Imerys launches new lithium exploration project

The results of surveys carried out confirm that the deposit has very attractive concentrations and quantities of lithium. Imerys aims to produce 34 000 tpy of lithium hydroxide from 2028, making the group a leading supplier to the European battery market and a key player in the global lithium industry.

Alessandro Dazza, CEO of Imerys, said:

“I am very excited by the potential of our lithium project and very proud of the work done by the teams over the last 18 months to develop it. Upon successful completion, the Emili project would provide a sustainable, competitive, domestic source of lithium supply for French and European carmakers, and would make a major contribution to meeting the challenges of the energy transition. Throughout the process, Imerys will engage with all stakeholders, from local communities to policymakers, in a spirit of openness and transparency. This project can be a real game changer for Imerys.”

Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, said:

"I congratulate Imerys on launching the first low-carbon lithium operation in France. This project, which is exemplary from an environmental and climate perspective, will significantly reduce our need to import lithium and enable us to produce nearly 700 000 electric vehicle batteries per year. It will contribute to the objective set by the President of the Republic to produce 2 million electric vehicles in France by 2030, and will be supported by the Government."

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/26102022/imerys-launches-new-lithium-exploration-project/