Bank of America says we could see a surplus of lithium, with higher volume set to supersede slowing demand. Goldman Sachs has been saying something similar for years, too. But don’t read too much into those projections. Over the last year, lithium prices have tripled, and could move even higher thanks to a long-term supply shortage. The increase “is largely due to increasing demand for electric vehicles and the inelastic nature of supplies,” says Alec Lucas, research analyst at Global X, as noted by CNBC. Bringing new production capacity online can take three to five years or more, “for studies, permitting, capital raising, and capital expenditure before any lithium is produced. That should continue to be bullish for companies such as LithiumBank Resources Corp. (TSXV: LBNK) (OTCQX: LBNKF), Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), Lithium Americas (NYSE: LAC) (TSX: LAC), American Lithium Corp. (NASDAQ: AMLI) (TSXV: LI), and Piedmont Lithium (NASDAQ: PLL).
In addition, according to Bloomberg, “Availability and costs of crucial battery materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel have been key concerns for years among EV makers trying to build out their electric lineups. The issue has gained more urgency in recent months due to rising competition to strike supply pacts with miners and project developers and by wild swings in raw material costs. The spot value of lithium consumption alone surged to about $35 billion in 2022, from $3 billion in 2020.”
Look at LithiumBank Resources Corp. (TSXV: LBNK) (OTCQX: LBNKF), For Example
LithiumBank Resources Corp. announced it has engaged Matrix Solutions Inc. to complete a lithium brine resource and reservoir assessment of the Duperow Formation underlying the Company’s 100% owned South and Estevan projects in its Saskatchewan district. The work is expected to lay the framework for NI 43-101 resource estimates at both properties and guide future exploration work. Matrix began compiling data early this year and the final report is scheduled for delivery in the coming quarter.
The Company was an early mover in Saskatchewan, and acquired the South and Estevan projects in 2021 with the belief that the Duperow Formation would have great potential for large scale brine extraction at economic grades (see Figure 1). In addition to its lithium resource potential, the Duperow Formation has extensive oil and gas infrastructure and geological data that are expected to support the development of the Company’s lithium brine assets in a cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the two projects are well connected by Provincial roads and are in close proximity to power utilities and a local skilled labour force.
“Our South and Estevan properties were acquired during the early lithium auction rounds in 2021 when we believed the best ground was made available,” commented Rob Shewchuk, CEO of LithiumBank. “We are encouraged by positive sampling results obtained by two contiguous operators, who have reported lithium-brine grades of between 64mg/l and 259 mg/l in wells located within 4km of our properties. In Q2 2023, we intend to acquire lithium resource samples via agreement with third party operators in the area as well as by drilling wells on our properties. We expect the resultant data will form the basis of a NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate at both the South and Estevan properties by Q3 2023. We believe positive sampling results and mineral resource reports on these properties have the potential to create significant currently unrealized shareholder value for LithiumBank.”
The hydrogeological study that is intended to serve as the foundation for subsequent NI 43-101 resource estimates is expected to incorporate the following data:
– Historical Production data
– Drill stem tests (DST)
– Downhole surveys
– Brine sample assay data
– Core samples with analysis
– Geophysical well logs
The purpose of this information is to provide a regional geological assessment of the Duperow Formation along with a determination of local reservoir characteristics and deliverability metrics within LithiumBank mineral licences.
The Duperow Formation
The Duperow Formation in southern Saskatchewan is an unconfined aquifer with elevated lithium concentrations in petrobrines. More than 1,000 oil and gas wells have been drilled through the Duperow Formation and it has been comprehensively assessed through well logs, core analysis, production tests, water analysis and drill stem tests (DSTs). Across the Company’s two project areas, the Duperow Formation dips to the south with tops ranging from ~1,700m – 2,400m at an approximate gross thickness of 160m, and has insignificant amounts of hydrocarbons and no H2S.
