Canada has rejoined the ranks of world lithium producers because the North American Lithium (NAL) mission in northwestern Quebec begins industrial manufacturing of spodumene focus destined for electrical automobile maker Tesla Inc. and battery cell producer LG Chem, amongst others. 

The open-pit mine in La Corne, Que., collectively owned by Australia-based Sayona Mining Ltd., and U.S.- primarily based Piedmont Lithium Inc., formally restarted manufacturing March 30 following an US$80 million retrofit and improve mission. 

Piedmont CEO Keith Phillips stated the restart is an “thrilling milestone” for the North American market.  

“NAL is positioned to be a key contributor to the electrical automobile and battery provide chains as demand for lithium continues to quickly develop together with the electrification economies in each Canada and the U.S.,” he stated in a launch.

The Quebec mine is anticipated to be the one main new supply of lithium-rich spodumene focus inside North America for the subsequent two years. Sayona and Piedmont are aiming to provide 226,000 tonnes per 12 months of the fabric, which comprises roughly six per cent lithium oxide. 

The restart of manufacturing is a second probability for the Quebec mission, which got here on-line briefly in 2018 underneath completely different possession. Falling lithium costs pressured operations to a halt and the earlier proprietor into creditor safety in 2019. 

Sayona and Piedmont bought the mine in 2021; they respectively personal 75 and 25 per cent stakes within the mission. 

Piedmont additionally has an offtake settlement in place, giving it rights to buy about 65 per cent of the location’s output. In flip, the corporate has struck a provide cope with Tesla, in addition to with battery cell maker LG Chem. 

Thus far, no different clients haven’t been disclosed. 

Shipments from the mine are scheduled to begin within the third quarter of 2023.