Imerys, EMILI Phase IV, France

Project Information

Imerys is advancing the EMILI Phase IV exploration campaign to support the resource upgrade preceding the pre-production phase of the Beauvoir lithium project.

Client :Imerys
Location :Allier, France
Year launched :2025
Status :Ongoing
Value :1.8 M€
Meters :12,000 meters

Project Description

EMILI Phase IV is a three-year diamond drilling campaign targeting a resource upgrade ahead of the mine’s pre-production phase, scheduled for 2028. The program comprises:

• Surface drilling in 2025–2026, followed by
• Underground drilling in 2027

In total, approximately 12,000 meters of inclined and vertical core drilling will be completed to refine geological models, confirm resource continuity, and enhance resource classification—all critical to underpinning the feasibility and design of the future mine and processing facilities.

Project Challenge

This ambitious campaign requires seamless coordination across varied drilling environments and timelines.

High-quality coring and data collection to support resource estimation and upgrade
Compliance with stringent environmental and sustainability standards to align with Imerys’s responsible mining commitments

Preparation for the pre-production phase, with an expected commercial ramp-up by 2028
Transition from surface to underground operations with logistical precision