Lithium ION Energy Ltd. (TSXV:ION, OTC:IONGF, FSE:5YB) is a battery metal exploration company focusing on lithium exploration in southeast Mongolia. The company holds one of the largest mining licenses in Mongolia and is leveraging its first-mover advantage to explore an area of more than 80,000 hectares containing lithium brine targets.
The global lithium market is projected to grow to US$6.62 billion by the end of 2028 driven by demand from the green energy and electric vehicle markets. Rising concern over global carbon emissions is leading to the increasing adoption of green technologies, including electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage solutions, all of which require massive amounts of battery metals like lithium, cobalt and nickel. Governments around the world, including the United States and China, are working to secure a steady supply of battery metals to prepare for a green energy future.
The Mongolian government has granted Lithium ION Energy one of the largest exploration licenses in the country for the company’s Baavhai-Uul project in the Sukhbaatar province. The 81,758-hectare asset contains high-grade, near-surface lithium brines of up to 810 parts per million (ppm) with low potassium and magnesium ratios, which makes for better crystallization of the lithium hydroxide. ION Energy is the first company to be granted a license for this asset, which has never been mined before. Previous exploration work has been conducted on the project by the Technical University of Mongolia and the Mongolian government.
The potential for significant deposits is driven by the geology of Southeast Mongolia, which mirrors the famed Lithium Triangle of South America. Like the Lithium Triangle, the region is an endorheic basin contained within a low precipitation zone.
Lithium ION Energy’s management team has extensive experience working with the Mongolian government, which has been largely supportive of mining exploration within the country. The Mongolian economy is largely commodity-based and is considered by the World Bank to be stable and growing. Mongolia’s Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) with Canada, signed in 2017, established a legal framework under which Canadian investors working in Mongolia are offered greater predictability and certainty for their investments.
Outside of Mongolia, Lithium ION Energy is exploring opportunities in Canada. It has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Bliss Lake Lithium Pegmatite project in the Northwest Territories. The project is 5,798 hectares in area and totals five contiguous licenses. It is located less than 15 kilometers from Li-FT Power Ltd's "Road Access Group," where numerous lithium-bearing pegmatites have been identified and sampled with over 1 percent lithium oxide. Numerous pegmatite occurrences have been identified from landsat images on the Bliss Lake Project, the largest of which is interpreted to be more than 300 meters in strike length.
Lithium ION Energy’s Baavhai-Uul asset is located approximately 800 kilometers southeast of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, and 200 kilometers south of Baruun-Urt, the capital of Mongolia’s Sukhbaatar province. The approximately 81,758-hectare property is about 200 kilometers from the Chinese border, with paved roads connecting all population centers in the area to the capital city. Gravel roads lead directly to the Baavhai-Uul property. Local towns could supply the project with inexpensive labor, while supplies and equipment can easily be obtained from Ulaanbaatar.
Exploration work has been conducted on the property by the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. The university’s work consisted of two pits drilled by hand auger in the lake bottom collected in 20-centimeter intervals and has indicated the presence of high-grade, near-surface lithium brines. Sampling results by the university indicate lithium content in brines of up to 811 ppm lithium with an average of 462.64 ppm lithium. The samples were assayed by the independent certified assay lab Khanlab LLC located in Ulaanbaatar.
Lithium ION Energy successfully completed the drilling of three lithological diamond core drill holes for a total depth of 954 meters. Notable two-meter drill core results include:
Lithium ION Energy also completed the drilling of two hydrological test wells for the testing of basin brines. The third test well is currently being completed.
In March 2023, the company completed the drilling of three water wells on site for a total of 900 meters, which consisted of UNWH-01 (300 meters), UNWH-02 (300 meters and UNWH-03 (300 meters).
Hydrogeological studies have commenced at the Urgakh Naran site, the first crucial step to laying the framework for NI 43-101 resource estimates at this site, and guiding future exploration work. Lithological results released in December 2022 have shown the basin to be impregnated.
