Mining Lease Approval De-Risks Global Lithium’s Manna Project Development
Global Lithium Resources has been granted a 21-year mining lease for its Manna Lithium Project, significantly de-risking the venture and accelerating its path to a final investment decision.
- 21-year mining lease granted for Manna Lithium Project
- Recent Native Title Mining Agreement with Kakarra Part B group
- Project hosts 51.6Mt at 1.0% lithium oxide resource
- Definitive Feasibility Study optimization on track for late 2025
- Focus shifting to development partnerships and project financing
Strategic Milestone Achieved
Global Lithium Resources Limited (ASX – GL1) has reached a pivotal moment in its development journey with the granting of a 21-year mining lease (M28/414) for its flagship Manna Lithium Project in Western Australia. This approval, issued by the state’s Minister for Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, marks a significant de-risking event that strengthens the company’s position as it advances toward a Final Investment Decision (FID).
The mining lease follows closely on the heels of a recently signed Native Title Mining Agreement with the Kakarra Part B Native Title Group, underscoring Global Lithium’s commitment to responsible and collaborative project development. Together, these milestones reflect the company’s strategic priorities set out earlier in 2025 and demonstrate effective execution by management and partners.
Project Scale and Potential
The Manna Lithium Project is notable for its substantial mineral resource, currently estimated at 51.6 million tonnes grading 1.0% lithium oxide (Li2O), making it the third largest lithium deposit in the prolific Eastern Goldfields region. This sizeable resource base positions Global Lithium as a significant player in Australia’s critical minerals sector, with the potential to produce spodumene concentrate, a key input for lithium-ion batteries and the growing electric vehicle market.
Global Lithium is concurrently advancing an optimized Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), which remains on track for completion by the end of 2025. The DFS will provide a detailed blueprint for project development, including capital requirements, operational plans, and expected returns, setting the stage for the company’s next phase of growth.
Looking Ahead – Partnerships and Development
With the mining lease secured, Global Lithium’s leadership is now focused on finalizing the DFS and engaging with potential development partners. These partnerships will be critical in securing the necessary capital and expertise to bring the Manna project into production. Managing Director Dr. Dianmin Chen highlighted the milestone as transformative, emphasizing the company’s disciplined approach and the value of its recent agreements.
Beyond Manna, Global Lithium also holds the Marble Bar Lithium Project in the Pilbara region, contributing to a combined resource base of nearly 70 million tonnes at 1.0% Li2O. This diversified portfolio enhances the company’s strategic flexibility and potential to capitalize on rising lithium demand globally.
As the company moves closer to a final investment decision, market participants will be watching closely for updates on the DFS outcomes and partnership negotiations, which will be key indicators of the project’s viability and timeline.
Bottom Line?
Global Lithium’s mining lease grant clears a major hurdle, setting the stage for critical feasibility and partnership milestones ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- What financial terms and partners will Global Lithium secure to advance Manna into production?
- How will the optimized Definitive Feasibility Study impact project economics and timelines?
- What role will the Native Title Mining Agreement play in ongoing community relations and approvals?
