Lac à Paul has a large resource base capable of supporting production for over 50 years. The proven and probable reserves stand at 472.1 million tonnes grading 6.88% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5). There are also 702.7 million measured and indicated tonnes at 7.16% phosphorus pentoxide and 26 million inferred tonnes at 6.58% P2O5. These numbers represent only the Paul deposits and their extensions. Resource estimates for four other phosphate deposits have also been made.
A 2013 feasibility study outlined a 26-year open pit mine and mill (located at the Saint-Rose-du-Nord port) capable of producing 3 million tonnes of apatite concentrate (38.6% P2O5) annually. The initial capital commitment would be $1.2 billion, an amount to be paid back in less than five years. The phosphate price per tonne used in the study was $213, compared to the…
