North American Lithium Mine restart in La Corne

The Québec Lithium Mine, located in the municipality of La Corne 60 km north of Val-d’Or, ceased operations in 2014. Acquired in 2016 and renamed North American Lithium, the mining company decided to restart the plant and optimize its operations.

Client: North American Lithium
Location: La Corne, Québec

OUR EXPERTS’ SOLUTIONS

BBA was involved from the start of the project by reviewing the geological block model. Our mining engineering experts led a pre-feasibility study that identified many improvement opportunities for the open-pit mine using more selective mining. The team was then called upon to provide multidisciplinary engineering and project management services for the mine relaunch.

BBA ore processing experts recommended changes to the plant’s processing system by introducing ore sorting using photometry and a high-intensity magnetic separation step.

Remodelled the geological block
Updated all mining plans
Reviewed processing systems
Prepared and carried out a metallurgical testwork plan

Provided detailed engineering to upgrade concentrators
Designed control system
Performed pre-operational verifications and developed the commissioning plan
Performed a feasibilityy study that included lithium carbonate production

IN THE WORDS OF OUR CLIENT…

“By relying on project management best practices and cutting-edge mining engineering expertise, BBA provided us with the necessary information at the appropriate time, so we could make the right investments and meet our financial goals.”

IN NUMBERS

Reserves estimated at 21 million tonnes (0.94% Li₂O) within 13 years
3,800 tpd processing capacity at the rod mill
190,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate produced per year (> 5.8% Li₂0)

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