PEA report confirms world leading alumina resource in Saskatchewan

The PEA was prepared by two leading engineering firms and supports CEM's Thor Project as a discovery of possible global significance.

"This PEA confirms that the Thor Project is a possible game changer for North America's aluminium supply chain," said Christopher Hopkins, President & Chief Executive Officer, CEM. "In our world, anything that moves products, transmits power, or stores energy uses aluminium. We have established a world-leading, secure source of alumina right here in Saskatchewan. Our next focus is to engineer a demonstration facility while moving Thor towards commercialisation."

The PEA mineral resource estimate includes a Measured and Indicated Resource of 49.5 billion t, containing 6.8 billion t of alumina, with an Inferred Resource of 86.6 billion t. This estimate is confined to 600 km² (230 square miles), representing 23% of the main property.

Through CEM's ongoing piloting efforts, the company has successfully produced two types of alumina: 3N (99.9% - low soda) Chemical Grade Alumina (CGA) and 4N (99.99%) High Purity Alumina (HPA). Additional metallurgical and process testing on the polymetallic nature of this significant deposit is underway, specifically with respect to Smelter Grade Alumina (SGA), Scandium, and Vanadium. The financial results of a PEA are important as they provide an initial economic analysis that informs the potential viability of mineral resources based on drilling and metallurgical test results.

CEM's PEA financial model contemplates a surface mining and processing operation with an average throughput of 16.5 million tpy of ore feed, supporting alumina production of 1.8 million tpy over a 25-year project life. Economic assumptions include initial capital expenditures of US$6.3 billion, operating costs of US$1.6 billion per year, and product price assumptions of US$5000 per t for CGA and US$25 000 per t for HPA. The modelled internal rate of return (IRR) is 72% (after-tax) and net present value of cash flows is US$72.3 billion (discounted at 10% after-tax).

With a substantial Measured and Indicated Resource, the PEA highlights Thor as a deposit of major scale within the alumina sector. Based on current projections and assumptions more fully described in the PEA, if developed and commercialised, the Thor Project has the potential to create an entirely new processing and value-added industry for Saskatchewan and North America.

The construction and operations could support high-paying jobs, royalty and tax revenues, and spur regional economic growth for decades. Saskatchewan's Premier Scott Moe added, "The Thor Project discovery pairs our province's pro-mining investment policies with a substantial geological advantage. We're excited about the prospect of a new alumina industry setting up shop in our province, where people are ready for more jobs and investment from around the world."

The company recognises the importance of collaborating with local Indigenous communities to integrate their perspectives into development plans, including equity discussions. CEM has met regularly with community leadership to gain an understanding of their economies and is working with them to develop employment and retention plans as the project develops. The Thor Project represents a large resource with the potential to support long-term development.

Geographically, it is located near the centre of North America in Saskatchewan, regarded as one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world. It has well-developed infrastructure, including power, roads, and services. On-site rail provides transport to markets throughout North America, and to both coasts.

Technically, the processes developed with Hatch demonstrates strong economic and environmental advantages over producing alumina from bauxite. From a geopolitical perspective, the Thor Project has the potential to position Canada as a secure North American source of alumina, providing a long-term alternative to imported bauxite and strengthening critical supply chains.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/30012026/pea-report-confirms-world-leading-alumina-resource-in-saskatchewan/