Winsome Resources announces results of scoping study for Quebec lithium project

The Scoping Study is based on the recently upgraded Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for Adina 1 and contemplates opencast mining at Adina and production of spodumene concentrate utilising the Renard diamond mine’s processing facility and associated infrastructure which the Company has an exclusive option to purchase. Renard is connected to established road and rail infrastructure, and therefore provides Winsome with a pathway to deliver product to each of the Critical Minerals Hubs under construction at Bécancour, Québec, major ports along the St Lawrence Seaway, or to North American customers using the heavy rail network between Canada and the USA.

Highlights

• Scoping Study confirms the viability and quality of Québec’s Adina Lithium Project as one of the most capital efficient new lithium projects in North America.
• One of the largest Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources in North America underpins a 21-year Life of Mine (LOM) with forecast average annual production above 280 000 t of Spodumene Concentrate (5.5% basis) over the 17 year Active Production Period.
• Low net start up capital cost reflects the intrinsic value in the Exclusive Option over the Renard Operation which provides clear capital savings relative to an entirely “new build” project.
• High grade lithium mineralisation and favourable geo-metallurgy enables Winsome to produce high quality, coarse concentrate using simple Dense Media Separation (DMS) processing.
• Competitive operating cost estimates due to near surface high grade mineralisation, low strip opencast mining and simple DMS flowsheet results in strong project economics.
• Completion of Scoping Study enables the Company to advance discussions with potential strategic partners including those in the electric vehicle battery materials supply chain.

Winsome’s Managing Director, Chris Evans, said: “The detailed inputs to this Scoping Study mean it provides a robust basis from which to advance the development of Adina. In particular the outcome that the existing and well-maintained Renard facility can be repurposed for a relatively modest start up capital cost to develop our hard-rock spodumene resource is a major benefit. Importantly it offers a significant commercial advantage that will see the facility operate through market fluctuations and commodity cycles.

“The ease of mining mineralised material at Adina via an initial low strip opencast along with the simple DMS flowsheet results in a competitive operating cost estimate which optimisation may improve further.

“Winsome has a clear pathway to production outlined by the Scoping Study, underpinned by well-planned strategic initiatives like the exclusive option to acquire Renard. Given the global challenges facing the market, we believe our approach, combined with our world-class Adina asset, is positioning the Company for long-term returns to shareholders, stakeholders and importantly First Nations in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region and the Province of Québec.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/18092024/winsome-resources-announces-results-of-scoping-study-for-quebec-lithium-project/