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Ioneer’s Rhyolite Ridge Project Advances Into Final Stage Of Permitting
Highlights:
- BLM announces decision to publish Notice of Intent for Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada
- Major milestone toward completion of the NEPA process and approval of the Project’s Plan of Operations
- The Rhyolite Ridge Project is on track to provide environmentally sustainable lithium and boron to support the development of domestic supply chains essential to the electrification of transportation and energy transition in the U.S.
The Plan is the foundational permitting document for the Project and will become the basis for compliance during operations and closure. Ioneer commenced work on the Plan almost four years ago. The latest revised Plan was submitted to the BLM in July 2022. Under the revised Plan, there are no Project-related direct impacts to any of the subpopulations of Tiehm’s buckwheat.
Ioneer’s Executive Chairman James Calaway said:
“We understand the Rhyolite Ridge Project is the first lithium project to be issued a Notice of Intent under the Biden administration, and we see this as a significant step toward ensuring a strong domestic supply of critical minerals and strategic materials necessary for development of a domestic battery supply chain essential to the electrification of transportation in the U.S.”
BLM determined that the Plan was complete on August 17, 2022. However, BLM cannot approve the Plan until an environmental review is completed under NEPA. With work on the Plan completed and the NOI issued, the Project moves into the public review and comment phase of the NEPA process.
Publication of the NOI marks the beginning of that process, starting a public comment period on the scope of the environmental review. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) contractor Stantec1, the BLM, and other cooperating government agencies will use comments received during scoping and resource information gathered by Ioneer to prepare the EIS. The Plan will be updated to reflect the outcomes of the NEPA review before it is finalised.
The NEPA process culminates in the BLM’s Record of Decision (ROD), which represents the Department of Interior’s final decision on Ioneer’s application for an approved Plan of Operations. An approved Plan will allow the Company to commence construction of the Rhyolite Ridge Project. The Company’s current best estimate is that a ROD would be received in 1Q 2024.
To optimize the revised Plan and allow for mining to commence at the southern limits of the deposit, Ioneer will undertake further drilling activity at the southern extension of the ore body as soon as a positive ROD is received. The Company intends to complete the drilling, optimize the mine plan and update capital and operating cost estimates before making a Final Investment Decision (FID). This work is underway, with the exception of the drilling program. The 24-month construction estimate remains unchanged, with first production expected in 2026.
Ioneer Managing Director Bernard Rowe said:
“The NOI marks an important milestone toward the realisation of the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium- Boron Project and reflects the hard work and dedication of the Ioneer and Stantec teams working closely with the BLM and cooperating agencies.
“Our Project is uniquely positioned in the U.S., and has been engineered to ensure a stable, long- term, environmentally sustainable source of lithium. The Project is expected to produce sufficient lithium to allow for the manufacture of approximately 400,000 electric vehicles per year over many decades. In delivering this world-class project, Ioneer will help the U.S. create a domestic supply of lithium for auto manufacturers, quadrupling the current domestic supply, critical to meeting the climate goals established by the Biden administration, while also positively impacting the Nevada economy by creating 400-500 construction jobs and 250-300 operating jobs to help diversify the Nevada economy.”
Last year, Ioneer secured the two other key permits required to commence construction on Rhyolite Ridge: a state-based Air Quality Permit (received June 24, 2021) and a state-based Water Pollution permit (received July 19, 2021).
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Ioneer Ltd, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Successful Completion of Tranche 1 Share Placement
Lithium Universe Limited (referred to as "Lithium Universe" or the "Company," ASX: "LU7”) is pleased to announce that further to its announcement dated 31 October 2024 (ASX:LU7 LU7 Completes Share Placement and Launches Entitlement Offer) (Announcement), it has now settled the first tranche of its share placement to sophisticated and professional investors (Tranche 1).
Highlights
- Successful settlement of Tranche 1 of the share placement to sophisticated and professional investors, raising $1.94 million
- Entitlement Offer to open to shareholders on 11 November 2024
- Tranche 2 of the Placement (subject to shareholder approval) is anticipated to be completed on or around 9 December 2024, raising $0.20 million
- Funds will be predominately used to further progress the Definitive Feasibility Study and the payment of the Bécancour land option costs
Tranche 1 under the Company’s Placement comprised of 161,791,667 fully paid ordinary shares (Shares), which have been issued today under the Company’s existing capacities under Listing Rules 7.1 (15% capacity) and 7.1A (10% capacity). The Shares were issued at a price of A$0.012 per share, raising A$1,941,500. In addition, subject to shareholder approval, the Tranche 1 investors will be entitled to one new option for every share subscribed to, with an expiry date of 12 January 2026 and an exercise price of $0.03 (Options).
