Lithium Power International

Outstanding Results Delivered By The Maricunga Lithium Brine Project In Its Updated Definitive Feasibility Study

Lithium Power International Limited (ASX: LPI) (“LPI” or the “Company”) through its Joint Venture (“JV”) Company, Minera Salar Blanco S.A. (“MSB”), is pleased to provide details of the updated Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for its Maricunga Stage One lithium brine project in northern Chile. The study confirms that Maricunga Stage One could be one of the world’s lowest-cost producers of lithium carbonate, with a solid ESG strategy to support a sustainable future.


  • Maricunga Stage One DFS delivers US$1.4B NPV (after tax) at an 8% discountrate
  • An IRR of 39.6% and a 2-year paybackperiod
  • OPEX of US$3,718 per tonne of LCEproduced
  • Annual EBITDA ofUS$324M
  • Direct development cost US$419M, Indirect cost US$145M and Contingency US$62M for a total project CAPEX ofUS$626M
  • 15,200 tonnes of LCE per annum over 20years
Highlights:
  • The updated Maricunga Stage One Lithium Brine project’s Definitive Feasibility Study(DFS) supports 15,200 tonnes per annum production of lithium carbonate (LCE) for 20 years.
  • ProjectNPV1 (leveragedbasis)ofUS$1.425B(aftertax)at8%discountrate,providinganIRR of 39.6% and a 2-year payback. Estimated steady-state annual EBITDA ofUS$324M.
  • Project operating cost places Maricunga among the most efficient producers with an OPEX of US$3,718 per tonne not including credit from potassium chloride (KCl) by-product. KCI production was not considered in theDFS.
  • Project direct development cost estimated at US$419M, indirect costs at US$145M and contingency costs at US$62M to provide a total project CAPEX ofUS$626M.
  • Exceptional ESG profile aims to achieve carbon neutrality once operation beds down, setting new standards for social relationships. Certification process led by Deloitte will continue during upcoming years as the project advances.
  • Project infrastructure including water rights have been secured by long term contracts during project construction and operation. Access to the National Power Grid has been granted, ensuring future power supply including an important component of renewable energy.
  • Revised DFS completed by Tier-1 engineering consultancy Worley to international standards, with cost inputs from EPC contractors to provide greater certainty on cost estimates. The Resource and Reserve estimates were prepared by Atacama Water.
  • Preliminary indications of interest received from international and Chilean financial institutions and private funds for debt financing and future equity financing of the project. Finance process will continue in coming months.
  • Updating of the EPC proposals will commence during Q1. Final Investment Decision expected for 2022, with construction to start immediately after

Stage One Project

The Company intends to host a webinar on the 21st of January at 10:30am AEDT. Zoom Webinar, details to be provided upon registration. To register your interest for the webinar please click through to the link below:

https://janemorganmanagement-au.zoom.us/webinar/re...

Click here for the full ASX Release

This article includes content from Lithium Power International, 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.

LPI:AU
The Conversation (0)
Rio Tinto website.

Rio Tinto Opens Two Argentine Lithium Projects Worth US$1.4 Billion

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) opened two lithium operations in Argentina's Catamarca province on Thursday (October 29), which is touted to add 25,000 metric tons of annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) capacity once fully ramped up.To date, Rio Tinto has invested roughly US$1.4... Keep Reading...
Silver batteries surround a rising green graph on a lithium-themed backdrop with the text: Lithium, Li.

Benchmark: New Lithium Mine Needed Every Two Months to Meet 2050 Demand

The lithium industry will need to bring the equivalent of a new mine into production roughly every two months for the next 24 years to keep up with demand, according to new data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.Benchmark forecasts global lithium demand will reach about 7 million metric tons... Keep Reading...
Blue battery with Australian flag design on a wooden surface.

5 Best-performing ASX Lithium Stocks in 2026

After a sharp rally in the first half of the year, lithium prices retreated during the third quarter, surrendering a significant portion of the gains generated in May when carbonate values reached a multi-year high. Data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence shows FOB Australia spodumene... Keep Reading...
Glowing battery symbol with lightning bolt on purple circuit board.

Lithium Market Trends: Q3 2026 Review and Forecast

Lithium prices lost ground in Q3, giving back much of the momentum built during a sharp first-half rally.The decline came despite demand indicators that market watchers continue to describe as strong, with electric vehicles (EVs) and grid-scale energy storage both pulling on supply. Price action... Keep Reading...
An electric vehicle beside a charging station.

EU Hybrid EV Cap Sinks Chinese Lithium to 10 Month Low

The EU announced it will cap imports of Chinese hybrid electric vehicles at 350,000 units annually starting this December, sending Chinese lithium futures plunging to a 10 month low.European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic brokered the quota system during recent negotiations held in Beijing.... Keep Reading...
A locked gate.

Sigma Lithium Temporarily Halts Operations in Brazil

Sigma Lithium (TSXV:SGML,NASDAQ:SGML) announced a temporary suspension of all mining and industrial production at its operations in Brazil, citing an "atypical 15-day delay" by the Federal Court of Appeals in reviewing the company’s emergency legal defense against an environmental injunction.The... Keep Reading...

Interactive Chart

Latest Press Releases

Related News