What is also not rubbing right with me is BLs comments directly...

What is also not rubbing right with me is BLs comments directly from the PTS we did on NAL and what JB has said in the annual report:

Sayona’s Managing Director, Brett Lynch commented: “This study shows the outstanding value we have
generated from our strategy of acquiring a brownfields plant with existing assets. With an accelerated
pathway to lithium carbonate production, we are rapidly advancing our goal of becoming a fully
integrated producer of lithium chemicals.
“Significantly, NAL is set to become the only lithium operation with a concentrator and carbonate plant
all on the same site in North America.
“Lithium demand continues to increase and the Canadian and US governments have clearly shown their
intentions to develop a North American supply chain, from mining to processing and manufacturing.
“Québec has shown a clear vision of becoming a leader in this new industry, maximising the benefits of
its sustainable hydropower, world‐class infrastructure and proximity to key battery markets. A new
lithium carbonate plant will make a significant contribution in creating a green and sustainable supply
chain, delivering new jobs and investment for local communities, together with a low carbon footprint.
“Sayona now looks forward to advancing a definitive technical study for NAL and moving towards
production as we deliver increasing value for all stakeholders.”

Thats straight from the PTS announcement, so BL mentions carbonate plant like 10 times and doing a dts to getting it to production. Not once is a trade off study mentioned to consider hydroxide..... Switch this over to the comments made by JB in the annual report:

In June 2023, a preliminary technical study for lithium carbonate
production at NAL estimated a fully integrated pre-tax NPV of $5.4
billion.
Sayona and Piedmont will now work with technical advisers to
undertake a further trade-off study of lithium carbonate versus lithium
hydroxide production at NAL.

A change in CEO and very different comments indeed.

Now pair this also with the "tour" our incompetent current board did. Thats right they called it a TOUR! Because they are pretty much tourist right, not from or around NAL and have no idea whats going on....... Anyway the findings

As part of the strategic review, Sayona’s Interim CEO and the Board of Directors toured operations at the
North American Lithium project (SYA: 75%) and reviewed other exploration and development initiatives
including the Moblan Lithium Project (SYA: 60%) in Québec, Canada, as well as assets in Western
Australia, and engaged with joint venture and other strategic partners.
The review encompassed all facets of the Company, including operations and downstream processing,
recognising Sayona’s ability to take advantage of the continued drive for locally supplied, battery-grade
lithium chemicals in North America.
The review addressed opportunities for partnerships to support growth and market access as well as the
prospects for integrating downstream production. Areas have been identified where significant cost
savings initiatives could be implemented in order to conserve cash resources in this current operating
environment.
So my take from this is, yes we will move down stream but not simply at the pace we were before. Consider it a "cost savings initiative".

But just like every other announcement this wont be found out until 2026 when we are expected to be producing carbonate and our BoD just says. Yeh sorry about that, seems we missed the deadline....