As detailed within the Announcement, the Company advised that it would be conducting an additional placement to sophisticated and professional investors, which will be subject to shareholder approval (Tranche 2), as well as a pro-rata 1 for 10 non-renounceable entitlement offer (Entitlement Offer). Investors under the Tranche 2 placement and Entitlement Offer will also receive options on the same term as the Tranche 1 investors.
Tranche 2 Placement
The Tranche 2 placement comprises of 16,666,667 shares, with the issue of such shares being subject to shareholder approval. The Company will seek shareholder approval at an upcoming general meeting, which is scheduled to be held on or around Monday, 9 December 2024.
Entitlement Offer
The Entitlement Offer will open on Monday, 11 November 2024 and has been made under a transaction-specific prospectus that was lodged with ASIC and ASX on 1 November 2024.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Lithium Universe, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Where Does Tesla Get its Lithium? (Updated 2024)
As the energy transition continues to unfold, US electric vehicle (EV) pioneer Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has been making moves to secure supply of the raw materials it needs to meet its production targets.
Lithium in particular has been top of mind for CEO Elon Musk. Back in 2020, the battery metal had a spotlight moment at Tesla’s Battery Day, when Musk shared that the company had bought tenements in the US state of Nevada, and was looking for a new way to produce lithium from clay — a process yet to be proven at commercial scale.
Lithium prices went on to hit all-time highs, but swiftly declined last year and continuing on a downward trend in 2024. Prices for other key battery metals have also decreased as EV sales growth has fallen across most global markets in the face of economic uncertainty and higher interest rates. According to Goldman Sachs research, EV battery costs are at record lows and are forecasted to fall by 40 percent between 2023 and 2025.
In a mid-2023 Tesla earnings call, Musk seemed relieved to see prices for the battery metal had declined. “Lithium prices went absolutely insane there for a while,” he said. Lower battery prices will bring EVs closer to cost parity with internal combustion engines vehicles, leading to wider adoption and increased demand.
During the 2024 US presidential election, Musk threw his support behind Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump, who has been historically critical on electric vehicles and subsidies. Following Trump's election win on November 5, AP News reported that these stances could support Tesla as they would be more likely to harm smaller competitors who were less established than the EV giant. Tesla's share price shot upwards in response to the election outcome.
This spring, Musk invited Argentine President Javier Milei to the Tesla factory in Austin, Texas, where the two reportedly discussed the investment opportunities in Argentina's lithium sector. As a prominent member of the prolific Lithium Triangle, the South American nation is the fourth leading lithium producer by country.
Australia's hard-rock deposits and Chile's brines are also top sources for the world's lithium supply. But lithium refining is dominated by China, which accounted for 72 percent of global lithium processing capacity in 2022.
With the limelight on Musk and Tesla in 2024, investors should know where the electric car company sources its lithium.
Read on to learn more about where Tesla gets its lithium, how much lithium is in a Tesla battery and what the EV maker is doing to better secure its lithium supply chain.
In this article
Which lithium companies supply Tesla?
Tesla has deals with multiple lithium suppliers, some that are already producers and some that are juniors developing lithium projects.
At the end of 2021, Tesla inked a three-year lithium supply deal with top lithium producer Ganfeng Lithium (OTC Pink:GNENF,SZSE:002460), and the Chinese company began providing products to Tesla starting in 2022. Major miner Arcadium Lithium (NYSE:ALTM,ASX:LTM), which is set to be acquired by Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) also has supply contracts in place with the EV maker.
China’s Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group (SZSE:002497) agreed to supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide to Tesla through 2030. Under a new, separate agreement finalized in June 2024, Yahua is set to supply Tesla with an unspecified amount of lithium carbonate between 2025 and 2027, with the option to extend the contract by another year.
Tesla also holds deals with junior miners for production that is yet to come on stream. Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR,OTC Pink:LINRF) is set to supply Tesla with lithium spodumene concentrate from its AU$473 million Kathleen Valley project. The deal is for an initial five year period set to begin this year, and production began in July 2024.The company expects to reach nameplate capacity in calendar Q1 2025.