Lithium ION Energy's Urgakh Naran Rising Sun project is composed of over 29,000 hectares of highly prospective lithium terrain. The acquisition of the Urgakh Naran Project brings the total land area held by the company prospective for lithium salars to over 100,000 hectares.
The project is situated in the arid and infrastructure-rich region of the South Gobi Desert, where the brine sample collected at surface assayed 918 mg/L lithium – the highest-grade lithium brine known to have ever been collected in Mongolia.
In August 2022, Lithium ION Energy completed an additional 16-line-kilometer TEM survey intersecting the previously completed 82-line-kilometer survey. Results indicate strong conductivity and low resistivity that is typical of a significant brine aquifer.
The Little Nahanni claims were acquired in August 2023, and covers approximately 900 hectares situated in a pegmatite-rich area, with pegmatites first identified in 1961. Little Nahanni is close to Lake Winn Resources and Li-FT Power assets, where significant results of lithium have been identified. The claims are underexplored and have the potential for lithium discovery.
Ali Haji is the director of Antler Hill Mining Ltd and Spirit Banner II Capital. Haji serves as an advisor to ATMA Capital Markets Ltd and Steppe Gold. Ali Haji has extensive knowledge of the financial services sector after having spent over 13 years in the asset management industry performing strategic and process improvement roles. He started his career as a technology analyst at Invesco in 2006 and advanced into various roles including technology risk, controls, program management, and process improvement, with international assignments involving mergers and acquisitions in Hong Kong, USA and Australia. Most recently, he was a principal contributor to the creation of a Center of Excellence in London, England for Invesco. Haji attended Western University and holds a BSc in computer science.
Matthew Wood is a mineral resource explorer and developer with over 25 years of global industry experience in mining and commodities investments. He serves as the Director (former Chairman) of Steppe Gold (TSX:STGO). He was a founding chairman of Avanco Resources, which sold in March 2018 for AU$440 million and Hunnu Coal, which sold for US$500 million in 2012.
He has managed investment deals in diamonds, coal, energy, ferrous metals, base and precious metals, and other commodities. His unique skills in technical and economic evaluation of resource opportunities have resulted in a record of nurturing resource deals from early stage to market listings and exit strategies for his investors.
Bataa Tumur-Ochir is a Mongolian citizen, and CEO and Chairman of Steppe Gold. At Steppe Gold, he is responsible for new business acquisitions, development and government and community relations. Tumur-Ochir is also responsible for daily operations in Mongolia. Tumur-Ochir is currently a director at GCD Mongolia and CEO and executive director of ASX-listed Wolf Petroleum.
Under his guidance, Wolf Petroleum was awarded the “Operator of the Year Award” from the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia, and today, Wolf Petroleum is recognized as the fastest-growing petroleum exploration company with the largest petroleum exploration acreage in Mongolia. Tumur-Ochir holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and graduate certificates in international business and marketing from Australia and Singapore.
Aneel Waraich is the EVP and director of Steppe Gold, director of Antler Hill Mining CEO of Spirit Banner Capital, and founder of ATMA and ATMACORP with experience in investment banking at Dundee.
Waraich is the founder of ATMA Capital Markets and ATMACORP and a financial services professional with progressive experience in both asset management and corporate finance businesses.
Waraich focuses primarily on advising public and private companies in the Natural Resources sector. In previous roles at Goodman and Company Investment Counsel and Dundee Capital Markets, he worked as an analyst valuing private companies. Most recently Aneel worked as an investment banker focusing on deal origination, going-public transactions and financings for both public and private companies in the resource and technology sectors.
Joseph Gallucci is a senior capital markets executive and corporate director with more than 20 years in investment banking and equity research, focused on global mining, base metals, precious metals, critical metals and bulk commodities. He has worked with BMO Capital Markets, GMP Securities and Dundee Securities. He is currently the managing director and head of investment banking at Laurentian Bank Securities, and holds the ICD.D designation.
