On May 28, 2026, Australian-listed lithium company Galan Lithium Limited (ASX: GLN) announced that the wet plant commissioning of its wholly-owned Hombre Muerto West (HMW) lithium brine project in Catamarca Province, Argentina, had been successfully completed. The first batch of processed lithium chloride (LiCl) had been fed into the final evaporation ponds, officially entering the production optimization phase, with lithium chloride concentrates production and sales expected in H2 2026. First Batch of Processed Brine Delivered. The Phase 1 construction of the HMW project was completed in March 2026, and after mechanical and electrical commissioning, the project smoothly entered wet plant commissioning. The nanofiltration plant first processed raw brine at low pressure, then processed pre-concentrated brine containing approximately 0.5% lithium at high pressure. Independent laboratory detection confirmed that the impurity separation performance fully met design specifications. The processed lithium chloride has now been fed into evaporation ponds, where approximately 3 months of evaporation and concentration will produce lithium chloride concentrates with 6% lithium content for exports under agreement. Stable mass production has not yet been achieved; upon completion of optimization, the project will steadily reach the Phase 1 designed capacity of 4,000 mt LCE per year. Galan Lithium Limited is a lithium exploration and development enterprise listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Its core assets are the HMW and Candelas world-class lithium brine projects at the Hombre Muerto salar in Argentina. The company also holds an exploration license for Greenbushes South in Western Australia, adjacent to the tier-one Greenbushes lithium mine.

On 28 May 2026, Australian listed lithium company Galan Lithium Limited (ASX:GLN) announced the successful completion of wet plant commissioning at its wholly‑owned Hombre Muerto West (HMW) lithium brine project in Catamarca Province, Argentina. The first batch of processed lithium chloride (LiCl) has been injected into the final evaporation ponds, marking the official start of the production optimisation phase. The company expects to achieve production and sales of concentrated lithium chloride in the second half of 2026. Core Progress: Commissioning Completed, Mass Production Imminent The first phase of the HMW project was completed in March 2026. After mechanical and electrical commissioning, the wet plant successfully entered the commissioning phase. During the process, the nano‑filtration plant first treated raw brine at low pressure, then treated pre‑concentrated brine with approximately 0.5% lithium at high pressure. Independent laboratory tests confirmed that impurity separation met all design specifications. The processed lithium chloride has now been transferred to evaporation ponds, where it will be concentrated over about three months to produce a 6% lithium chloride concentrate, which will be sold under existing offtake agreements. The project is currently in the production optimisation and ramp‑up phase, and stable mass production has not yet been achieved. Once optimisation is complete, the project will steadily reach its Phase 1 design capacity of 4,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). The evaporation ponds already hold a brine inventory equivalent to approximately 10,000 tonnes of LCE, providing ample raw material to support the ramp‑up and ensure continuous production. Capacity Expansion: Phase 1 Expansion + Four‑Stage Plan Targeting 60,000 tpa LCE Galan is steadily advancing its capacity expansion, with a clear long‑term growth roadmap. Phase 1 is planned to increase from 4,000 tpa LCE to 5,200 tpa LCE, with evaporation pond construction to begin shortly and completion expected in the first half of 2027. The nano‑filtration plant is designed flexibly to support the expanded capacity. Looking further ahead, the company already holds a construction permit for Phase 2 (21,000 tpa LCE) and plans a four‑stage expansion, with a final target of 60,000 tpa LCE. The HMW project’s resource base ranks among the top ten lithium projects globally, providing a solid foundation for long‑term stable production and supply. Project Advantages: Premium Asset with Low Costs and Policy Support As Galan’s flagship project, HMW offers multiple core competitive strengths. First, it features industry‑leading brine purity — among the lowest impurity levels of any published lithium brine resource in Argentina. Second, it enjoys a significant cost advantage, positioning it in the first quartile of the industry cost curve once in production. Third, the project has been awarded RIGI preferential status, providing 30 years of fiscal stability and income tax benefits. Finally, it is located in the renowned “lithium triangle” of South America, within the Hombre Muerto salar, giving it exceptional resource endowment. Near‑Term Goals: Four Key Priorities As it enters the production phase, Galan is focusing on four key tasks: 1) ramping up to Phase 1’s design capacity of 4,000 tpa LCE; 2) shipping the first batch of lithium chloride concentrate to Authium Limited; 3) commencing construction of evaporation ponds for the Phase 1 expansion to 5,200 tpa LCE; and 4) continuing planning and financing for the Phase 2 project. With these goals being steadily achieved, Galan is well positioned to take an increasingly important role in the global lithium supply landscape.