In January 2023, Tesla amended its agreement with Piedmont Lithium (ASX:PLL,NASDAQ:PLL), which now supplies the US automaker with spodumene concentrate from its North American Lithium operation, a joint venture with Sayona Mining (ASX:SYA,OTCQB:SYAXF). The deal is in place through the end of 2025.
Even though Tesla has secured lithium from all these companies, the EV supply chain is a bit more complex than just buying lithium directly from miners. Tesla also works with battery makers, such as Panasonic (OTC Pink:PCRFF,TSE:6752) and CATL (SZSE:300750), which themselves work with other chemical companies that secure their own lithium deals.
What are Tesla batteries made of?
Tesla vehicles use several different battery cathodes, including nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) cathodes and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cathodes.
Tesla is known for using NCA cathodes developed by Japanese company Panasonic. This type of cathode has higher energy density and is a low-cobalt option, but has been less adopted by the industry compared to the widely used nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) cathodes. Aside from that, South Korea's LG Energy Solutions (KRX:373220) supplies Tesla with batteries using nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA) cathodes.
As mentioned, it wasn’t just lithium that saw prices climb in 2021 — cobalt doubled in price that same year, and although it has declined since then, the battery metal remains essential for many EV batteries. Most cobalt mining takes place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is often associated with child labor and human rights abuses, fueling concerns over long-term supply.
That said, not all Tesla’s batteries contain cobalt. In 2021, Tesla said that for its standard-range vehicles it would be changing to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cathodes, which are cobalt- and nickel-free. At the time, the company was already making vehicles with LFP chemistry at its factory in Shanghai, which supplies markets in China, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.
In April 2023, Tesla announced that it planned to use this type of cathode chemistry for its short-range heavy electric trucks, which it calls "semi light." The company is also looking to use LFP batteries in its mid-sized vehicles.
At the top of this year, Tesla made moves to produce LFP batteries at its Sparks, Nevada, battery facility in reaction to the Biden Administration's new regulations on battery materials sourcing, especially on those sourced from China. Reuters reports Tesla battery supplier CATL will sell idle equipment to the car maker for use at the plant, which will have an initial capacity of about 10 gigawatt hours.
What company makes Tesla’s batteries?
Tesla works with multiple battery suppliers, including Panasonic, its longtime partner, as well as LG Energy Solutions, the second largest battery supplier in the world. They supply the EV maker with cells containing nickel and cobalt.
China's CATL has been supplying LFP batteries to Tesla for cars made at its Shanghai plant since 2020. It’s also been reported that BYD Company (OTC Pink:BYDDF,SZSE:002594) is supplying Tesla with the Blade battery — a less bulky LFP battery — which the car manufacturer has used in some of its models in Europe. Additionally, BYD is set to work with Tesla on its battery energy storage systems (BESS) in China, with a plan to supply 20 percent of Tesla's anticipated BESS manufacturing capacity, with CATL expected to cover 80 percent. The factory will use the companies' LFP batteries.
How much lithium is in a Tesla battery?
How much lithium do Tesla batteries actually contain? That question is tricky because many factors are at play. Typically, it depends on battery chemistry, as demonstrated by the chart below, as well as battery size.
For example, the standard Tesla Model S contains about 138 pounds, or 62.6 kilograms, of lithium. It is powered by a NCA battery, which has a weight of 1,200 pounds or 544 kilograms.
The amount of lithium in a Tesla battery can also vary based on model and year as the battery chemistries and weights are often changing with each new iteration.
Back in 2016, Musk said batteries don't require as much lithium as they do nickel or graphite — he described lithium as "the salt in your salad." As the chart below shows, the metal only makes up about a 10th of the materials in each battery.
Metal content of battery chemistries by weight.
Chart via BloombergNEF.
But a key factor to remember is volume — given the amount of batteries Tesla needs to meet its ambitious goals, it could hit a bottleneck if it can’t secure a steady supply of raw materials. Of course, this is true not just for Tesla, but for every carmaker producing EVs today and setting targets for decades to come.
For that reason, demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to soar in the coming years. By 2030, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence forecasts that demand will grow by 400 percent to reach 3.9 terawatt-hours. Over the same forecast period, the firm sees the current surplus in the lithium supply coming to end.
Will Tesla buy a lithium mine?
For carmakers, securing lithium supply to meet their electrification goals is becoming a challenge, which is why the question of whether they will become miners in the future continues to come up.
