LITHIUM: Nemaska, Crees sign Whabouchi mine agreement

QUEBEC – Nemaska Lithium of Quebec city and the Grand Council of the Crees, the Cree Nation Government, and the Cree Nation of Nemaska have signed a social economic partnership agreement covering the development and operation of the Whabouchi lithium mine 300 km northwest of Chibougamau. The official signing ceremony was held on Nov. 7, 2014.

Called the Chinuchi Agreement, this is a binding agreement that will govern the long term working relationship between the parties during all phases of the project. It provides for training, employment and business opportunities for Cree members during construction, operation, and closure. The principles of social, cultural and environmental respect under which the project will be managed are defined.

The Whabouchi feasibility study outlines a combined open pit and underground operation. The pit will be a conventional truck and shovel operation for 20 years at a rate of 2,740 t/d. During the next six years, the underground portion of the deposit, accessed via a ramp in the pit, will be mined at a rate of 3,342 t/d. Proven and probable reserves for the pit are 20.0 million tonnes grading 1.53% Li₂O, and for the underground mine they are 7.3 million tonnes grading 1.28% Li₂O.

More information about the Whabouchi project is available at NemaskaLithium.com.