Sayona Mining (ASX:SYA) has produced the first spodumene (lithium) concentrate at its North American Lithium (NAL) operation in Quebec, saying commissioning is proceeding on schedule and within budget.
Sayona Mining says about 70 tonnes of concentrate was produced, and the first saleable concentrate to be produced shortly, satisfying demand for the key battery metal from North America's fast-growing EV (electric vehicle) and battery industry.
It also says a large scale drilling program is planned with Jourdan Resources of over 50,000m at NAL as well as Jourdan's adjacent Vallee Lithium project.
Sayona Mining says the new program will be one of the largest in Quebec this year, targeting defining a larger resource base capable of supplying more tonnes and enhanced material quality to the NAL concentrator.