But mining lithium is not easy, and despite speculation, it's hard to imagine an automaker being involved in it, SQM’s (NYSE:SQM) Felipe Smith said. “You have to build a learning curve — the resources are all different, there are many challenges in terms of technology — to reach a consistent quality at a reasonable cost,” he noted. “So it's difficult to see that an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), which has a completely different focus, will really engage into these challenges of producing.”
Even so, OEMs are coming to the realization that they might need to build up EV supply chains from scratch after the capital markets' failure to step up, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence’s Simon Moores believes. Furthermore, automotive OEMs that are making EVs will in effect have to become miners.
“I don't mean actual miners, but they are going to have to start buying 25 percent of these mines if they want to guarantee supply — paper contracts won't be enough,” he said.
However, last year Musk made it clear to investors that Tesla is more focused on developing its lithium refining capabilities, rather than getting into the mining game.
Where is Tesla's lithium refinery?
Tesla broke ground on its in-house Texas lithium refinery in the greater Corpos Christi area of the state last year. Tesla's lithium refinery capacity is expected to produce 50 GWh of battery-grade lithium per year. Musk said in late 2023 that construction of the lithium refinery would be completed in 2024, followed by full production in 2025.
This is an updated version of an article first published by the Investing News Network in 2022.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Laguna Verde Operational Update
CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM: CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF), an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile, provides an operational update on progress with the Laguna Verde pre-feasibility study ("PFS"), the 2024 exploration programme and Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") pilot plant process work to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate.
Highlights:
Laguna Verde PFS Update
- Location of preferred sites for carbonation plant in Copiapó and port facilities for export of final lithium carbonate product have been selected
- Power supply study completed evaluating options for onsite renewables which provides a competitive alternative to the base case of a transmission line and grid connection
- Option to utilise electric truck transport identified, lowers emissions and noise pollution, and by hauling from high to low altitude regenerative charging reduces power consumption
- Decision to configure project based on locating DLE plant at Laguna Verde and carbonation plant in Copiapó has numerous advantages contributing to a more robust PFS
- Engineering for this configuration has extended the expected PFS delivery to Q1 2025
Exploration Programme and Pilot Plant Updates
- Results from two completed wells and pump tests for the 2024 field programme have been received increasing knowledge of the resource and providing additional information for the hydrogeological model
- Downstream processing work from our pilot plant is progressing well with lithium carbonate production expected in November
Investor webinar
- CTL to host investor webinar on Tuesday 5th November at 17:00 GMT. Register here: https://www.investormeetcompany.com/cleantech-lithium-plc/register
Steve Kesler, Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer, CleanTech Lithium PLC, said:
"With the recent announcement by the Chilean Government to prioritise six salt flats, including Laguna Verde, to start the process of awarding Special Operating Lithium Contracts (CEOLs), we are focused on the key aspects to advance the project, being permitting, completion of the PFS and production of battery grade lithium carbonate from our pilot plant.
Progress has continued on central elements of the PFS with evaluation of plant location, power supply and transport options. As a leader in developing DLE based projects in Chile, we aim to enter production in 2027 when the lithium market is expected to rebalance, providing a strong long term growth outlook."
Further Information
Sites Selected for Carbonation Plant and Port for Export of Final Product
As part of the ongoing PFS for the Laguna Verde project, a trade-off analysis was completed which determined the DLE plant and eluate concentration stages should be located at the Laguna Verde site, and the carbonation plant at the nearby mining centre of Copiapó. This was reported to the market on July 2, 2024. The re-configuration required a change in pre-engineering design provided by Lanshen Technology, the Company selected to provide the lithium processing plant design and equipment. This has extended the expected PFS completion, which was originally targeted for Q4 2024, into Q1 2025.
The Company has since undertaken studies to determine the ideal location of the carbonation plant in Copiapó and selected a site. After evaluating several options, a site in an industrial zone which by-passes to the south-east of Copiapó was chosen, as shown in Figure 1. This location has existing power and water supply options and provides a direct route to port.
Figure 1: Carbonation Plant Location Map
Figure 2: Carbonation Plant Design Layout
A trade-off analysis was undertaken to evaluate transport corridors and port facilities providing four different options for export of final lithium product. The study indicated that the nearby Caldera Port provides the most suitable option either utilising existing infrastructure which is currently utilised for seasonal shipment of agricultural products, shown in Figure 3. Other port options are also available and may come into consideration however Caldera Port is the current preference.