Enkhtuvshin Khishigsuren has over 30 years of Mongolian mineral exploration experience. He has focused his expertise on the precious metals exploration sector resulting in successes for numerous companies. Khishigsuren spent the first 10-12 years of his career at Central Geological Expedition doing regional geological mapping in various areas of Mongolia, followed by seven years as senior exploration manager on exploration of precious metal in Mongolia for Harrods Minerals, a privately funded exploration company.
Since 2005 he has been running his own company Erdenyn Erel and conducting exploration and consulting services to Western exploration and mining companies. Khishigsuren has been responsible for identifying targets and properties. His knowledge and experience have resulted in the discovery of several prospective gold and copper deposits in Mongolia; such as the multimillion-ounce gold deposit Olon Ovoot, a large molybdenum porphyry deposit Zuun mod and the Shand copper porphyry deposit near Erdenet copper mine.
Robert Payment is a seasoned certified public accountant and chartered accountant with more than 16 years of experience in finance, reporting, regulatory compliance, public company administration, equity markets, and the financing of publicly traded companies. Since 2014, he has served as a CFO and consultant to a portfolio of companies listed on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange. He has extensive involvement across the natural resource, technology and retail sectors, with a BBA from Simon Fraser University.
Wendy Li's more than 18 years of extensive commercial and business development experience in Asia, including Mongolia and China, has spanned commodity branding and trading, supply chain management and asset development. Before joining ION Energy, Li served as general manager of International Trade for Noble Resources and general manager of marketing for SouthGobi Resources. Li graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University, in Waterloo, Canada with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours in economic and financial management.
First-mover Advantage for Lithium in Southeast Mongolia
Lithium ION Energy Limited (TSXV: ION) (FSE: ZA4) ("ION" or the "Company") is pleased to share that it has entered into a binding Joint Venture Agreement with SureFQ Ltd. ("SureFQ") for the advancement of the Urgakh Naran project in Mongolia, in which ION will continue to hold a 20% free carried interest through to commercial production.
Highlights:
"This milestone is a testament to the ION team's perseverance to deliver upon a strategic partnership that ensures the advancement of our UN asset at a time of historical low Lithium prices; demonstrating a path to production with associated upside that benefits our shareholders. We continue to see Urgakh Naran as an asset with significant potential and are excited to bring on a partner with proven technology that ensures revenue generation expeditiously," said Ali Haji, CEO & Director - Lithium ION Energy Ltd.
"SureFQ is thrilled to support this transformative partnership, which not only accelerates the development of the Urgakh Naran project, but also underscores the resilience and foresight of the ION team. In a challenging lithium market, strategic collaborations like this pave the way for sustainable growth and long-term value creation. We look forward to the positive impact this venture will have on the industry and stakeholders alike," said Hao Qu, CEO - SureFQ.
The Joint Venture agreement was signed effective March 26, 2025. The transaction is expected to close by July 1, 2025, subject to TSXV approval.
Debt Settlement
The Company further announces that it has negotiated debt settlements with certain non-arm's length creditors (the "Debt Settlement"). Pursuant to the Debt Settlement and subject to acceptance by the TSXV, the Company has agreed to settle an aggregate amount of $120,000 in debt, in consideration for which it will issue an aggregate of 3,000,000 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.04 per share.
All securities issued in relation to the Debt Settlement will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day after the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSXV. Completion of the Debt Settlement remain subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV.
Related Party Transaction
The conversion of debt to shares by insiders will be considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") requiring the Company, in the absence of exemptions, to obtain a formal valuation for, and minority shareholder approval of, the "related party transaction". The Company is relying on an exemption from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 available, because no securities of the Company are listed on specified markets, including the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ or any stock exchange outside of Canada and the United States other than the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange or the PLUS markets operated by PLUS Markets Group plc. The Company is also relying on the exemption from minority shareholder approval requirements set out in MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the participation in the Offering by the insiders does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. It is likely the Company will not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering as the Company wishes to close the Offering in an expeditious manner.
Update On Contemplated Business Combination
ION also announces that it is no longer pursuing the contemplated business combination transaction with United Rare Earths as previously announced on October 29, 2024. Following a thorough review of the contemplated transaction by the Board, a collective decision was arrived at not to pursue the transaction. The Board continues to evaluate additional Lithium and critical metal projects to align with our strategic objectives.
