Sayona Mining Ltd: MD Update-Canadian Government Backs Billion-Dollar EV Output

Brisbane, Australia - Emerging lithium miner Sayona Mining Ltd. (ASX:SYA) (FRA:DML) (OTCMKTS:DMNXF) announced today its strong support for Canada's 'green recovery' push, with the Company's lithium projects in Quebec set to play a major role in supplying the nation's rejuvenated automotive sector centred on electric vehicles (EVs).

Highlights

- Canadian Government backs C$1.8 billion (A$1.9 billion) EV production in Ontario with goal of establishing entire battery chain; electric transportation key element of 'green recovery' strategy

- Analysis reaffirms Quebec's economic, strategic and environmentally sustainable competitive advantages as spodumene supplier of choice to North America

- Sayona advances EIS studies at flagship Authier Lithium Project; bid for North American Lithium (NAL) on track with Sayona eyeing further improvements to operating efficiencies.

The Canadian Government has announced plans to establish an entire industrial chain, from mining to battery manufacturing and production of EVs, as part of its post-pandemic economic recovery strategy.

Already, the Canadian and Ontario governments have reached agreement to partner with Ford Motor Co. to invest C$1.95 billion in its Oakville and Windsor plants, with the deal including C$1.8 billion dedicated to the production of five EVs as well as battery assembly.

"Today, the discussion starts about how we use our lithium in Quebec; our nickel in Sudbury; our cobalt in northern Ontario; our aluminium from Quebec and British Columbia - to put Canadians to work," Unifor President Jerry Dias said Tuesday.

Among the world's top 10 vehicle producers, Canada produced more than 1.3 million vehicles in 2016, employing 130,000 workers, according to the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association.

The announcement by the Canadian Government has highlighted the potential for the nation to play a leading role in the EV revolution, requiring secure supplies of key battery materials such as lithium from within its own borders.

Meanwhile in Quebec, Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon has stated the province is ready to invest up to C$1.4 billion to establish its battery sector, with projections of total investment exceeding C$7 billion.

"Once and for all, we are going to take our natural resources and transform them into a value-added product," Mr Fitzgibbon told Le Journal de Quebec.

These government moves follow the Tesla 'Battery Day,' in which the leading EV maker emphasised its plans to source its clean and green lithium supply from North America. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence has estimated Tesla's 3 terawatt-hour battery capacity target alone would require an additional 2 million tonnes per annum of lithium by 2030.

Studies undertaken by EY-Parthenon have reaffirmed Quebec's position as the leading supplier of spodumene to North America based on cost, quality, reliability and carbon footprint. An Abitibi hub, as proposed by Sayona, could deliver spodumene ore to the North American market at the lowest cost and with the smallest environmental footprint compared to competitors in Australia and South America.

Authier studies progress

Sayona has also continued to advance its environmental studies concerning its flagship Authier Lithium Project, with the aim of addressing feedback received from Quebec's Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change (MELCC) concerning the environmental impact statement lodged in January.

More than 75% of the required survey work has been awarded, targeting completion by year-end. This will enable Sayona to compile its response to the MELCC by the end of December, with Ministry recommendations expected in early 2021.

Meanwhile, Sayona has also conducted further reviews aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies concerning the mine plans for Authier and North American Lithium (NAL), pending a successful bid for NAL. Significant reductions in operating costs are anticipated, helping ensure a successful turnaround at NAL that secures jobs and investment while contributing to Quebec's lithium revival.

Sayona's Managing Director, Brett Lynch commented: "We welcome the latest announcements by the Canadian and Quebec Governments and their commitments to invest in support of a sustainable and viable battery and automotive sector.

"Quebec is the obvious supplier of choice of spodumene to Canada's battery industry, as highlighted by industry officials. We are ready to fast-track our production plans to help deliver the required spodumene output and downstream processing of lithium hydroxide, thereby generating new jobs and investment and facilitating the nation's clean energy future."

About Sayona Mining Ltd:

Sayona Mining Ltd. (ASX:SYA) (OTCMKTS:DMNXF) is an Australian, ASX-listed (SYA) company focused on sourcing and developing the raw materials required to construct lithium-ion batteries for use in the rapidly growing new and green technology sectors. The Company has lithium projects in Quebec, Canada and in Western Australia.

Please visit us as at www.sayonamining.com.au

Source:
Sayona Mining Ltd.

Contact:

Brett Lynch Managing Director Phone: +61 (7) 3369 7058 Email: info@sayonamining.com.au