Global Lithium Resources has commenced early works at its Manna lithium project in Western Australia, following key regulatory approvals as the company prepares to begin grade-control drilling in November.
The development, confirmed in Global Lithium’s September quarterly report, follows the commencement of clearing and grubbing activities on October 22 across the proposed grade-control drilling area.
Located approximately 110km east of Kalgoorlie, Manna has also received its Native Vegetation Clearing Permit, with no appeals lodged during the statutory appeal period.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has provided technical support for the project’s groundwater licence, covering the water requirements of the current operating plan while allowing capacity for future expansion.
The approvals follow the Mining Development and Closure Proposal approval secured in August, establishing the primary State approvals required to commence early works.
Global Lithium managing director and chief executive officer Dianmin Chen said the September quarter marked a significant period for the company.
“The September quarter has been transformational for the Company,” Chen said.
“The execution in July of the share purchase agreement (SPA) relating to the Nova operations and the completion in September of the Manna-Nova operations integration study have confirmed that combining Manna’s lithium resources with Nova’s existing commissioned processing infrastructure positively impacts both the economics and timeline for the Manna lithium project.”
An initial grade-control drilling program has been designed to support the first eight months of proposed mining, with drilling scheduled to commence in early November.
The company has also established an early-stage base camp and inspected existing infrastructure to support development preparations.
As previously reported, the Manna–Nova integration study reduced estimated pre-production funding requirements by 59 per cent to $180.1 million.
The proposed development would use IGO’s existing Nova processing infrastructure, eliminating the need to construct a greenfield concentrator at Manna.
The study also increased the project’s estimated post-tax net present value to $945.7 million, although the revised financial outlook incorporates different spodumene price and exchange rate assumptions.
Meanwhile, Global Lithium continues progressing its proposed $333 million takeover by Titan Australia Mining, announced in September.
Under the proposed scheme, shareholders would receive $1.15 per share, with Titan Lithium Group providing access to a funding facility of up to $120 million to support Manna’s development during the transaction process.
“The significant achievements during the quarter at the Manna lithium project have facilitated the binding SID entered into with Titan in late September,” Chen said.
“The offer price of $1.15 per share represents a significant premium to the recently traded prices of the Company’s shares.”
The scheme remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, with a shareholder meeting scheduled for December 22 and implementation targeted for January 2027.
Elsewhere, Global Lithium completed an airborne hyperspectral survey across its Marble Bar lithium project, with the resulting mineral maps to guide future pegmatite exploration.
The company finished September with $20.8 million in cash, while its remaining Manna works approval is expected before the end of the December quarter.