Name of the Project
Carolina lithium project.

Location
In the tin-spodumene belt (TSB), in Gaston County, North Carolina, in the US.

Project Owner/s
Piedmont Lithium.

Project Description
A bankable feasibility study (BFS) has confirmed that the Carolina project could be one of the world’s biggest and lowest-cost producers of lithium hydroxide, with a sustainability footprint that is superior to current producers.

The project has proven and probable reserves of 18.26-million tonnes grading 1.1% lithium oxide. Total mineral resources are estimated at 44.2-million tonnes grading 1.08% lithium oxide.

The BFS proposes steady-state lithium hydroxide production from the conversion plant at about 30 000 t/y over a 30-year operational life. Average steady-state mine production is estimated at 242 000 t/y of spodumene, 252 000 t/y
of quartz, 392 000 t/y of feldspar and 28 000 t/y of mica over an 11-year mine life.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has an after-tax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of $2.04-billion and an internal rate of return of 27%, with a payback of 3.5 years from the start of operations.

Capital Expenditure
Initial capital costs are estimated at $988-million.

Planned Start/End Date
A final investment decision is expected in 2022.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
BFS consultants: Primero Group Americas Inc (concentrate operations and overall BFS integration); Metso Outotec (lithium hydroxide manufacturing technology package and pilot testwork); SGS Canada Inc (concentrate and by-products metallurgical testwork); Marshall Miller and Associates (mine design and scheduling; estimation of ore reserves); McGarry Geoconsulting Corp (mineral resource estimation); HDR Engineering Inc (permitting, environment and social studies); Johnston, Allison, and Hord (land title and legal); Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (lithium products marketability; and John Walker (by-products marketability).

Contact Details for Project Information
Piedmont Lithium, tel +1 704 461 8000 or email info@piedmontlithium.com.