South Property
LithiumBank’s South Property covers 134,229 acres (54,343 ha) of land acquired in two Crown sales (Aug 23rd, 2021 and Dec 13th, 2021). To the east of the South Property, Prairie Lithium has drilled 3 test wells and has reported lithium-brine grades ranging from between 48 and 172 mg/l, including lithium-brine grades of between 53 and 166 mg/l in the closest well, which is 10km away. The South Property is a contiguous land block and is proximate to ample infrastructure and power. The Crown claims are held for 8 years from purchase date at a yearly rental fee of $2/ha per year for the first 5 years and $5/ha per year for the remaining 3 years.
Estevan Property
The Estevan Property covers 90,883 acres (36,794 ha) of land acquired in two Crown sales (Aug 23rd, 2021 and Dec 13th, 2021). Lithium grades in the area range from 64 to 259 mg/l in samples taken by neighbouring operators directly adjacent to the Estevan Property. The highest lithium value of 259 mg/L was taken ~4 km to the west of the Estevan Property. EMP Metals is active in the area and has reportedly drilled one well and acquired 3 wellbores for re-entry and testing. Like the South Property, the Crown claims are held for 8 years from purchase date at a yearly rental of $2/ha per year for the first 5 years and $5/ha per year for the remaining 3 years.
Other related developments from around the markets include:
Albemarle Corporation, a global leader in transforming lithium and bromine into essential ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health, announced that it has signed definitive agreements with Mineral Resources Limited to restructure the parties’ MARBL lithium joint venture in Australia and separately for MinRes to invest in Albemarle conversion assets in China. “Our Australian lithium assets are core to Albemarle’s strategy to build a globally diversified portfolio of best-in-class assets and resources,” said Kent Masters, Albemarle CEO. “Inherent to that strategy is managing our global portfolio to maximize growth optionality and maintain a leading position in a dynamic, growing market. Our restructured MARBL joint venture enables each partner to deliver long-term value to our customers.”
Lithium Americas received a Letter of Substantial Completion from the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office for its application to support the financing of its Thacker Pass lithium project in Humboldt County, Nevada. The Letter of Substantial Completion determines that the Company’s application for the DOE’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program contains all the information necessary to conduct an eligibility assessment and can commence the process to engage in confirmatory due diligence and term sheet negotiation. “We applaud the Biden Administration for their efforts to date and support to secure a domestic supply chain of critical minerals to strengthen our national security, our economy and our commitment to sustainability,” said Jonathan Evans, President and CEO. “We are pleased to have the support of both GM and the DOE to accelerate the energy transition while spurring job creation and economic growth in America. Over the past months, we have achieved major milestones that allow us to commence construction and begin ordering long-lead equipment at Thacker Pass, putting into motion a solid foundation for a domestic lithium supply chain for electric vehicles.”
American Lithium Corp. provided operating and financial highlights for the third-quarter ending November 30, 2022. “During the quarter, the Company made strong progress and delivered on several key milestones,” stated Simon Clarke, CEO of American Lithium. “Successful drilling at TLC allowed us to deliver new and expanded resources, forming the foundation for the Company’s maiden PEA announced yesterday.” Positive drill results at TLC – continued to receive strong drill results from its 2022 drill program as it intersected high grade sections at TLC. Board Appointment – addition of Carsten Korch to the Board of Directors as an independent director based in Lima, Peru.
Piedmont Lithium, announced that it has signed agreements with LG Chem, Ltd., under which LG Chem will make a $75 million equity investment in Piedmont and commit to the offtake of 200,000 metric tons of spodumene concentrate from Piedmont’s jointly-owned North American Lithium over a four-year term. LG Chem will purchase 1,096,535 newly-issued shares of Piedmont common stock at an approximate price of $68.40 per share for a total consideration of $75 million. Closing of the Subscription Agreement is expected on or around February 24, 2023, and will result in LG Chem holding approximately 5.7% of Piedmont common shares. Transaction details are described in the table at the end of this announcement.
Legal Disclaimer / Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this article contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Winning Media is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority and does not provide nor claims to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice. Winning Media is only compensated for its services in the form of cash-based compensation. Pursuant to an agreement Winning Media has been paid three thousand five hundred dollars for advertising and marketing services for LithiumBank Resources Corp. by LithiumBank Resources Corp. We own ZERO shares of LithiumBank Resources Corp. Please click here for full disclaimer.
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