ABSTRACT

The demand for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EV) has triggered an unprecedented interest in this metal. Although there is asignificant history in the scientific literature regarding lithium mining in Quebec between 1950–1980, very few studies document the current state of the art and address the possibility of the province integrating alocal production chain oriented towards the EV battery market. This paper presents Quebec’s position and analyses its needs and potential market through aliterature review focusing on the main opportunities to produce domestic spodumene concentrates, as well as the major challenges the province will have to face to make the most of its competitive advantages. Furthermore, it provides an updated list of lithium mineral resources and reserves in Quebec, in compliance with NI 43–101. The results show that Quebec holds 94.1% and 85.8% of all Canadian mineral reserves and resources, respectively. The paper also provides an overview of the lithium industry in the province and compares its status with other Canadian jurisdictions. Quebec lithium mines would benefit if their production could be directly integrated with other local or nearby partners, generating ajoint benefit throughout the manufacturing chain of lithium-ion batteries for the EV market.

摘要

电动汽车 (EV) 对锂离子电池的需求引发了人们对这种金属的前所未有的兴趣。尽管在 1950 年至 1980 年间魁北克省锂矿开采的科学文献中有一段重要的历史，但很少有研究记录当前的技术状态并解决该省整合面向电动汽车电池市场的本地生产链的可能性。本文介绍了魁北克的立场，并通过文献综述分析了其需求和潜在市场，重点关注生产国内锂辉石精矿的主要机会，以及该省为充分利用其竞争优势而必须面临的主要挑战。此外，它还提供了魁北克锂矿产资源和储量的更新清单，符合 NI 43-101。结果显示，魁北克分别拥有加拿大所有矿产储量和资源的 94.1% 和 85.8%。该文件还概述了该省的锂行业，并将其与加拿大其他司法管辖区的状况进行了比较。如果魁北克锂矿的生产能够与其他当地或附近的合作伙伴直接整合，从而在电动汽车市场的整个锂离子电池制造链中产生共同利益，那么魁北克锂矿将受益。