Stardust Power, a U.S. producer of battery-grade lithium carbonate, has announced that it has signed a letter of intent with a strategic partner to supply up to 15,000 metric tons per annum of lithium chloride feedstock, equivalent to lithium carbonate (LCE), to its Muskogee refinery in Oklahoma. The feedstock is sourced from a lithium brine project in California, with initial deliveries expected to start in the first half of 2028. The company may also purchase additional volumes at its own discretion as needed. It is currently advancing the pre-construction phase of the Muskogee lithium refinery, having completed the FEL-3 engineering study and obtained an air quality construction permit.

On April 1, Galan Lithium announced that Phase 1 construction of its Hombre Muerto West (HMW) Project has been successfully completed. The project has now fully transitioned to the commissioning and operational readiness phase, with all major process facilities, including the nanofiltration plant, installed and electrical and mechanical testing underway. Supported by substantial brine inventory, first lithium chloride production is expected in 2026. As of April 2026, the project has 10,000 tonnes LCE of brine inventory available for processing. Initial production capacity is 4,000 tonnes LCE per annum, with plans to expand to 5,200 tonnes LCE in the near term.

Recently, Xinjiang Blue Diamond Lithium Energy Technology Co., Ltd. published the first official public notice for the environmental impact assessment of its lithium salt production project. The project is located in Toksun County, Turpan City, Xinjiang, with a total investment of 2.5 billion yuan. It will include a production line capable of producing 35,000 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate and 935 tons of anhydrous lithium chloride per year, along with supporting facilities such as a raw material preparation area, pyrometallurgical area, leaching and electrolysis area, and production area.

In late this month, Lithium Argentina announced its fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results, along with an outlook on subsequent expansion plans. The company holds a 44.8% equity interest in the Cauchari-Olaroz project. The company's flagship Cauchari-Olaroz project currently has an annual production capacity of 40,000 tons, with plans to expand by 45,000 tons per year. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the company produced approximately 9,700 tons of lithium carbonate. For the full year of 2025, production reached 34,100 tons, including 359 tons of lithium chloride (in LCE terms) produced and sold to Ganfeng Lithium in the first half of 2025 to support the startup of Ganfeng's Mariana project. 2025 production reached the upper end of the guidance range of 30,000-35,000 tons, representing a 34% increase year-over-year compared to 2024. Cost of sales in the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$66 million, with cash operating costs for lithium carbonate at US$5,618 per ton. The reduction in operating costs was driven by structural optimization and operational efficiency improvements, with these cost-saving effects expected to be sustainable. Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2025 was US$92 million, with an average realized selling price for lithium carbonate of approximately US$9,049 per ton. Due to a significant increase in market prices since late 2025, the average realized selling price for lithium carbonate in the first quarter of 2026 is expected to be approximately US$17,000 per ton. 2026 production guidance for lithium carbonate is set at 35,000-40,000 tons. With continued optimization and lean operations, production is expected to steadily increase in 2026, supporting the project's long-term operational performance. Regarding the PPG project and Cauchari-Olaroz expansion: Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 2 Expansion: The Cauchari-Olaroz project is advancing expansion plans, aiming to add 45,000 tons per year of lithium carbonate production capacity. Measured and indicated lithium resources increased by 42%, reaching 28.1 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, with an average lithium grade of 562 mg/L. Leveraging the better-than-expected operational performance of the Cauchari-Olaroz project, the 5,000-ton-per-year DLE plant will continue to be built, with the first unit to be deployed at Ganfeng Lithium's adjacent Mariana project for technology integration and operational validation. The Stage 2 expansion plan, incorporating DLE technology, is expected to be completed by mid-2026. The application for the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) and the environmental permit for the Stage 2 project were both submitted in December 2025. PPG Project: Three-phase integrated development, with a total target capacity of 150,000 tonnes/year LCE PPG is expected to have an annual capacity of 25,000 tonnes when it begins production in 2029, subsequently increasing to 50,000 tonnes in 2031, 100,000 tonnes in 2034, and reaching the design capacity of 150,000 tonnes/year in 2038. The detailed preliminary study was completed in December 2025. Based on the assumption of a lithium carbonate price of US$18,000/tonne, the project's after-tax net present value (at an 8% discount rate) is US$8.1 billion, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 33%. Phase 1 environmental permit was obtained in November 2025, and the RIGI application was submitted in February 2026. Integration of the new joint venture company for the PPG project has been largely completed, with the closing expected in the second quarter of 2026. Ganfeng Lithium and Lithium Argentina are in discussions with potential customers and strategic partners on financing solutions, while simultaneously advancing offtake and minority equity cooperation. The company is considering applying for a secondary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) or the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), to broaden its investor base in the Asia-Pacific region while maintaining its listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Source: Lithium Argentina official website, compiled by SMM

