility study (FS) expected late-2022; investment decision to follow

About Piedmont Lithium
Piedmont Lithium is developing a world-class, multi-asset, integrated lithium business focused on enabling the transition to a net zero world and the creation of a clean energy economy in North America. The centerpiece of its operations, located in the renowned Carolina Tin Spodumene Belt of North Carolina, when combined with equally strategic and in-demand mineral resources, and production assets in Quebec, and Ghana, positions them to be one of the largest, lowest cost, most sustainable producers of battery-grade lithium hydroxide in the world. They will also be strategically located to best serve the fast-growing North American electric vehicle supply chain. The unique geology, geography and proximity of their resources, production operations, and customer base, will allow them to deliver valuable continuity of supply of a high-quality, sustainably produced lithium hydroxide from spodumene concentrate, preferred by most EV manufacturers. Their planned diversified operations should enable them to play a pivotal role in supporting America’s move toward decarbonization and the electrification of transportation and energy storage. As a member of organizations like the International Responsible Mining Association, and the Zero Emissions Transportation Association, they are committed to protecting and preserving the planet for future generations, and to making economic and social contributions to the communities they serve.

To stop by Piedmont Lithium’s website, CLICK HERE

Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!

CLICK HERE to register your email address.

Copyright © 2022 Mining Connection LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

For licensing permission, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)