---
title: North American Lithium mine restart in La Corne
date: 2021-04-19T15:52:00-04:00
author: jessica napert
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/projects/north-american-lithium-mine-restart-in-la-corne"
section: Projects
---
The Québec Lithium Mine, located in the municipality of La Corne 60 km north of Val-d’Or, ceased operations in 2014. Acquired in 2016 and renamed North American Lithium, the mining company decided to restart the plant and optimize its operations.

 

- Region Eastern Canada
- Client  North American Lithium
 
 

 

 

   1. ## Our experts' solutions
    
    BBA was involved from the start of the project by reviewing the geological block model. Our mining engineering experts led a pre-feasibility study that identified many improvement opportunities for the open-pit mine using more selective mining. The team was then called upon to provide multidisciplinary engineering and project management services for the mine relaunch.  
      
    BBA ore processing experts recommended changes to the plant’s processing system by introducing ore sorting using photometry and a high-intensity magnetic separation step.
    
    
    - Remodelled the geological block
    - Updated all mining plans
    - Reviewed processing systems
    - Prepared and carried out a metallurgical testwork plan
    - Provided detailed engineering to upgrade concentrators
    - Designed control system
    - Performed pre-operational verifications and developed the commissioning plan
    - Performed a feasibilityy study that included lithium carbonate production
 
        

  

  

 

 1. > By relying on project management best practices and cutting-edge mining engineering expertise, BBA provided us with the necessary information at the appropriate time, so we could make the right investments and meet our financial goals.
2. - 21 million Reserves estimated at 21 million tonnes (0.94% Li2O) within 13 years
    - 3,800 tpd processing capacity at the rod mill
    - 190,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate produced per year (> 5.8% Li20)
 
   - [  29 Jul 2026 
    
     Sachin Jari appointed Principal Director & Head of Commercial Strategy and Business Development 
    
     
    
     
    
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/news/sachin-jari-appointed-principal-director-head-of-commercial-strategy-and-business-development "Sachin Jari appointed Principal Director & Head of Commercial Strategy and Business Development")
- [  27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp)
    - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance")
- [  02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp)
    - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing")
- [  02 Jul 2026 
    
     Stéphanie Turbide appointed Office Director, Mont-Saint-Hilaire 
    
     
    
     
    
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/news/stephanie-turbide-appointed-office-director-mont-saint-hilaire "Stéphanie Turbide appointed Office Director, Mont-Saint-Hilaire")
 
 

       

 

 

   

 Let’s see what  
we can do  
together [ Contact us    

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact) 

 

   

 1. ## Our experts' solutions
    
    BBA was involved from the start of the project by reviewing the geological block model. Our mining engineering experts led a pre-feasibility study that identified many improvement opportunities for the open-pit mine using more selective mining. The team was then called upon to provide multidisciplinary engineering and project management services for the mine relaunch.  
      
    BBA ore processing experts recommended changes to the plant’s processing system by introducing ore sorting using photometry and a high-intensity magnetic separation step.
    
    
    - Remodelled the geological block
    - Updated all mining plans
    - Reviewed processing systems
    - Prepared and carried out a metallurgical testwork plan
    - Provided detailed engineering to upgrade concentrators
    - Designed control system
    - Performed pre-operational verifications and developed the commissioning plan
    - Performed a feasibilityy study that included lithium carbonate production