SNC-Lavalin, a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world, has been contracted to complete the environmental and social impact assessment, for the Sayona Moblan Lithium Project in Quebec. Additionally on the project, SNC-Lavalin will work with InnovExplo and Primero on completing multiple components of the mine’s prefeasibility and feasibility studies.
As the mining project undergoes pre-feasibility & feasibility studies, SNC-Lavalin’s multi-disciplinary team of Mining & Metallurgy experts, including geotechnical engineers, and water and environmental specialists, will provide design and engineering services for the site’s tailings storage facility, water management, and site infrastructure. Sustainable mining solutions will be incorporated throughout the project, including decarbonisation-focused designs, and building in climate resiliency to the mine.
“From the lithium in batteries to the silicon in solar panels, critical minerals and metals are an essential part of the Net Zero equation,” said César Inostroza, CEO, Mining & Metallurgy at SNC-Lavalin. “The World Bank has stated that extraction and production for all critical minerals will need to increase – up to 450% for certain minerals like graphite and lithium.”
He adds: “With Canada’s 2030 Net Zero targets fast approaching, supplying the growing market for the batteries required to support electric vehicles, along with the increasing electrification of society in general means more sustainable mining projects such as this must be operationalised. We look forward to deploying our global, integrated, and full lifecycle mining capabilities in Quebec, as well as our Engineering Net Zero expertise to more mining projects across Canada, and around the world, as we work to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.”
The Sayona Moblan Lithium Project is a high-grade lithium mine located 130 km northwest of Chibougamau, and 600 km north of Montreal. Sited in the proven, world-class lithium geography of Eeyou Istchee Baie James, the site is well served by major infrastructure and transport. It also has access to low cost and net-zero friendly hydroelectric power.
In line with its commitment to sustainable development, the project is committed to maximising benefits for local stakeholders and Indigenous peoples. This includes the creation of new jobs and investments that will stimulate the development of Quebec’s clean energy sector. “Once in production, the mine will produce high-quality, supply-chain secure Canadian lithium, essential for the development of the energy storage technologies needed to reach net zero.”
