North American lithium producers announce major project expansions

North American lithium producers Lithium Universe and Elevra Lithium have released positive pre-feasibility studies for major expansion and refinery projects.

Lithium Universe confirmed the economic viability of its Brownsville Lithium Carbonate Refinery project in Texas. The project, which requires a $607 million capital investment, aims to produce 18,270 tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate. The company reported a pre-tax net present value of $787 million and an internal rate of return of 21%, noting that the refinery remains viable even during periods of below-average pricing. The project intends to utilize proven Jiangsu lithium conversion technology to minimize technical risks.

Separately, Elevra Lithium announced results for its North American Lithium (NAL) Brownfield Expansion in Quebec. The staged development is expected to nearly double annual spodumene concentrate production to 373,000 tonnes per annum following a three-stage expansion process. The project has an estimated post-tax net present value of US$2.384 billion and a total initial capital expenditure of approximately US$271 million. The expansion aims to reduce unit operating costs while increasing milling capacity through 2029.