La Motte, February 24, 2023 – The Authier project, located near Amos in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, will be evaluated by the Bureau d’audiences publiques en environnement (BAPE). The Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCFP) has agreed to the company’s request for voluntary submission to the BAPE. In line with its commitment to transparency and collaboration, Sayona’s request will allow citizens to get involved in the project’s development.

Since the acquisition of the North American Lithium (NAL) mining complex in 2021, the Authier project has evolved significantly. It no longer requires a concentrator or tailings facility, and its daily tonnage falling under the 2,000-ton threshold means that its impact on the land has been reduced significantly.

“Today, the government has agreed to our exceptional request to voluntarily submit the Authier project to the environmental impact assessment and review process. We are committed to our host communities and we are continuing discussions to develop a collaborative project and make it a source of pride for our communities,” says Guy Belleau, CEO of Sayona in Quebec.

“In keeping with our goal of ensuring our projects coexist peacefully with their surroundings, we are continuing to meet with our host communities to remain attentive to citizens’ expectations and concerns. A Continuous Improvement Committee has been created to ensure we work together in developing the project and implementing best practices in order to showcase local lithium responsibly,” said Cindy Valence, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer.

The BAPE’s mission is to inform government decision-making by issuing findings and opinions that account for the public’s concerns and are based on the principles of the Sustainable Development Act. As part of its mission, the BAPE provides a forum for citizens to educate themselves and express their opinions. To that end, it ensures that all relevant, available information is made public. The findings and opinions of its inquiry commissions are founded in a thorough analysis process that accounts for social, economic, and ecological concerns.

About Sayona

Sayona is dedicated to the exploration and mining of lithium, the raw material used to manufacture electric batteries. The company is working on a range of projects, almost all of which are in Quebec. In particular, it owns the North American Lithium Complex, which will start production in early 2023. The complex will become a key component of the lithium hub that the company wishes to establish in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. The Authier and Tansim deposits, owned by Sayona, form part of this hub. Sayona also owns 60% of the Moblan project and 100% of the Lac Albert project, both located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory.

The company is a subsidiary of Sayona Mining Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. With a market value of approximately C$2 billion, it was included in the S&P/ASX200, which consists of the 200 companies with the largest market capitalizations in Australia.

-30-

Information and media requests:

Cindy Valence
xecutive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer
C : (819) 277-5396
Email: cindy.valence@sayona.ca