Sayona Mining (SYA) has shipped its first commercial shipment of spodumene lithium concentrate from its Canadian operation in Québec.
The first shipment from the North American Lithium operation was approximately 20,500 metric tonnes and was sold into the global lithium market.
“This first shipment is another significant milestone as we fast‐track production at North America’s key source of hard rock lithium,” SYA managing director Brett Lynch said.
“I would like to congratulate the NAL team as we continue to advance Québec’s role as a critical supplier of lithium from hard rock sources to the battery materials sector.
“We are particularly pleased to make this first shipment in less than two years since NAL’s acquisition in August 2021, reflecting the team’s strong execution capabilities and commitment.
“With our recent study showing the outstanding value of downstream processing at NAL, we look forward to developing a vertically integrated operation and facilitating the ongoing development of a North American supply chain for this key 21st century mineral.”
SYA’s Québec subsidiary chief executive officer Guy Belleau said the shipment makes an important contribution to the global lithium industry.
“NAL’s operations are providing quality jobs, creating value for local businesses and generating significant benefits for the local community, including First Nations,” Belleau said.
“This first shipment confirms Sayona’s ability to meet the world’s ever‐growing demand for lithium and play a role in the global energy transition.
“We are delighted that this lithium, which was produced in Québec according to the highest industry standards, will contribute to decarbonisation and electrification.”