Lithium Universe

Quarterly Report - March 2024

Lithium Universe Limited (‘LU7’) is pleased to present its Quarterly Activities and Cash Flow Report.

HIGHLIGHTS

Previous Galaxy Resources CFO Joins Lithium Universe Team

  • Appointment of Mr John Sobolewski as CFO
  • Highly experienced in modelling DFS stage projects
  • Previously CFO of Galaxy Resources
  • Previously CEO of Mintrex
  • Instrumental in the funding of Mt Cattlin Mine and Jiangsu Refinery

Comprehensive Test Program For Lithium Carbonate Refinery In Progress

  • Metallurgical testing on various international sources of spodumene
  • Spodumene feedstock optionality whilst Canadian supply develops
  • Targeted Refinery site has river and port access for global spodumene supply
  • First program achieves 99.7% LiCO3 above the battery grade spec of 99.5% LiCO3

Lithium Universe Secures Quebec Prime Industrial Land For Lithium Refinery

  • Secured prime industrial property in the Bécancour Waterfront Industrial Park (BWIP)
  • Strategic location, hydroelectricity, gas, road, rail, and spodumene import facilities
  • The site has the capability for three 16,000 tpa Lithium Carbonate refineries
  • Located within 1km of General Motors/POSCO Cathode factory and Ford/EcoPro BM Cathode factory and 140km from Northvolt's EV battery facility at Saint-Basile-le-Grand
  • Favourable terms including no option fee until July 2024 and option term of 3 years

Completion of Port Study for Spodumene Import to Lithium Carbonate Refinery

  • Completion of port study focussed on identifying optimal import of spodumene to Bécancour Lithium Refinery
  • Spodumene feed, to be sourced from within Canada or external locations such as Brazil, Africa, or Australia
  • Ability to directly import spodumene into the Bécancour lithium refinery
  • Trois-Rivières, Sorel, Québec, Montreal, and Bécancour ports evaluated
  • Preferred port for the project will be the Bécancour port

Lithium Universe Launches Share Purchase Plan

  • Share Purchase Plan (SPP) offered to raise working capital and reward former Mogul Games Group Limited and IPO shareholders
  • SPP at an issue price of $0.02 per share
  • Represents a 9.09% discount to the closing price of $0.022 per share on 12 March 2024 and a 9.09% discount to the 5-day VWAP prior to the announcement

Closing the Lithium Conversion Gap in North America

  • Lithium Universe to play pivotal role in closing the lithium conversion gap
  • Target conversion contracts with OEMs who have spodumene off take
  • Target "take or pay" agreements with OEMs to reduce market/price risks
  • LFP batteries expected to capture 87% of the ESS market share by 2033
  • Strong Federal and Provincial government financing support within the industry
  • Lithium Universe committed to building through the lithium cycle


Click here for the full ASX Release

This article includes content from Lithium Universe Limited, 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.

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Closing the Lithium Conversion Gap in North America

Lithium Universe Ltd  Becancour Lithium Refinery Definitive Feasibility Study

Lithium Universe Ltd Becancour Lithium Refinery Definitive Feasibility Study

Melbourne, Australia (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Universe Limited (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF) is pleased to announce the results of its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the Becancour Lithium Carbonate Refinery in Quebec, Canada. The Company previously released a Preliminary Feasibility Study in October 2024. The follow-up DFS confirms the viability of a strong lithium conversion project, even within a below-average pricing environment. The Company plans to build a reliable, lowrisk lithium conversion refinery with an annual capacity of up to 18,270 tonnes, utilizing proven expertise from the Jiangsu processing model. The facility will produce environmentally friendly, battery-grade lithium carbonate. The Company aims to establish a Canadian-based lithium chemicals business, purchasing spodumene feedstock from both domestic suppliers and international markets, including Brazil and Africa and producing a battery grade lithium carbonate product. This aligns with the Company's broader vision of contributing to the North Atlantic lithium supply chain and closing the Lithium Conversion Gap.

The project's economics continues to be highly favourable, even with conservative price assumptions. The refinery is economically viable with a pre-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of approximately US$718 million, using an 8% discount rate, and a pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of around 21.0%. The full rate payback period is estimated at 3.9 years.

The financial model is built on cautious price forecasts of US$1,170 per tonne for spodumene concentrate (SC6) and US$20,970 per tonne for battery-grade lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). LU7's directors believe they have a reasonable basis for using the assumed price in the study of US$20,970 per tonne for battery grade lithium carbonate. Key operational assumptions include 86% plant availability and 88% lithium recovery. At full production capacity, the project is expected to generate approximately US$383 million in annual revenue, with costs totalling around US$236 million, leading to an annual EBITDA of approximately US$148 million and a gross margin of in the region of 39%. Post-tax, the NPV at an 8% discount rate is estimated at approximately US$449 million. The capital cost for the project is estimated at US$549 million, which includes a contingency of US$51 million. The capital cost has risen by 11% compared to the PFS, primarily driven by the inclusion of a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system (US$30 million) to enable the recycling and reuse of all process water on-site. Additional factors, such as escalation and updated pricing quotes, also contributed to this modest increase. The capital costs estimate is based on advanced design specifications from the Jiangsu Lithium Refinery model, ensuring robust financial planning and projection. These factors highlight the project's strong financial viability, even under conservative pricing conditions.