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 SureFQ Ltd.
SureFQ is dedicated to advancing innovative and sustainable solutions in the lithium and energy sectors. As a strategic investment and development firm, SureFQ focuses on fostering high-potential projects that drive the global energy transition. Leveraging SureFQ's extensive industry expertise and technological capabilities, SureFQ plays a pivotal role in accelerating lithium resource development and deploying cutting-edge extraction technologies. Through its partnerships and investments, SureFQ is committed to ensuring a stable and efficient supply of critical materials for the clean energy revolution.
For further information:
COMPANY CONTACT: Ali Haji, ali@ionenergy.ca, 647-871-4571
COMPANY CONTACT: Hao Qu, quhao@litioconstante.com
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 joint venture with SureFQ 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, 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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/246288
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Lithium ION Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: ZA4) ("ION" or the "Company") further to the announcement of March 13, 2024, confirms that it has completed debt settlement agreements with certain arm's length and non-arm's length creditors. Pursuant to the debt settlement agreements, the Company has settled an aggregate amount of $98,419 in debt, in consideration for which it will issue an aggregate of 393,675 common shares (the "Shares") of the Company at a deemed price of $0.25 per Share.
All Shares issued in relation to these debt settlements will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day after the date the Shares are issued, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSXV.
About Lithium ION Energy Ltd.
Lithium ION Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: Z4A) 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.
For further information:
COMPANY CONTACT: Ali Haji, ali@ionenergy.ca, 647-871-4571
MEDIA CONTACT: Siloni Waraich, siloni@ionenergy.ca, 416-432-4920
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.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
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 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, anticipated regulatory approvals and completion and timing of closing of the debt settlement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Ion's expectations include, among others, 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 ability to predict or counteract potential impact of COVID-19 coronavirus on 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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/214955
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Lithium ION Energy Ltd (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: ZA4) ("ION" or the "Company") announces today that it intends to extend the expiry date of an aggregate 11,500,000 outstanding common share purchase warrants of the Company (the "April Warrants") by 12 months to April 12, 2025 and an aggregate 4,000,000 outstanding common share purchase warrants of the Company (the "July Warrants" and collectively with the April Warrants, the "Warrants") by 12 months to July 20, 2025 (collectively with the extension of April Warrants, the "Extension").
The April Warrants were issued pursuant to a public offering which closed on April 13, 2021 and are set to expire on April 12, 2024. The April Warrants were issued pursuant to a warrant indenture dated April 13, 2021 between the Company and TSX Trust and each April Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of CAD $0.70. The July Warrants were issued pursuant to a non-brokered private placement which closed on July 20, 2023 and are set to expire on July 20, 2024. Each July Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of CAD $0.40.
The Company believes that the extension of the Warrants is reasonable and necessary in the context of the overall market, as it increases the likelihood that any additional cash needs of the Company could be financed through the exercise of the Warrants.
The Extension remains subject to receipt of approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
About Lithium ion energy ltd.
Lithium ion energy ltd. (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: ZA4) is committed to exploring and developing high quality lithium resources in strategic jurisdictions. ION's flagship, 63,000+ 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.
For further information:
COMPANYCONTACT: Ali Haji, ali@ionenergy.ca, 647-871-4571
MEDIA CONTACT: Siloni Waraich, siloni@ionenergy.ca, 416-432-4920
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.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
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 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, anticipated regulatory approvals and completion and timing of closing of the debt settlement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Ion's expectations include, among others, 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 ability to predict or counteract potential impact of COVID-19 coronavirus on 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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/203328
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Lithium ION Energy Limited (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: ZA4) ("ION" or the "Company") announces that it has negotiated debt settlement agreements with certain arm's length and non-arm's length creditors. Pursuant to the debt settlement agreements, and subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), the Company has settled an aggregate amount of $143,669 in debt, in consideration for which it will issue an aggregate of 606,675 common shares (the "Shares") of the Company at a deemed price of $0.24 per Share.