Figure 3: Caldera Port Existing Facilities
Power Supply Alternative of Onsite Renewable Generation
The Company engaged Chilean consultant Clean Power Hunters to undertake a power supply study to evaluate the option of using renewable power generated at the project site as an alternative to the base case of a transmission line and grid connection. Laguna Verde is located in the region with the highest solar irradiance in the world, as shown in Figure 4. Analysis of estimated Capex and Opex was provided based on different configurations of onsite renewables, either solar plus a battery energy storage system (BESS) or solar plus wind plus BESS. Figure 5 shows the lowest Capex corresponds to combining solar with three wind turbines plus BESS.
Figure 4: Solar Irradiance Map
Figure. 5: Solar + Wind + BESS Scenarios Capex Split
The Company has received proposals including from major global solar plus BESS suppliers, consistent with the costs estimated in the study and competitive with the grid connection option. The financing model for both the grid connection model or the alternative of onsite renewables is expected to be based on a power purchase agreement and a build own operate basis by established suppliers. These proposals will be built into the PFS and the commercial analysis of the project.
Truck Transport Study
Based on the outcome of the plant location study the Company will transport 6% Li in solution post the DLE and concentration stages at Laguna Verde to the carbonation plant. Use of standard and electric trucks is being compared with the latter providing several potential benefits in addition to cutting CO2 emissions. Electric trucks are well suited to hauling loads from high to low altitudes by taking advantage of regenerative charging to reduce power consumption and required battery capacity. Minimal noise and elimination of tailpipe emissions is particularly attractive considering the transport route traverses an indigenous community settlement approximately 100km from the project site, a community the company has been working with closely.
The Company has gathered insight from several potential suppliers. Chinese company XCMG is a leader in electric trucks and is actively expanding its offering in Chile, with its E7-49T model which has a haulage load of 49 tonnes potentially providing a suitable option. The technology is evolving rapidly and is expected to provide a strongly cost competitive option in line with the project development timeline.
Figure. 6: XCMG´s range of electric transport trucks
Figure. 7: Paved Highway to Laguna Verde
2024 Exploration Programme Update
CleanTech Lithium´s 2024 drilling programme anticipated to drill five new resource wells, as shown in Figure 8, with the aim of upgrading the existing Measured and Indicated resource into maiden Reserves for the Laguna Verde project. The existing JORC compliant resource estimate of 1.8 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) is based on six wells completed in 2022 and 2023. The Company engaged Montgomery & Associates Consultores Limitada ("Montgomery" or "M&A"), a leading hydrogeological consultant, for the programme. During 1H 2024, two of the five resource wells were completed being LV07 and LV11, along with three observation wells drilled to support observations during pumping tests, before winter conditions curtailed the programme in June 2024. The full 2024 programme is paused until further funding is available following the Company´s planned ASX fund raising and as a result Montgomery has produced an interim report on work completed.
Figure 8: Laguna Verde Drilling Wells Map - Show original figure
Drilling activities for exploration borehole LV07 reached a final depth of 650m below land surface. This well was drilled with PQ3 diameter from land surface to 300m, and with HQ3 diameter from 300m to 650m. Packer samples were obtained during drilling for 2-meter packer intervals and the volume of the well was purged at least one time before obtaining the sample. Assuming a lithium cut-off grade of 100 mg/L, the average lithium grade of the packer samples corresponds to 139 mg/L with the well encountering lower density water in the upper 150m.
In contrast to LV07, drilling at LV11 did not reach the anticipated depth due to the presence of hydrothermal waters (under pressure) which were encountered during drilling, with a final depth of 412.8m below land surface. Assuming a lithium cut-off grade of 100 mg/L, the average lithium grade of the packer results would correspond to 131 mg/L. In general, it is believed that lithium grades decrease below 220m at LV11 due to the presence of dilute hydrothermal waters which were encountered during drilling. The presence of hydrothermal waters in the eastern portion of the Project are more dilute than the average lithium grade measured in other exploration wells.
Figure 9: Drilling at LV07 in 1H 2024
Lithology and Drainable Porosity
Based on core retrieved from drilling, the most predominant lithology encountered corresponds to a volcanic tuff with variable levels of consolidation and welding based on the depth and location. As determined by relative brine release testing at Geosystems Analysis (GSA) laboratory in Tuscon, USA, drainable porosity values of collected core samples from LV07 and LV11 range from 0.3% to 9.2%, with an arithmetic average of approximately 4%; this is considered by Montgomery to be reasonable for the encountered lithologic units based on visual inspection of the core.
