Mining

Piedmont Lithium increases industrial mineral resources amid mounting demand

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By Lorna Nicholas - 
Piedmont Lithium ASX PLL SGS Canada spodumene concentrator pilot testwork SGS Canada

SGS Canada will process a 50t sample of ore collected from Piedmont’s Core project in North Carolina.

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Following acquisition of its 25% stake in Sayona Mining’s (ASX: SYA) Canadian subsidiary, Piedmont Lithium (ASX: PLL) has revealed an increase in resources for the proposed industrial mineral by-products of its flagship lithium project of the same name in North Carolina.

An updated lithium resource for the Piedmont project was announced in April and totalled 39.2 million tonnes at 1.09% lithium for 1.046Mt of contained lithium carbonate equivalent.

In an update for the proposed industrial mineral by-products, the resource estimate has increased 40%.

It now comprises 11.5Mt of contained quartz, 17.77Mt of feldspar and 1.63Mt of mica.

Greater demand for industrial minerals

The updated industrial mineral resource comes after market analysis indicated “far greater” potential demand for the products that Piedmont previously anticipated.

Piedmont president and chief executive officer Keith D Phillips said the company continues to find increased value in its industrial mineral products.

He said the project’s proximity to potential customers will also help Piedmont achieve its goal of becoming “one of the world’s most sustainable” lithium manufacturing businesses with valuable by-products.

“Placing more of our valuable resources into the market creates circular economy opportunities through waste reduction, while providing substantial credits towards our cost of lithium hydroxide production.”

Piedmont is already in advanced discussions with prospective customers and strategic partners in the industrial minerals market including end-users in solar glass, engineered quartz, and ceramic tile.

Expanded industrial mineral production in upcoming studies

To unlock the value of the industrial minerals, upcoming technical studies will evaluate expanded quartz, feldspar and mica production.

“Our upcoming technical studies are expected to demonstrate both the environmental and economic benefits that our team is creating through their ongoing efforts to make beneficial use of every part of our ore body,” Mr Phillips added.

To steer the company in this space and assist with marketing of the industrial minerals, Piedmont previously secured the services of former chief executive officer of The Quartz Corp John Walker as a strategic adviser.