All Shares issued in relation to these debt settlements will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day after the date the Shares are issued, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSXV.
The Company also announces that it has granted to certain consultants and insiders of the Company an aggregate of 1,250,000 incentive stock options (the "Stock Options") to purchase common shares under the Company's incentive stock option plan (the "Plan"). Each Stock Option is exercisable into a common share of the Company at a price of $0.09 for a period of two years from the date of grant. The Stock Options will vest immediately and be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.
About Lithium ion energy ltd.
Lithium ion energy ltd. (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: ZA4) is committed to exploring and developing high quality lithium resources in strategic jurisdictions. ION's flagship, 81,000+ 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.
For further information:
COMPANY CONTACT: Ali Haji, ali@ionenergy.ca, 647-871-4571
MEDIA CONTACT: Siloni Waraich, siloni@ionenergy.ca, 416-432-4920
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.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
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 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, anticipated regulatory approvals and completion and timing of closing of the debt settlement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Ion's expectations include, among others, 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 ability to predict or counteract potential impact of COVID-19 coronavirus on 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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/201646
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Ali Haji, CEO & Director of Lithium Ion Energy, stated, "We are extremely pleased to be able to formalize our agreement with Aranjin, realizing the upside of the Victory Nickel deposit by carving out the discovery from the large Baavhai Uul licence enabling Aranjin to immediately begin to unearth value, while ION continues to have a 20% carried interest in the project and all Lithium rights therein."
Victory Nickel Project - Mongolia
Further to the announcement on February 1, 2022, Lithium Ion Energy has now formalized its 20% ownership interest in the Victory Nickel Project further to the announcement on February 1, 2022. The Joint Venture arrangement consisted of the Company and Aranjin Resources granting one another reciprocal exploration rights on their respective exploration licences within Mongolia. ION and Aranjin granted each other a reciprocal right to explore one another's properties, with Aranjin earning an 80% interest and ION earning a 20% interest in all base metal projects discovered on ION's properties, and ION earning an 80% interest and Aranjin earning a 20% interest in all lithium projects discovered on Aranjin's properties, subject to existing royalties.
Following exploration work by both parties in 2022 and 2023, the parties agreed to formally separate their ownership of the Baavhai Uul project previously wholly owned by ION to largely mirror the business arrangement set out in the Joint Venture Agreement. The split of the Baavhai Uul licence is pending approval by the Mineral Resource and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia. Under the Joint Venture, Aranjin will own 80% of the Victory Nickel project and relinquish rights to the remainder of the licence comprising the Baavhai Uul project. Ion Energy will retain a 20% free carried interest in the Victory Nickel Project until commercial production as well as retain all lithium rights to the Victory Nickel Project.
About Lithium ion energy ltd.
Lithium iion energy ltd. (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: ZA4) is committed to exploring and developing high quality lithium resources in strategic jurisdictions. ION's flagship, 81,000+ 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 will have significantly 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.
For further information:
COMPANY CONTACT: Ali Haji, ali@ionenergy.ca, 647-871-4571
MEDIA CONTACT: Siloni Waraich, siloni@ionenergy.ca, 416-432-4920
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.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
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 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, and statements, and the prospectivity of its exploration property portfolio for lithium mineralization. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Ion Energy's expectations include, among others, 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, and delays in the development of projects. 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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American Salars Lithium (CSE:USLI,OTC:USLIF, FWB:Z3P) is an exploration-stage company dedicated to acquiring, developing, and monetizing lithium brine projects across the Americas. With a clear focus on low-cost entry and scalable resource expansion, the company is executing a disciplined strategy to build a high-quality portfolio in strategic jurisdictions.
Central to American Salars’ vision is the conviction that lithium demand—driven by the accelerating adoption of electric vehicles and the rise of stationary energy storage solutions—is poised for significant long-term growth. The company is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on this trend, targeting assets with strong appeal to major producers and institutional investors.