Figure 10: Example of Drill Core from Exploration Borehole LV11 (132 to 136m)
Hydrogeological Evaluation
In addition to resource drilling, the 2024 campaign aimed to complete pump tests to evaluate the feasibility of lithium brine extraction for the Project and to also estimate aquifer parameters. Prior to the winter break, three observation wells were completed and initial variable rate step tests and a constant rate flow test undertaken. The intended long duration pump tests at well LV05 was not able to be completed, however a 7-day pumping test was successfully completed at LV06. With data obtained to date, Montgomery is able to continue refining the hydrogeological modelling that will feed into the design of the extraction and reinjection well fields for the PFS. A key aspect is to ensure no impact on surface water bodies.
Recommendations and Next Steps
Based on the obtained results from the 2024 exploration programme, recommended priorities for continued exploration include additional drilling and testing in the western portion of the Project concessions. A long-term pump test at LV05 (as part of the planned reinjection test) will also aid in demonstrating feasible extraction and reinjection to the west of the basin. A long-term test at LV05 will also allow for a better understanding of the hydraulic connection between the deep and shallow aquifers in that area.
On the completion of the 5 well programme as originally planned for 2024, the existing JORC compliant resource estimate of 1.8 million tonnes will be updated and a Reserve estimate will be calculated for the project. The Reserve calculation is the economically mineable part of the Measured and/or Indicated resource and this will be defined by the PFS data demonstrating that extraction could reasonably be justified. Progress continues on the PFS and the remaining planned wells will be completed as funds are available following completion of the planned ASX capital raising.
Pilot Plant Update
Downstream conversion of concentrated eluate from the Company´s pilot plant into battery grade lithium commenced last week at the facilities of Conductive Energy in Chicago, USA. The initial volume of 88m3 of concentrated eluate from Laguna Verde, equal to approximately one tonne of lithium carbonate equivalent ("LCE"), will be processed in four batches with the first batch expected to produce a volume of battery-grade sample product in November. With this product, the Company plans to engage with strategic partners for product qualification.
For further information contact: | |
CleanTech Lithium PLC | |
Steve Kesler/Gordon Stein/Nick Baxter | Jersey office: +44 (0) 1534 668 321 Chile office: +562-32239222 |
Or via Celicourt | |
Celicourt Communications Felicity Winkles/Philip Dennis/Ali AlQahtani | +44 (0) 20 7770 6424 |
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser) Roland Cornish/Asia Szusciak | +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 |
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Joint Broker) Daniel Fox-Davies | +44 (0) 20 3884 8450 |
Canaccord Genuity (Joint Broker) James Asensio | +44 (0) 20 7523 4680 |
Competent Persons
The following professionals act as Competent Persons (CPs), as defined in the AIM Note for Mining, Oil and Gas Companies (June 2009) and JORC Code (2012):
Mike Rosko and Brandon Schneider of M&A are Registered Members of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration and have functioned as CPs for lithium brine projects under Canadian, Australian, and United States technical reporting standards. Their relevant experience includes:
· Mike Rosko has been estimated lithium brine resources since 2010, and has functioned as a CP for Lithium One's Sal de Vida project, Millennial Lithium's Pastos Grandes project, Lithium Chile's Salar de Arizaro project, NOA Lithium's Rio Grande project, Lithium America's Cauchari project, Wealth Minerals' Salar de Ollague project, Gangfeng's Mariana project, Eramine's Centenario/Ratones project, Posco Lithium's Sal de Oro project, Pepennini's Salar de Pular project, and others, and has prepared numerous third party due diligence and independent geologist reports in Argentina, Chile, and the United States.
· Brandon Schneider specializes in lithium brine reserve estimates, variable density flow modeling, and optimization of brine pumping in salt flats of Argentina and Chile. He has functioned as a CP for the Sal de Vida Project of Arcadium Lithium and Salar de Arizaro Project of Lithium Chile and was responsible for the reserve estimate and projected wellfield design. He also collaborates on the lithium brine exploration phases, resource estimation, and due diligence reviews for lithium brine projects.
Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.
Notes
CleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF) is an exploration and development company advancing lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition. Committed to net-zero, CleanTech Lithium's mission is to become a new supplier of battery grade lithium using Direct Lithium Extraction technology powered by renewable energy.