Xinjiang Blue Diamond Lithium Energy Technology Co., Ltd. has issued the first public notice for the environmental impact assessment of its lithium salt production project in Toksun County, Turpan, Xinjiang. With a total investment of 2.5 billion yuan, the project will build a production line capable of producing 35,000 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate and 935 tons of anhydrous lithium chloride per year, along with supporting facilities. As a core project within the Xinjiang Nonferrous Rare Metal Industrial Cluster, it will fill a key gap in the upstream lithium material sector, strengthen the local lithium industrial chain, and accelerate the transformation of regional resource advantages into industrial and economic strengths.

Ouyang Minggao pointed out that large-scale mass production of all-solid-state batteries will still require 3–5 years, with test vehicles expected to appear by the end of 2026. Sulphide electrolyte has fallen from 20 million/mt to the million-level range. However, he stressed that the technical difficulty is extremely high and advised consumers that they “need not wait,” as LFP batteries remain the “ballast stone” at present.

[NAL (North American Lithium Mine) Expansion Plan Accelerates] Elevra previously outlined an overall project expansion plan to increase spodumene concentrate production to 315,000 mt per year, with construction expected to be completed and production to commence subsequently by the end of 2029. The critical path constraint for this plan lies in the approval process. Therefore, recent work has focused on identifying steps and methods to streamline the approval process. Based on new approval information obtained after the scoping study was published, Elevra has developed a development plan that can shorten the production increase cycle for the NAL project. Combined with existing permits, the new approval information provides an implementation path for increasing NAL production in a phased, flexible, and efficient manner. The currently proposed production increase path will be achieved through a series of debottlenecking measures, expected to: phase in and gradually raise the existing capacity level; shorten the time target to achieve the life-of-mine average production of 315,000 mt per year of spodumene concentrates; and enable staged capital investment, thereby reducing the initial upfront capital expenditure requirement. Starting from mid-2027, the annual production of spodumene concentrates will initially increase by 15-20% above the current production level, while unit operating costs gradually decrease. This production increase plan falls within the existing concentrator permit limits (daily processing rate set at 4,500 mt); subsequently, downstream concentrator, flotation, and filtration capacity will be expanded to 6,500 mt per day, with corresponding concentrate production expected to reach 315,000 mt per year. Incremental feed will be handled by a temporary mobile crushing system working in coordination with the existing crushing system; the temporary mobile crushing system and the existing crushing system will be replaced by a new crushing and ore sorting system capable of meeting the feed requirements for the full life-cycle average production of 315,000 mt per year. The final step is planned for completion in early 2029 and is expected to achieve the crushing and ore sorting efficiencies required to reduce full life-cycle costs. This phased development strategy is expected to achieve incremental production approximately two years earlier than originally planned, while spreading capital expenditure over a longer period. Given that the proposed expansion project is a low-risk brownfield endeavor, the company plans to release an updated scoping study in early Q2 of fiscal year 2026. Alongside the scoping study update, the company plans to proceed directly to detailed engineering design to implement the corresponding debottlenecking measures. The updated scoping study will detail the operating costs and capital expenditure associated with the aforementioned debottlenecking phases. Commenting on the optimized production plan, Mr. Dow Lucas, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Elevra, stated: "We are accelerating production growth at North American Lithium with a rigorous and pragmatic approach, ultimately resulting in a significantly improved development path. By leveraging new permitting information obtained after the scoping study as well as existing permits, we have developed a phased expansion plan that moves the permitting process off the critical path, achieves incremental production earlier in a low-risk brownfield setting, while maintaining a clear path to the target of 315,000 mt per year of spodumene concentrate capacity."The revised strategy is expected to advance the production increase timeline by approximately two years through targeted, capital-efficient debottlenecking