Salar de PocitosSalar de Pocitos is the flagship asset of American Salars Lithium, situated in Argentina’s lithium-rich Puna region within Salta Province. The Pocitos 1 block spans 800 hectares and has shown strong lithium brine potential through historical drilling and testing. While a 760,000-ton inferred lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) resource was previously reported for the area—including Pocitos 2, which is not owned by American Salars—all contributing drill holes for that estimate were located within Pocitos 1, where the company holds 100 percent ownership.
Drilling at Pocitos 1 has encountered aquifers at depths between 365 and 407 meters, with lithium concentrations reaching up to 169 parts per million (ppm). Sustained brine flow rates were recorded for over five hours, and porosity tests on core samples returned strong results, ranging from 6 to 14 percent, further underscoring the project’s potential.
This American Salars Lithium profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*
Click here to connect with American Salars Lithium (CSE:USLI) to receive an Investor Presentation
CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM: CTL, Frankfurt:T2N), an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ignacio Mehech, former Country Manager of Albemarle in Chile, as the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and director of CleanTech Lithium.
Click link to watch interview with Ignacio Mehech: https://youtu.be/4iMx2vIZw9g
Highlights:
· Mr Mehech spent seven years up to 2024 at Albemarle with the last three years as Country Manager in Chile, managing a workforce of 1,100 employees and key stakeholder relationships, including Government and indigenous communities
· Albemarle is the world's largest producer of battery grade lithium with Chile accounting for 30 - 40% of its production*
· Native to Chile, Spanish speaking and fluent in English, Mr Mehech has deep leadership and project development experience in lithium production
· Managed high profile engagements with investors, customers, NGOs, analysts, scientists and international government representatives
· Before Albemarle, Mr Mehech led the legal strategy for the El Abra copper operation in Chile, a joint venture with Codelco, and leading US mining company Freeport McMoRan
· Throughout his career Mr Mehech has led profound transformations in organisations to generate sustainable value
· Mr Mehech holds a law degree from the Universidad de Chile and a master's degree in Energy and Resources Law from the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Ignacio Mehech, Chief Executive Officer, CleanTech Lithium PLC said:
"I've been following CleanTech Lithium's progress in Chile for the past couple of years and have been impressed at the progress that has been achieved, with the Company being one of the most active in Chile in seeking to develop a more sustainable means of producing lithium from Chile's abundant brine resources.
I'm truly excited to take on the role as CEO to advance CleanTech's Laguna Verde project and the other business opportunities in Chile. The immediate focus is entering direct negotiations with the Chilean government and progressing the CEOL application for Laguna Verde and delivering the Pre-Feasibility Study to initiate strategic partner conversations. I look forward to leading CleanTech Lithium's project development alongside a dedicated team and to deliver value to all our stakeholders whilst supporting the ambitions of Chile's National Lithium Strategy."
Steve Kesler, Executive Chairman, CleanTech Lithium PLC, said:
"We are delighted that Ignacio has agreed to join us as CEO. His experience in Chile is invaluable, having been Country Manager for leading lithium producer Albemarle, and working on the EL Abra copper mine in Chile for US mining giant Freeport McMoRan. Ignacio joins CleanTech at a crucial point in our development and his significant experience will be instrumental in leading our Laguna Verde project into the next phase."
"I will continue in my role as Executive Chairman intending to move back to being the Company's Non-Executive Chairman when our Board believes the time is right. I look forward to working with Ignacio and remain confident in the long-term potential of CleanTech Lithium."
Figure 1: Ignacio Mehech (centre) participating in a panel discussion at the Future Mining and Energy Congress in Santiago, Chile October 2023. Photo credit: Future Mining and Energy Congress
Background on Ignacio Mehech
During his tenure at Albemarle, a US-listed company with a current market cap of around US$6 billion as of 8th April 2025, Mr Mehech played a pivotal role in driving production growth, strategic negotiations, and sustainability initiatives, significantly impacting Albemarle's operations in Chile and the broader region. Since 2015, Chile has been Albemarle's largest single operation - depending on market prices - accounting for 30 to 40% of its global production.