CleanTech Lithium has two key lithium projects in Chile, Laguna Verde and Viento Andino, and exploration stage projects in Llamara and Arenas Blancas (Salar de Atacama), located in the lithium triangle, a leading centre for battery grade lithium production. The two most advanced projects: Laguna Verde and Viento Andino are situated within basins controlled by the Company, which affords significant potential development and operational advantages. All four projects have good access to existing infrastructure.
CleanTech Lithium is committed to utilising Direct Lithium Extraction with reinjection of spent brine resulting in no aquifer depletion. Direct Lithium Extraction is a transformative technology which removes lithium from brine with higher recoveries, short development lead times and no extensive evaporation pond construction. www.ctlithium.com
Total Voting Rights
In conformity with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules ("DTRs") of the Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA"), CleanTech Lithium, an exploration and development company advancing lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition, announces that as at the date of this announcement the Company's issued share capital consists of 167,889,592 ordinary shares of 1p each with voting rights (the "Ordinary Shares").
The Company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in treasury and accordingly the total number of voting rights in the Company is 167,889,592.
The above figure may be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's DTRs.
For further information contact: | |
Steve Kesler/Gordon Stein/Nick Baxter | Jersey office: +44 (0) 1534 668 321 Chile office: +562-32239222 |
Or via Celicourt | |
Celicourt Communications Felicity Winkles/Philip Dennis/Ali AlQahtani | +44 (0) 20 7770 6424 |
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser) Roland Cornish/Asia Szusciak | +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 |
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Joint Broker) Daniel Fox-Davies | +44 (0) 20 3884 8450 |
Canaccord Genuity (Joint Broker) James Asensio | +44 (0) 20 7523 4680 |
Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.
Notes
CleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF) is an exploration and development company advancing lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition. Committed to net-zero, CleanTech Lithium's mission is to become a new supplier of battery grade lithium using Direct Lithium Extraction technology powered by renewable energy.
CleanTech Lithium has two key lithium projects in Chile, Laguna Verde and Viento Andino, and exploration stage projects in Llamara and Arenas Blancas (Salar de Atacama), located in the lithium triangle, a leading centre for battery grade lithium production. The two most advanced projects: Laguna Verde and Viento Andino are situated within basins controlled by the Company, which affords significant potential development and operational advantages. All four projects have good access to existing infrastructure.
CleanTech Lithium is committed to utilising Direct Lithium Extraction with reinjection of spent brine resulting in no aquifer depletion. Direct Lithium Extraction is a transformative technology which removes lithium from brine with higher recoveries, short development lead times and no extensive evaporation pond construction. www.ctlithium.com
Entitlement Issue Prospectus
Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) presents this entitlement issue prospectus.
For a pro-rata non-renounceable entitlement issue of 1 Share for every 10 Shares held by those Shareholders registered at the Record Date at an issue price of $0.012 per Share, together with 1 free New Option for every 1 Share applied for and issued to raise up to $982,696 (based on the number of Shares on issue as at the date of this Prospectus) (Entitlement Offer).
This Prospectus also includes the Secondary Offers, which are set out in Section 2.2. The Secondary Offers and the Entitlement Offer are together referred to as the Offers.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This document is important and should be read in its entirety. If, after reading this Prospectus you have any questions about the Securities being offered under this Prospectus or any other matter, then you should consult your professional advisers without delay.
The Securities offered by this Prospectus should be considered as highly speculative.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This Prospectus is dated 1 November 2024 and was lodged with the ASIC on that date. The ASIC, ASX and their respective officers take no responsibility for the contents of this Prospectus or the merits of the investment to which this Prospectus relates.
No Securities may be issued on the basis of this Prospectus later than 13 months after the date of this Prospectus.
No person is authorised to give information or to make any representation in connection with this Prospectus, which is not contained in this Prospectus. Any information or representation not so contained may not be relied on as having been authorised by the Company in connection with this Prospectus.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Lithium Universe, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Lithium ION Energy Signs LOI with United Rare Earths, for a Business Combination
Lithium ION Energy Limited (TSXV: ION) (FSE: ZA4) ("ION" or the "Company") is pleased to share that it has entered into an LOI Agreement to progress a business combination with United Rare Earths Ltd. ("UnitedRE"), a US-based rare earths recycling and refining company. UnitedRE secured a strategic location to develop and has significantly advanced discussions with a federal agency for grant opportunities which includes non-recourse, non-dilutive funding. UnitedRE has support at the highest levels of the government and an instrumental MOU with a national laboratory that will advance rare earth recycling and refining technologies in the U.S.