measures, while spreading out capital investment and leveraging economies of scale. Given the robust inherent characteristics of the asset and reduced execution risk, we will update the scoping study and proceed directly to the detailed engineering design phase, thereby providing a clearer cost forecast for the NAL project and accelerating value creation. During the scoping study review process, it was identified that the previously reported C1 unit cash cost did not correctly allocate site general and administrative expenses. After reallocation, the forecast life cycle C1 unit cash cost upon full completion of the expansion is $630 per mt (previously reported as $562 per mt). However, the all-in sustaining costs detailed in the scoping study remain unchanged at $680 per mt. Consequently, key economic metrics, including an approximate project net present value of $950 million and an internal rate of return of 26.4%, are consistent with previously published data and remain highly attractive. The updated scoping study, scheduled for completion in early Q2 2026, will incorporate the accelerated production increase plan, which may further enhance these metrics. Source: [Traxys and Lilac Deal to Reduce US Lithium Supply Chain Risk] Traxys North America and Lilac Solutions signed a 10-year, 50,000-mt lithium carbonate take-or-pay offtake agreement, securing output from its Great Salt Lake Phase 1 project and reducing US supply risk. Lilac Solutions and Traxys North America have reached a binding 10-year offtake agreement for lithium carbonate from the Great Salt Lake facility in Utah. Announced on May 15, 2025, the agreement establishes a clear procurement pathway for a major domestic source of critical minerals, aiming to scale up and reduce risks for US lithium production. Under the final terms, Traxys will purchase 50,000 mt of lithium carbonate over ten years, equivalent to 100% of the planned Phase 1 capacity. Traxys, a global leader in physical metals trading with annual turnover exceeding $10 billion, structured the agreement as a take-or-pay model linked to market indices. This mechanism supports Lilac in advancing its final investment decision while securing Traxys a reliable, long-term source of battery-grade supply in a highly volatile market. Lilac CEO Raef Sulley stated in the announcement, "Securing an offtake agreement for the entire planned production brings us closer to establishing this important new domestic source of lithium resources."Leif's statement underscores the project's role in strengthening domestic procurement. Source: [ABS Collaborates with Siemens Energy to Enhance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Using Advanced Simulation Technology] ABS and Siemens Energy have signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) aimed at significantly improving the safety and reliability of lithium-ion battery systems through advanced modeling and simulation technologies. This collaboration focuses on deepening the scientific understanding of thermal runaway—a critical safety challenge for lithium-ion batteries—particularly in demanding maritime and offshore operating environments. The JDP combines the complementary strengths of ABS and Siemens Energy: ABS brings extensive experience in the classification of vessels and offshore facilities, technical verification, and the development of global safety standards; Siemens Energy contributes its leading capabilities in digital simulation, advanced engineering tools, and innovation in industrial technology. Both parties are committed to building a robust simulation framework capable of predicting battery behavior under extreme and abnormal conditions, thereby enabling safer system design from the early development stages. As vessels and offshore facilities accelerate the adoption of lithium-ion batteries to support decarbonization, hybrid propulsion, and energy storage needs, the consequences of battery failures—especially thermal runaway events—can be particularly severe in confined or remote environments with limited emergency response capabilities. Through this JDP, ABS and Siemens Energy will utilize high-precision modeling and simulation technologies to analyze the response mechanisms of battery packs under thermal, electrical, and mechanical stress, aiming to fill existing knowledge gaps. The project places high importance on simulation-based verification methods, using advanced digital models to replace some costly, time-consuming, and scope-limited physical tests. This enables the partners to evaluate fault initiation, thermal event propagation, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures such as cooling systems, containment strategies, and system isolation. The resulting insights are expected to support improved design verification methods and enhance the resilience of safety concepts for the next generation of battery systems. ABS stated that safety and technical assurance have always been at the core of its mission. By combining ABS's deep understanding of safety standards with Siemens Energy's advanced modeling expertise, the collaboration will help the maritime and offshore industries adopt emerging energy storage technologies more confidently. This partnership simultaneously drives innovation and risk management by strengthening the technical foundation for battery system design and operation. Siemens Energy views the project as a critical step toward optimizing battery system performance and enhancing safety, emphasizing that advanced modeling and simulation are vital tools for shaping a safer and cleaner