Jindalee Lithium Ltd (ASX:JLL, OTCQX:JNDAF) has delivered an update on the progress at the McDermitt Lithium Project, the United States' largest deposit by contained lithium in mineral resources.
PFS on time and budget
A pre-feasibility study (PFS), a crucial step in the project, kicked off in June 2023 and is progressing well, adhering to time and budget constraints.
The PFS is being managed by Fluor Corporation (NYSE:FLR), a global leader in engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM), with Fluor leveraging its experience in US sediment-hosted lithium deposits.
The project also involves additional study work conducted by US West Coast engineering firms, focusing on various aspects like pit geotechnical, mine waste and tailings storage management, hydrology, water supply and grid power supply.
A mine planning engineering consultancy is expected to be engaged early in the new year to further aid in these studies.
New CEO, engagement continues
In permitting news, Jindalee's Exploration Plan of Operations (EPO) for McDermitt, submitted to the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in August 2022, passed a significant milestone.
The BLM declared the commencement of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process on January 10, 2024, marking a critical step towards increasing on-site activities such as infill drilling and further metallurgical test work.
On the corporate front, Jindalee appointed Ian Rodger as the new CEO effective from mid-January 2024. Rodger, an experienced mining engineer, will oversee the delivery of the McDermitt PFS.
Jindalee continues to engage with US Government agencies at State and Federal levels, exploring opportunities to advance the project, including technical cooperation and potential government funding.
The company anticipates the PFS will continue until mid-2024, contingent upon the timing of metallurgical test results, site investigations and approvals.