With a new parliament in session, Atlantic Lithium has expressed their optimism about getting a final ratification to carry out exploration at Ewoyaa. This comes after what has been described as prolonged regulatory delays.
The ratification, which will commence the full-scale development of Ghana’s first Lithium exploration has already received key approvals including permits operational permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mining Regulatory Licences.
According to reports, the delay in ratification has particularly led to the laying off workers last year.
In a related development, a report from the Ewoyaa Mine has revealed that their deposits contain a huge amount of feldspar which they intend to make available for the local industry. This material is essential for manufacturing of ceramics, glassmaking, and other applications.
Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Lithium, Keith Muller, in a statement attributed to him indicated that the estimated quantity is some 36.8 million tonnes.
“We are pleased to report an increased feldspar mineral resource estimate of 36.8 million t at 41.9% feldspar in respect of the Company’s Ewoyaa Lithium Project”
“Atlantic Lithium intends to supply the feldspar to the local Ghanaian ceramics market to support the growth of businesses associated with the industry and the wider local economy” parts of the statement said.
He adds that this development could potentially make Ghana a market for feldspar.
“…The increased resource gives us further confidence in Ewoyaa’s potential as a major source of feldspar in Ghana, which will be produced as a by-product of spodumene concentrate production from the Project”
Given the final go ahead, Atlantic Lithium is expected to produce approximately 3.6 million tonnes of spodumene concentrate (Lithium ore) over a 12-year mine life, resulting in total revenues of about US$6.6 billion. Half of the lithium produced at Ewoyaa will be sent to a refinery of US-based Piedmont Lithium which is Atlantic’s second-largest shareholder.