A landmark achievement under his guidance was securing the first-ever IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance) certification for a lithium operation worldwide at the Salar de Atacama plant-a testament to his commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Previously to Albemarle, Mr Mehech has worked as a legal manager at Freeport-McMoRan, one of the largest copper and molybdenum producers in the world, with multiple assets around the globe. In Chile, it operates SCM El Abra, a joint venture with Codelco, located in Calama and where Mr Mehech was responsible for developing and leading the legal strategy for the business, assuring operational continuity, building relationships with regional authorities, indigenous and non-indigenous communities.
Ignacio Mehech Castellon, aged 42, has held the following directorships and/or partnerships in the past 5 years:
Current | Past |
Cobreloa SADP | Fundacion Chilena Del Pacifico Club Sirio Unido UN Global Compact, Chilean Chapter |
Mr Mehech currently holds no ordinary shares or other securities in the Company.
There is no further information on Ignacio Mehech required to be disclosed under Schedule Two, paragraph (g) (i)-(viii) of the AIM Rules for Companies.
*Statistic taken October 2024 – Albemarle is the world’s largest lithium producer – Mining.com https://www.mining.com/web/ranking-the-worlds-top-lithium-producers/
The information communicated within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. The person who arranged for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was Gordon Stein, Director and CFO.
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 |
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) is an exploration and development company advancing lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition. CleanTech Lithium has two key lithium projects in Chile, Laguna Verde and Viento Andino, and exploration stage project in 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 three projects have good access to existing infrastructure.
CleanTech Lithium is committed to utilising Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") 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. For more information, please visit: www.ctlithium.com
Click here for the full release
This article includes content from Cleantech Lithium PLC, 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.
American Salars Lithium’s strategic focus on scalable, brine-based lithium projects in Tier 1 jurisdictions makes it a compelling investment opportunity, poised to become a leading consolidator of lithium salars globally.
American Salars Lithium (CSE:USLI,OTC:USLIF,FWB:Z3P) is an exploration-stage company focused on acquiring, developing and monetizing lithium brine projects across the Americas. With a strong emphasis on low-cost entry and resource expansion, the company is executing a disciplined strategy to build a portfolio of scalable assets in highly strategic jurisdictions.
Salar de Pocitos
At the core of American Salars’ strategy is the belief that lithium demand—driven by both electric vehicles and emerging stationary storage applications—will surge in the coming years. The company is positioning itself now to benefit from a long-term price recovery, focusing on assets that are attractive to major producers and investors.
Unlike many junior miners that pivot with market fads, American Salars has remained laser-focused on lithium since inception. The company is not built for short-term trading but for long-term investors seeking exposure to a growing portfolio of lithium salars with eventual exit potential.
American Salars is executing a focused, value-driven strategy designed to maximize returns for shareholders through disciplined asset acquisition, resource growth and positioning for future monetization. The company’s approach to lithium investing involves acquiring undervalued assets during market downturns with the objective of capitalizing on future price recoveries. This opportunistic acquisition model allows the company to secure high-potential projects at low entry costs while minimizing dilution and preserving capital.
The company prioritizes lithium brine projects due to their lower development costs, faster resource delineation, and smaller environmental footprint. Its assets provide a foundation for scalable resource development through targeted drilling, advanced aquifer modeling, and ongoing environmental permitting. By focusing on brines, American Salars can efficiently build a strong, technically de-risked project pipeline with lower exploration overhead. Ultimately, American Salars is building its portfolio with a clear path to strategic exits.
Ekosolve pilot plant testing on brines from Pocitos 1 produced lithium carbonate at 99.89 percent purity with recovery rates of 94.9 percent, confirming the extractive potential of the salar. The project’s high lithium concentrations within a compact footprint present compelling scalability potential, and American Salars is actively pursuing an expanded land position to increase its overall brine resource base. Environmental baseline studies are underway in preparation for a future production scenario. An updated NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate is also anticipated as part of the company’s near-term development strategy.
