Vulcan Minerals affiliated company Atlas Salt released the findings of a comprehensive feasibility study and an updated mineral resource estimate conducted by SLR Consulting on the Great Atlantic salt project situated in western Newfoundland.

The company says the study represents a significant leap in economic viability compared to the preliminary economic assessment dated January 31 2023, including an annual production of 2.5 million tonnes salt (NaCl) over a 34-year mine life and a post-tax net present value (NPV) at an 8% discount rate reaching $600 million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 19%.

SLR Consulting also introduced an expansion case featuring a salt production scale of 4.0 million tonnes per year across a 47.5-year mine life and reported an NPV at 8% amounting to $2.015 billion (pre-tax) and a pre-tax IRR of 28%.

The feasibility study includes the enlargement of indicated mineral resources and mineral reserves:

Indicated mineral resources of 383 million tonnes NaCl at 96.0%.

Inferred mineral resources of 868 million tonnes at 95.2% NaCl.

Probable mineral reserves of 88.1 million tonnes at 96.0% NaCl.

“This independent feasibility study of the Great Atlantic salt project confirms its substantial value and positive economic attributes as a tier one asset,” Patrick Laracy, president of Vulcan Minerals said in a news release.

A new feasibility study gives the Vulcan Minerals’ Great Atlantic salt project a potential 47.5-year life of mine.