Global Lithium Advances Manna Project with Key MDCP Approval

MDCP Approval Accelerates Manna Lithium Development

Global Lithium Resources Limited (ASX:GL1) has cleared a significant regulatory hurdle with the Mining Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP) approval for its Manna Lithium Project in Western Australia. The green light from the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration arrives on schedule, de-risking the project and enabling critical early works and infrastructure installation.

The Manna Project, located 110km east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Kakarra Country, is designed for a minimum 14-year mine life. The MDCP approval covers multiple open pits; Manna Main, Manna North, and Manna South; alongside waste rock and tailings management, ore stockpiles, an accommodation village, bore field, and other mining infrastructure. This comprehensive permit package is essential for advancing the integrated Manna-Nova development strategy.

Pathway to Production and Investment Decision

With the MDCP secured, Global Lithium is positioned to fast-track its development timetable. The company aims for first direct shipping ore by Q2 2027, followed by initial spodumene concentrate production mid-year. This momentum feeds into the targeted Final Investment Decision (FID) slated for Q4 2026, a pivotal milestone that will crystallise the project's commercial viability.

Managing Director Dr Dianmin Chen expressed satisfaction with the MDCP approval arriving slightly ahead of internal forecasts, calling it a testament to the team’s expertise. He highlighted the permit as a cornerstone for delivering on Global Lithium’s ambition to become Australia’s next lithium producer, underscoring the value creation for shareholders and local community partners.

Resource and Reserve Base Underpinning Development

The Manna Lithium Project boasts a combined Mineral Resource of 51.6 million tonnes at 1.00% lithium oxide (Li2O) for indicated and inferred categories, complemented by an Ore Reserve of 19.4 million tonnes at 0.907% Li2O. These figures provide a robust foundation for the planned open pit and underground mining operations. The resource estimates include the Marble Bar Lithium Project, which Global Lithium is in the process of divesting, sharpening its focus on Manna.

These data points feed into the Definitive Feasibility Study released earlier in the year, which confirmed a 14.3-year mine life and strong project economics. The MDCP approval now clears a path for transitioning from study to execution, aligning with the company’s recent capital raising and offtake agreements that underpin funding and market access.