Lithium Ionic Announces Definitive Feasibility Study Results for Bandeira Lithium Project, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Core Insights - The updated Feasibility Study for the Bandeira Lithium Project demonstrates a longer mine life, lower capital costs, and stronger project economics, positioning it as one of the lowest-cost hard rock spodumene projects globally [1][10][35] Project Economics - Post-tax NPV at 8% is improved to US$1.45 billion from US$1.31 billion in the previous study, with a post-tax IRR increasing to 61% from 40% [6][32] - The payback period has been reduced to 2.2 years from 3.4 years, indicating a quicker return on investment [6][32] - Average annual gross revenue over the life of the mine is projected at US$343 million, down from US$417 million in the prior study [6][32] Capital and Operating Costs - Initial capital expenditures (CAPEX) have been reduced by approximately 28% to US$191 million from US$266 million [6][27] - Site operating costs are estimated at US$378 per tonne of spodumene concentrate produced, which is competitive within the global lithium industry [6][29] Mine Life and Production - The mine life has been extended to 18.5 years from 14 years, supported by a 6 million tonne increase in proven and probable reserves [6][11] - Total life-of-mine production is projected at 23.2 million tonnes, with an average annual production rate of 177,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate [6][38] Environmental and Operational Design - The project incorporates responsible environmental design, including a long-term underground mining strategy to minimize land disturbance and water consumption [9][10] - The processing plant design utilizes proven technology and modular components to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency [9][23] Infrastructure and Location - The Bandeira property is located in Brazil's Lithium Valley, an area known for its high-quality spodumene concentrate production [1][14] - The project benefits from excellent local infrastructure, including proximity to major highways and a key logistical port for exporting lithium concentrate [15][16] Regulatory and Permitting Status - The project is advancing through the permitting process, with a positive technical endorsement received from the Minas Gerais State Secretariat for the Environment [42][43] - Ongoing engagement with regulatory agencies and community stakeholders is aimed at ensuring compliance and addressing evolving expectations [43][44]