Sayona Mining Ltd. intends to bid for North American Lithium Inc.'s shuttered lithium operation in Quebec after a court ruling kicked off an asset sale process.
The assets include a lithium mine and concentrator in Abitib that produced about 114,000 tonnes of spodumene in 2018, with a nameplate capacity of 180,000 tonnes.
Spodumene production at the mine was halted in February, and the company obtained protection from creditors in May. The Quebec Superior Court ended creditor protection and invited bids for the assets Sept. 16.
The operation has the potential to also produce battery-grade lithium carbonate with the necessary investment, according to a Sept. 17 release.
Sayona Managing Director Brett Lynch said the company could integrate its nearby Authier lithium project with the asset, which "could facilitate the development of a hub for lithium extraction and downstream processing in Abitibi."
"Quebec needs a successful operation at NAL and we are keen to lead a turnaround plan, taking into account the interests of all stakeholders, including NAL employees, subcontractors, local and provincial government, First Nations and other local community members," Lynch said.
