https://kalkinemedia.com/2019/06/30/how-is-lithium-demand-driving...

https://kalkinemedia.com/2019/06/30/how-is-lithium-demand-driving-these-stocks-ore-gxy-pls/

Pilbara Minerals Limited (ASX: PLS)

Pilbara Minerals Limited (ASX: PLS) has an engagement in the development and exploration of mineral resources majorly at the Pilgangoora Project. The company recently announced Pilgangoora production and sales update, wherein it highlighted that the company continues to optimise its production at the Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalum Project. This was due to moderation in the June quarter sales of spodumene concentrate on the back of delays in the construction, commissioning, and buildout of the company’s offtake customer chemical conversion capacity in China.

March’19 Quarter Key Highlights: Despite the impact of Tropical Cyclone Veronica, quarterly spodumene concentrate was reported at 52,196 dry metric tonnes (dmt) as compared to 47,859 dmt in the previous quarter. Spodumene concentrate sales for the period stood at 38,562 dry metric tonnes (dmt) as compared to 46,598 dry metric tonnes (dmt) in the previous quarter, majorly due to the delay in one of the shipments, following the Tropical Cyclone ‘Veronica’. Tantalite concentrate sales for the quarter period was reported at 30,356 lbs as compared to 27,821 lbs in the December quarter. The period also witnessed an improvement in the lithia recovery rate, which contributed to higher spodumene concentrate production during April as compared to the March quarter.

As per the Scoping Study for Stage 3 project expansion, post-tax Net Present Value (NPV) is expected to be around $3.73 Bn. The LOM project revenues and EBITDA is expected to be $16.6 Bn and $10.3 Bn. Processing capacity is expected to increase around 7.5 Mtpa. The average annual production of SC6.0 spodumene concentrate is expected to be around 1.2 Mtpa and around 1.1 Mlbspa of 30% tantalite concentrate over a mine life period of 15 years. The competitive LOM operating cost is expected to be around US$291/tonne CIF.