energy future. By digitally assessing design and operational requirements, the project will ensure that battery solutions for maritime and offshore applications meet stringent safety expectations without compromising efficiency or sustainability goals. Simulation research findings during the JDP project are expected to enhance the safety assurance throughout the entire ESS life cycle—from conceptual design and certification to installation, operation, and ongoing risk management. Ultimately, the collaboration between ABS and Siemens Energy highlights their shared commitment to advancing the safe application of lithium-ion batteries, supporting the maritime and offshore industries' transition to low-carbon energy systems. Source: https://www.chemanalyst.com/ [Ukrainian Prime Minister Confirms Kyiv Awards One of Its Largest Lithium Mines to Investor Linked to Trump] Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has confirmed that a consortium led by TechMet and Lock Holdings won the bid for the mineral resource development project in Kirovohrad Oblast. Quote: "The deposit is expected to attract at least $179 million in capital investment, of which $12 million will be allocated to a new round of geological exploration and international reserve audits. If commercial reserves are confirmed, an additional $167 million will be used to organize mining and processing." Svyrydenko added that Ukrainian and foreign enterprises were invited to participate in the selection process, which employed a percentage-based evaluation system. The winning bidder was Dobra Lithium Holding LLC, a joint venture jointly owned by TechMet and Lock Holdings. Svyrydenko emphasized: "The Dobra mine is only Step-1 in the grand plan to integrate Ukraine into the supply chains of our strategic partners." Background: The New York Times previously reported that the winning consortium has close ties to the administration of US President Donald Trump. Consortium members include Ronald Lauder, heir to the Estée Lauder cosmetics company. Lauder is a friend of Trump, with the two knowing each other since university. Furthermore, Lauder has long provided political donations to the Republican Party. - The largest shareholder of TechMet is the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which was established by Trump during his first term in the White House. On April 30, 2025, Ukraine and the US signed a minerals agreement that envisions the creation of a joint Ukrainian-US investment fund to manage Ukraine's resources. In September, US representatives visited Ukraine to inspect the first deposits that could become initial projects for the Ukraine Recovery Investment Fund. Representatives from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation visited Kirovohrad Oblast at that time. Source: [E3 Lithium Delivers Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate from Its Demonstration Project to Global Partners and Off-Takers] Calgary, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--E3 Lithium Ltd. (TSXV: ETL; FWB: OW3; OTCQX: EEMMF) ("E3," "E3 Lithium," or the "Company"), a leading Canadian lithium resource development company, has commenced and is continuing to deliver battery-grade lithium carbonate produced from its demonstration project to multiple parties as part of its engagement with potential off-takers and strategic partners. E3 Lithium continues to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from lithium chloride generated through its direct lithium extraction process, with all process steps currently operating within its demonstration plant in Alberta. The company is now shipping 0.5 kg sample batches to potential partners in the lithium battery industry, and multiple enterprises have requested kilogram-scale samples for further analysis. The demonstration plant, designed based on the pre-feasibility study released in 2024, was manufactured in early 2025 and deployed to the site in Q3 2025 for Phase 1 testing. The team achieved target battery-grade lithium carbonate specifications within three weeks of commissioning, demonstrating the robustness of the facility design. Delivering E3's lithium carbonate to potential customers is part of a structured qualification process, with the product consistently meeting target purity levels for all potential impurity metrics required for battery applications. The demonstration project is being conducted within the company's flagship Clearwater River project, aiming to collect data and operational information to complete E3's front-end engineering and design, ultimately leading to the release of a feasibility study report. The Clearwater River project is a lithium carbonate production facility in the late development stage, located 15 km east of the town of Oz, Alberta, approximately one hour's drive north of Calgary. The company proposed a phased development plan, with an initial annual production capacity of 12,000 mt of lithium carbonate and the potential for expansion to 360,000 mt per year. As the Clearwater River project progressively reaches construction-ready status, E3 Lithium is advancing development activities concurrently with the signing of commercial offtake agreements. Source: [Nigeria Prioritizes Lithium and Critical Minerals for Clean Energy Future, Tinubu Says at Abu Dhabi Summit] Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated that Nigeria is prioritizing lithium and other critical minerals to position the country advantageously in the global clean energy transition. The President made these remarks during a live address today at the 2026 