Chairman's Comment

Lithium Universe Chairman, Iggy Tan said "The strong NPV and returns for the project indicate an economically viable project and the Board has made the Financial Investment Decision (FID), and the project is now proceeding to the funding stage.

An equity and debt adviser will be engaged to lead the funding outreach program, aimed at securing strategic partners at the project level to support project financing. Initial discussions with various banks and debt providers have been encouraging.

The Company will continue discussions with interested OEMs with spodumene offtake supply seeking conversion outside of China. We are confident that the Becancour lithium refinery, with an annual capacity of 18,270 tonnes, will emerge as a leader in producing green, battery-grade lithium carbonate. We recognized that bridging the lithium conversion gap in North America, leveraging our accumulated lithium expertise and the proven technology from Jiangsu, is a clear strategy."

"Our counter-cyclical strategy is centered on advancing projects during market downturns, allowing us to strategically position ourselves for growth as the market rebounds. We are dedicated to funding and constructing a proven, low-risk lithium conversion refinery in Quebec, marking the first step toward establishing Quebec as the lithium conversion hub for the Transatlantic region."

To view the VIDEO, please visit:
https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/N50A4W00

*To view the full Feasibility Study, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/D1EI5591



About Lithium Universe Ltd:  

Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Universe team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited.

Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe's mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects.



Source:
Lithium Universe Ltd

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

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Lithium Universe Ltd  Strategic Partnership to Advance Lithium Processing

Lithium Universe Ltd Strategic Partnership to Advance Lithium Processing

Melbourne, Australia (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Universe Limited (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with La Corporation de l'Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal (Polytechnique Montreal).

Highlights

- Collaboration in lithium processing with renowned local University

- Build local Canadian expertise in battery materials

- Enhance education, training, and research in critical mineral industry in Canada

- Drive innovation in engineering solutions for sustainability

- Promote student and faculty practical experience in lithium industry

- Support the onshoring of the lithium battery supply chain in Canada

Lithium Universe Limited and Polytechnique Montreal have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at advancing lithium processing technologies and strengthening the local supply chain for critical battery materials in Canada. The collaboration, outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding, seeks to enhance education, research, and innovation in areas of mutual interest, with a primary focus on building Canadian expertise in the lithium battery sector.

About Polytechnique Montreal

Polytechnique Montreal is one of Canada's leading engineering schools, renowned for its research and innovation in applied sciences and technology. Located in Montreal, Quebec, it is affiliated with the Universite de Montreal and serves as a hub for multidisciplinary research and development. Polytechnique's commitment to addressing global challenges, including sustainability and energy transition, aligns closely with LU7's mission to support the advancement of critical materials for clean energy. With a focus on academic excellence and technological innovation, Polytechnique provides a dynamic environment for students, researchers, and industry partners to collaborate and drive impactful solutions.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

The primary aim of the partnership is to enhance local expertise and innovation in Canada. This involves developing and strengthening capabilities in lithium processing through various initiatives such as joint research, innovation projects, and educational programs. Specifically, the focus will be on building local expertise in lithium processing tailored for the battery industry and conducting research to innovate in lithium processing technologies.

Another crucial objective is education and talent development. The partnership seeks to foster educational growth by offering numerous opportunities including internships, fellowships, co-ops, and joint academic projects. This effort is geared towards supporting diversity, encouraging entrepreneurship, and incubating startups within the lithium battery sector.

Furthermore, strategic educational partnerships will be established to facilitate collaboration in the development and delivery of postgraduate and short courses. These partnerships will also encompass student placements and co-developed research projects, enhancing the educational landscape and practical experience in the field.

Lastly, the partnership underscores the importance of sustainability and commercialization. It aims to drive sustainable practices within the industry while also supporting the commercialization of new technologies. This initiative will help bolster Canada's role in the global energy transition by turning innovative research into marketready solutions.

This partnership is set to last for an initial term of five years, with the possibility for further collaboration through additional project agreements.

Lithium Universe Chairman, Iggy Tan said, "It is a privilege to partner with this prestigious university as we ignite innovation and cultivate a thriving lithium battery industry in Canada. Together, we are committed to educational excellence and sustainable industry growth, shaping a future where Canadian expertise leads the global stage."

Polytechnique Director of the Office of Partnerships and Research Infrastructure, Augustin Brais said, "We are enthusiastic about this new, synergetic and innovative partnership that will enhance our educational and research mission towards a greener and more sustainable societal electrical energy future."



About Lithium Universe Ltd:  

Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Universe team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited.

Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe's mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects.



Source:
Lithium Universe Ltd

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
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