1mtpa plant no longer makes sense. Resource too big, we need to take advantage of economies of scale to reduce costs. 1Mt isn't really that much more cost effective than a 2Mt now that a flotation circuit is necessary. The upcoming mine plan is clearly designed for a minimum 2mtpa 20 year mine life.
2mtpa is the sweetspot between funding of capex and low production costs imo.
One of the big advantages of a hardrock play is that capex is cheaper than brine. We need to get this project funded, ideally with minimal dilution. I think a 2Mt plant is certainly within the realms of possibility here.
4-5mt is very big and would make us one of the most profitable lithium operations out there. But the leverage, funding and execution risk will all be much higher. Any delays would cripple the biz, much better to start with 2mtpa plant and pivot depending on market needs.
The real decision in my mind is whether to go 4-5mt or think about a refinery. Both have their pros and cons, depends on how we fund the 2Mt plant. PLS self funded, they are going to 5Mtpa. KDR going to refinery, they have SQM expertise to derisk the technical challenges involved.
Personally long term I think 4mtpa concentrator with refinery producing hydroxide should be the goal here, with ramping up of refinery until it can process all of the concentrate. That is a 2billion+ company easily, we can all dream eh?
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