Sustainability Week event in Abu Dhabi, outlining Nigeria's energy transition agenda and mineral potential to global leaders and investors. Emphasizing the importance of critical minerals for clean energy, Tinubu noted: "Nigeria likewise prioritizes critical minerals essential for the clean energy future." He added: "Among other rare earth minerals abundant in Nigeria, our lithium resources hold transformative potential for battery production, energy storage, and power capacity." In earlier remarks, Tinubu explained the framework guiding Nigeria's transition: "The Nigeria Energy Transition Plan integrates energy access, climate cooling, industrial growth, and social development into a single coherent framework. "He pointed out that the implementation process has been initiated through pilot projects: 'Our electric mobility pilot project is advancing the national energy efficiency program, aiming to reduce emissions, lower costs, and stimulate industrial development.' Tinubu also called on global investors to establish cooperative relationships with Nigeria that go beyond the extraction of raw minerals. 'I take this opportunity to invite partners to establish linkage mechanisms to ensure not only mineral extraction but also local processing and value addition, thereby creating jobs for Nigerians and enhancing industrial capacity—such cooperation is highly welcome.' He assured investors that Nigeria is open for business and emphasized: 'Nigeria looks forward to working with you; we adhere to the principle of easy access, with the core demand being value addition.' Lithium is a key component in EV batteries and renewable energy storage systems, and its importance is increasingly prominent as countries phase out fossil fuels such as crude oil and transition to clean energy. The president's comments position Nigeria's lithium and critical mineral resources at the core of the strategy to attract clean energy investment and drive industrial growth. Source:

[Intrepid Potash Considers Potential for Battery-Grade Lithium Processing Facility in Utah] Intrepid Potash, Aquatech International, and Adionics announced on Tuesday the completion of a test program at Intrepid Potash's potash production site in Wendover, Utah, successfully producing battery-grade lithium carbonate from by-product brine. Headquartered in Denver, Intrepid Potash is a supplier of high-grade potash, magnesium, sulfur, salt, and water products, widely used in agriculture, animal feed, and the oil and gas industries. The company is the sole US producer of potassium chloride (used in various industrial applications and as an animal feed ingredient), with two production sites in Utah (Wendover and Moab) and one in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Intrepid Potash stated that, with the successful demonstration by Adionics and Aquatech producing battery-grade lithium carbonate from brine at the Wendover site, plans to build a lithium processing facility locally have achieved a milestone. The company revealed that the test achieved a lithium extraction rate of 92.9%, with the resulting lithium chloride having an overall purity exceeding 99.5%; lithium products produced at the Adionics site were further processed by Aquatech, confirming the feasibility of converting and purifying them into battery-grade lithium carbonate. Additionally, Aquatech successfully converted lithium-rich brine into a lithium carbonate product with purity ≥99.5% in supplementary tests, fully meeting key technical specifications for battery manufacturing. The three parties indicated that, given the test's complete success, they will proceed with the evaluation of the Wendover lithium project under the current Joint Development Agreement. Intrepid Potash CEO Kevin Crutchfield said in a press release: "We are honored to collaborate with Aquatech and Adionics to continue developing Wendover's lithium resources. The breakthrough in direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology comes at an opportune time — as the US has prioritized increasing production of critical minerals." He emphasized that the existing infrastructure at the Wendover potash site and the lithium resources contained in the by-product brine from the production process give the project unique advantages distinguishing it from other lithium development projects. "We expect the Wendover lithium project to be one of the first domestic lithium projects to enter the market in the US," Crutchfield added. "The project will still adhere to the principles of 'controlling capital expenditure and reducing risk,' and the company's focus on its core fertilizer business will not change. However, commercializing the lithium resources from the by-product magnesium chloride brine will be an important step in enhancing the profitability of the Wendover site." At the close of trading in New York, Intrepid Potash's stock price rose 2.85%, bringing the company's market capitalization to $382 million. Source: mining.com [Welser Mining's Lithium Project in Chile Receives Approval] As prices for the key battery metal lithium begin to rebound, Canadian junior mining company Welser Mining Limited has obtained approval for the operational application of its lithium project in Chile. Informed sources revealed that Chile's Ministry of Mining will award the company a contract for an initial project in the Ollagüe salt flat. As the matter has not yet been made public, these individuals, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that after final adjustments are completed, the contract will be signed and submitted to