Highlights:
- Cutting edge technology with a clear path to creating a low-carbon, domestic supply of rare earths to the US, leveraging non-recourse funding;
- Rare earth elements required for military applications and essential in the production of motors needed for the energy transition related to electrification - a complementary strategic transaction;
- Lithium continues to play an irreplaceable role in the energy transition and ION's assets will be at the ready to fill this requirement; and
- Strong combined management teams with deep relationships across government, technology, capital markets and mining.
"I am delighted to announce this major development with respect to becoming an integral player in the critical metals space. We believe completion of the proposed business combination will catapult ION Energy into a diversified battery and critical metals player on the global market. We believe strongly in our Lithium assets and the sheer scale and potential UnitedRE brings is compelling to achieve the vital objective of a cleaner, secure, traceable future for humanity," said Ali Haji, CEO & Director - Lithium ION Energy Ltd.
Jeffrey Willis, Chairman of UnitedRE, commented, "We are excited to announce this strategic step forward with ION Energy, marking a pivotal moment for both organizations. By aligning our resources and expertise with ION Energy, we are creating a foundation for accelerated growth and innovation. This partnership enhances our capability to deliver on our shared mission to establish a sustainable, resilient supply chain to power renewable technologies and the electrification movement. Our collective efforts, grounded in a shared vision, will empower us to meet the growing demand for rare earth materials, securing the supply chain for America's future."
Convertible Debentures:
To support this new development for the Company, ION Energy is also pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement offering of convertible debentures of the Company ("Debentures") at a price of US$1,000 per Debenture for aggregate gross proceeds of US$ 2,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Debentures will mature 24 months from the date of issue (the "Maturity Date"), carry an interest rate of 8% per year and will be convertible to common shares at a conversion price of $0.10 per share. In the event the 10-day volume weighted average price of the common shares of the Company exceeds $0.15 or more on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Company will have the right to accelerate the conversion of the shares.
Proceeds of the Offering will be used to complete the business combination with UnitedRE and develop its rare earth recycling and refining technology, for the continued advancement and exploration of the Company's lithium assets, as well as working capital.
ION Energy expects the proposed business combination will constitute an "expedited acquisition" under the policies of the TSXV. Completion of each of the proposed business combination and the Offering remains subject to the approval of the TSXV.
About Lithium ION Energy Ltd.
Lithium ION Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ION) (FSE: ZA4) is committed to exploring and developing high quality lithium resources in strategic jurisdictions. ION's flagship, 65,000+ hectare Baavhai Uul lithium brine project represents the largest and first lithium brine exploration licence award in Mongolia. ION also holds the 29,000+ hectare Urgakh Naran highly prospective lithium brine licence in Dorngovi Province in Mongolia. With the acquisition of the Bliss Lake and Little Nahani projects in NWT, Canada, ION has enhanced its lithium asset and jurisdiction profile. ION is well-poised to be a key player in the clean energy revolution, positioned well to service the world's increased demand for lithium. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.ionenergy.ca, or under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
About United Rare Earths Ltd.
United Rare Earths, Inc, a U.S. owned company, is dedicated to a domestic approach to the acquisition, refining, and distribution of magnet and rare earth minerals. UnitedRE is developing a domestic rare earths hub in northeast Tennessee. Operations will include a magnet recycling facility, a separation facility for newly mined materials and a technology center of excellence. The mission is to create a secure, reliable and traceable supply of rare earth minerals to support new and existing domestic based technologies.
In addition to an MOU with a national laboratory to assist with development, design planning and R&D optimization work, UnitedRE has also obtained a team of world-class advisors such as EY (Ernst & Young): research and strategy, King & Spaulding LLP: legal counsel, and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck: government policy.
For further information:
COMPANY CONTACT: Ali Haji, ali@ionenergy.ca, 647-871-4571
COMPANY CONTACT: Jeffrey Willis jkwillis@unitedre.com, 307-287-6227
MEDIA CONTACT: Siloni Waraich, siloni@ionenergy.ca, 416-432-4920
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including with respect to the proposed business combination and the Company's operations after completion thereof, and other words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, including with respect to the entering into of the proposed business combination with UnitedRE and the Company's operations after the completion thereof. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from ION Energy's expectations include, among others, regulatory approvals, the ability to negotiate and implement definitive agreements with respect to the business combination, uncertainties relating to availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, risks related to international operations, the actual results of current exploration activities, delays in the development of projects, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of lithium, and the ability to predict or counteract other factors relevant to the Company's business. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
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