The Shaakichiuwaanaan Project is the largest lithium pegmatite mineral reserve in the Americas and one of the ten largest globally. Located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec and 100% owned by PMET Resources, the project is positioned to become a globally significant producer of lithium while also hosting substantial tantalum, caesium and gallium resources.
SCOPE
Primero has partnered with PMET throughout the development of the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project, providing testwork management, engineering services and flowsheet optimisation. As part of the 2025 Feasibility Study, Primero developed and optimised a simple Dense Media Separation (DMS) concentrator designed specifically for the mineralogical characteristics of the orebody.
The Feasibility Study outlines a staged development approach, with initial production of 400,000 tonnes per annum of 5.5% lithia spodumene concentrate from underground mining. Following commissioning and ramp-up, the operation will expand to 800,000 tonnes per annum, supporting a mine life of close to 20 years based on current mineral reserve.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Largest lithium pegmatite mineral reserve in the Americas
- One of the top 10 largest lithium pegmatite deposits globally
- Significant resources of tantalum, caesium and gallium in addition to lithium
- 2025 Feasibility Study declared a maiden Probable Mineral Reserve of 84.3 Mt at 1.26% Li2O
- Simple DMS-only flowsheet targeting up to 800,000 tpa of spodumene concentrate
- Primero developed and optimised the DMS concentrator flowsheet
- Stage 1 production of 400,000 tpa of 5.5% lithia spodumene concentrate
- Planned expansion to 800,000 tpa of concentrate production
- Ore throughput of 2.5 Mtpa
- Expected DMS recoveries of approximately 69% during commercial operation
- Supporting a mine life of close to 20 years based on current mineral reserve
- Access to year-round infrastructure and hydroelectric power