With strong local partnerships and a seasoned team of lithium veterans on the ground, Pocitos stands out as one of the most promising early-stage brine assets in Argentina. The Company signed a letter of intent on March 3rd 2025 to acquire an additional 13,080 hectares on the salar.
The Black Rock South project is located in the Black Rock Desert basin in Nevada, USA. The Black Rock Desert region is known for geothermal activity and proximity to established lithium operations, such as Albemarle’s Silver Peak Mine—the only currently producing lithium brine operation in North America. American Salars’ property is strategically situated just 72 miles north of Tesla’s Gigafactory and 93 miles southwest of Thacker Pass, placing it in a geopolitically important supply zone for US battery manufacturing.
The project consists of a large sedimentary basin with known geothermal activity, indicating the potential for a brine-hosted lithium aquifer at depth. A 2024 soil sampling program returned 33 of 38 samples with lithium values above 100 ppm, including a peak of 180.5 ppm and an average of 131 ppm. These values trended in a northeast direction, suggesting structural controls that could host lithium-enriched aquifers.
An NI 43-101 report has been completed, and the company is now evaluating geophysical programs and structural modeling to define high-certainty drill targets. Depths to target aquifers are anticipated to be 800 to 1,000 meters, requiring significant capital investment. To address water usage concerns, the company is exploring the use of direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies, which offer lower environmental impact by returning processed water to the aquifer.
Initial geochemical assays returned lithium oxide grades of up to 3.72 percent, 2.15 percent and 1.58 percent, alongside notable concentrations of cesium (554.5 ppm), tantalum (135 ppm) and niobium (177 ppm). These high-grade surface samples confirm Jaguaribe’s potential as a high-impact, hard-rock lithium project in a jurisdiction with favorable mining laws and growing lithium sector interest. The company plans to conduct detailed mapping, channel sampling and geophysical surveys to define drill-ready targets. The scale, grade and historic mining context make Jaguaribe American Salars’ top-ranked hard rock project.
American Salars controls three hard rock lithium exploration properties in Quebec, Canada: Xenia West & East, Lac Simard South, and Leduc East, together totaling over 11,500 hectares. These properties are located in proximity to well-known lithium districts, including Sayona Mining's and Brunswick Exploration’s land holdings. The Xenia projects, comprising 92 claims (5,382 ha), are located 30 km southeast of Val-d’Or and lie within the Pontiac Geological Subprovince, known for its lithium-rich pegmatites.
Lac Simard South, spanning 80 km southwest of Sayona’s Authier project, is accessible via gravel roads and logging routes, and offers excellent infrastructure for exploration and future development. Leduc East, a 6,100-hectare block north of Gatineau, is the most recently acquired and sits in a highly prospective greenstone belt. While these assets are still in early-stage development, they offer extensive historic pegmatite mapping, cost-effective acquisition history, and multiple targets identified from legacy data.
The company plans to execute low-cost sampling and reconnaissance work in the near term to add value and keep the claims in good standing. Given the surge in M&A activity across Quebec’s lithium belt, this portfolio offers substantial optionality.
Nicke Horsley has more than 19 years of experience in public markets, M&A and resource development. He is the founder of American Salars and is deeply aligned with shareholders.
Christopher Cooper is a former director at Alpha Lithium, which was acquired for over $300 million. He has extensive experience in lithium exits and corporate development.
Rodney Campbell has extensive experience in oil and gas and capital markets, with strong institutional connections.
Daryn Gordon is an experienced chief financial officer with more than 20 years in audit and financial services, specializing in Canadian junior mining companies.
David Guerrero is the former country manager for Alpha Lithium. He has deep in-country expertise in Argentina and extensive lithium development experience.
Phillip Thomas has over 20 years’ experience in lithium brine geology. He was previously involved with Rincon, Pozuelos and other major Argentine salars.
William Feyerabend – Qualified Person (Nevada)
William Feyerabend is an expert in lithium exploration and technical reports across Nevada and Latin America.
Mitchell Lavery is a veteran geologist with over 40 years of experience across gold, base metals and lithium in Canada.
