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Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (TSXV: LIT,OTC:LILIF) (FSE: OAY3) (OTCQX: LILIF), ("Argentina Lithium" or the "Company"):
Dear Shareholders,
As we reflect on the past year at Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp., I am pleased to share the significant progress we have achieved and to outline the next steps as we advance our objective of becoming a leading producer of battery-grade lithium within Argentina's Lithium Triangle. The past twelve months have marked an important period of disciplined progress, both technically and strategically, anchored by our commitment to responsible development and long-term value creation.
Our flagship Rincon West lithium brine project in Salta Province continues to be the centerpiece of our growth. In partnership with Stellantis, we have made notable advances across multiple fronts, including the completion and publication of our maiden NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, an achievement that represents the culmination of our extensive exploration and drilling efforts. This resource forms the foundation upon which our project development strategy is being built.
We are now transitioning from exploration toward development readiness. Our focus remains on five core priorities: regulatory engagement and permitting, Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") process selection and pilot testing, environmental baseline work, engineering and economic studies, and the structuring of project financing. Together, these initiatives form a coherent path toward the potential production of battery-grade lithium carbonate, in alignment with the accelerating global adoption of electric vehicles and the urgent need for a secure, sustainable lithium supply chain.
Our relationship with provincial and federal authorities continues to be positive and constructive. We anticipate the renewal of the Rincon West drilling permit shortly, for additional drilling and resource modelling, and are concurrently securing freshwater access rights for our Paso de Sico concessions to support both near-term exploration and future operations. These milestones are essential to maintaining project momentum as we prepare for the next phase of work.
In parallel, our technical team has advanced the evaluation of multiple DLE technologies through initial recovery testing programs, allowing us to identify the most attractive technologies. We are now preparing for pilot-scale testing to refine process parameters and confirm scalability. DLE represents a transformative opportunity to enhance lithium recovery efficiency and reduce environmental impact—key factors that will strengthen project economics and align Rincon West with the highest ESG standards.
Environmental responsibility continues to guide every step of our work. We have initiated hydrogeological modelling, topographic surveys, and freshwater assessments, and we plan to commence baseline environmental studies in the coming months. Â These programs will ensure that Rincon West is developed under rigorous environmental and social frameworks, reflecting our commitment to transparency and sustainability.
On the engineering front, early-stage design and infrastructure layout work are underway. Subject to financing, we expect to complete a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") in early 2026, integrating the data generated from our DLE pilot testing and initial cost evaluations. Subject to successful results, a Pre-Feasibility Study will follow providing a comprehensive technical and economic foundation for development.
Our immediate priority is to secure the financing required to move into this next stage of development. We have opened our data room to several potential partners and are actively engaged in discussions with institutional investors and strategic industry participants. We are also evaluating tolling and regional collaboration opportunities to optimize capital efficiency and project timelines. While current market conditions for early-stage resource companies remain selective, we are confident that the strong fundamentals of the lithium sector and our disciplined project strategy position us favorably to attract long-term partners and investors.
Our partnership with Stellantis remains a cornerstone of our growth plan. Stellantis' 19.9% ownership in our Argentine subsidiary, Argentina Litio y Energia S.A., and its offtake rights upon production commencement, underscore the confidence of one of the world's leading automakers in our team, our vision, and our asset base. This strategic relationship provides both validation and strength as we move toward feasibility and development readiness.
Looking ahead, Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. remains focused on disciplined execution to advance our technical programs, secure the necessary permits, and finalize financing arrangements to enable construction and production. With our strong partnerships, robust resource base, and alignment with global energy transition goals, we are exceptionally well positioned to deliver meaningful long-term value for our shareholders.
On behalf of our Board of Directors and dedicated team, I thank you for your continued trust and support as we move forward into this next exciting phase of growth and development.
With appreciation,
Nikolaos Cacos
President, CEO and Director
Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp.
Qualified Persons and QA/QC
The technical content of this news release was reviewed and approved by Frederik Reidel, CPG, of Atacama Water Consultants. Mr. Reidel is an independent Qualified Person ("QP") as defined in NI 43-101.
Disclaimers & Cautionary Statements
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "anticipate", "will", "expect", "may", "continue", "could", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments management of the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about the Company's plans for its mineral properties, including obtaing permits, implementation of DLE, intentions to perform enivrontmental, enginineering and economic studies and obtaining project financing; the undertaking, completion and timing of a PEA and Pre-Feasibility Study; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlooks; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with mining activities; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; the state of financial markets in Canada and other jurisdictions; the Company's ability to meet its working capital needs; fluctuations in metal prices; operations in foreign countries and the compliance with foreign laws; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; failure to obtain or delays in obtaining necessary governmental and regulatory approvals; labour disputes and other risks generally in the mining industry. There may be other factors that cause results or events to not be as anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof or the dates specifically referenced in this press release, where applicable. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, unless required pursuant to applicable laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties.
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SOURCE Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp.
