AZL General Discussion, page-1107

The lithium concentration in clays is an order of magnitude or around ten times less than in typical spodumene hard rock deposits. But this isn't the point. What matters is cost of producing battery grade lithium carbonate or hydroxide from the deposit. Clays are lower grade but generally cheaper to mine. Big Sandy is not located in outback WA with no roads, gas lines, power supply, water, nearby work force. There is no need for AZL to build an air strip, FIFO village, power station, 600km long water pipeline etc. There is no overburden, no drilling, no blasting. You get my drift - low grade but cheap.