the Comptroller General for approval. This approval stems from a decision made by the Chilean government in September to streamline the contract issuance process for salt flats near the Bolivian border. Welser Mining, in collaboration with local indigenous communities, holds the Cusca lithium project in this area. The Vancouver-based company will join forces with enterprises such as London-listed CleanTech Lithium and Chile's Errazuriz Group to compete in opening up new lithium resource areas in Chile. Chile possesses the world's largest lithium reserves, and the outgoing Chilean government plans to more than double lithium production over the next decade, hoping that investors will maintain a long-term optimistic view on electric vehicle demand as lithium prices recover from the global oversupply. Source: mining.com [Lithium Argentina Meets Production Expectations, Seeks Government Financing Support] As Argentina's largest battery metal (lithium) producer, Lithium Argentina has achieved the production target for its Cauchari-Olaroz salt flat project, while advancing the permit application for the second phase of the project and reducing costs. The Switzerland-based company stated on Tuesday that the project commenced commercial production in 2024, with lithium carbonate production last year reaching approximately 34,100 mt, falling within the expected range of 30,000 to 35,000 mt. Production in the fourth quarter ending December 31 was approximately 9,700 mt, averaging 97% of nameplate capacity. "The Cauchari-Olaroz project continues to ramp up production and lower operating costs," an analyst said in a report to investors, "The company remains one of the preferred choices for exposure to lithium producers." The "Lithium Triangle" region where Argentina is located – a high-altitude Andean salt flat area spanning northern Chile, southwestern Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina, rich in lithium resources – is currently experiencing active development, with developers focused on reducing costs and validating new processing technologies. Rio Tinto Group is expanding its Rincon project in Salta Province, while France's Eramet has initiated the capacity ramp-up of its Centenario direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant. South Korean industrial giant Posco has also commissioned Argentina's first commercial-scale lithium hydroxide plant in Salta Province, and China's Ganfeng Lithium has commenced production at its Mariana project in the province. Argentina Lithium announced that the joint venture submitted two applications last month: one for an environmental permit and the other for financing support under the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) introduced by Argentine President Javier Milei. The company plans to increase its lithium carbonate capacity by 45,000 mt annually. Additionally, the company is preparing a RIGI application for the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG) project in Salta Province, which is expected to be submitted this quarter. In a preliminary feasibility study in November, Argentina Lithium outlined a phased construction plan for the PPG project: the first phase will have an annual capacity of 50,000 mt, with an initial investment of approximately $1.1 billion. Partners are studying more advanced processing technologies, such as direct lithium extraction (DLE), to improve lithium recovery rates and reduce water consumption. The company's next phase of growth still depends on permit approvals, financing progress, and lithium price trends. Scotiabank noted that common risks faced by local developers in Argentina include jurisdictional uncertainty, funding gaps for expansion, and potential cash flow erosion due to operational failures or cost increases. As the company transitions from the capacity ramp-up stage to expansion planning, Argentina Lithium also announced management changes: Alec Mikel was promoted to President, responsible for corporate strategy execution, business development, and capital market activities; John Kanellitz moved from Executive Chairman to Chairman of the Board. Source: mining.com [Russia May Lose Access to Bolivian Lithium Resources: Intelligence Agencies Assess Potential Threat to Russia] Russia may lose access to Bolivian lithium resources as the new Bolivian government reviews the terms of the agreement with Uranium One Group. The agreement, signed on September 11, 2024, planned the construction of a lithium carbonate production plant but has not yet been approved by the Bolivian parliament. According to the Ukrainian National News Agency (UNN), the shift in policy by the Bolivian government (La Paz) poses a risk that Russia could lose access to Bolivian lithium resources. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service stated that for Russia, this means losing access to one of the world's key lithium resources, while Bolivia would gain room to adjust the agreement terms and potentially attract Western partners. According to intelligence data, the new government of Bolivian President R. Paz will review the agreement between the state-owned lithium company Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB) and Russia's Uranium One Group. Uranium One Group is a subsidiary of Rosatom. The agreement stipulates the construction of a lithium carbonate production plant in the Salar de Uyuni, Potosí department, Bolivia—one of the world's largest lithium deposits, with reserves of approximately 11.2 million mt, accounting for nearly 38% of global total reserves. Source: https://unn.ua