Arizona Lithium Limited ("Arizona Lithium") is pleased to announce the successful production of battery-grade lithium carbonate from the Prairie Lithium Project in Saskatchewan, Canada. This significant milestone highlights the Prairie Project's potential as a major source of high-quality lithium for the battery industry.
Highlights:
- Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate Production: Arizona Lithium has successfully produced battery grade lithium carbonate from the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) eluent of the ILiad pilot that operated at the Prairie Project from November 2023 to February 2024. The production process was conducted in partnership with Saltworks Technology Inc., with the final product being independently verified at Saltworks' facility in Vancouver, Canada.
- Commercial Production Well: The first commercial production well at the Prairie Project has been drilled on Pad #1, with results exceeding expectations. This well is a critical step towards full-scale production (anticipated for commencement in 2025).
- Government Support: Pad #1 has been conditionally approved for up to a $21.6 million investment incentive under the Saskatchewan Government's Oil & Gas Processing Investment Incentive Program (OGPII), further enhancing the project's financial viability.
Paul Lloyd, Managing Director of Arizona Lithium, commented: “Producing battery grade lithium carbonate from our flowsheet is an important step in showing the market the quality of product that we can produce. The battery-grade product we produced is in sufficient quantities to go out to all the off-takers and strategic partners we are in conversation with. Our team remains focused on bringing Pad #1 at the Prairie project into production in 2025. The steps we have taken so far this year have highlighted our team’s ability to execute on project plans, and I look forward to providing continued updates as we progress the project.”
About the Prairie Lithium Project:
The Prairie Lithium Project, located in the Williston Basin of Saskatchewan in Canada, holds a substantial resource of 6.3 million tonnes (Mt) of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE), including 4.5 Mt LCE in the Indicated category and 1.8 Mt LCE in the Inferred category. The project benefits from its location in one of the world’s most mining-friendly jurisdictions, with easy access to key infrastructure (including electricity, natural gas, fresh water, paved highways, and railroads).
The project also aligns with Arizona Lithium’s commitment to sustainability, targeting minimal freshwater use, reduced land impact, and low waste generation throughout the production process.
Big Sandy Project Update:
Arizona Lithium has also received approval from the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Permit of Exploration (POE) for its Big Sandy Lithium Project in Arizona, USA. This project remains a core focus for the Company and is expected to complement the Prairie Project by generating substantial cash flow in the medium term.
However, Arizona Lithium has been made aware of a complaint filed by the Hualapai Tribe in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, challenging the BLM’s approval. The Company is currently seeking legal advice on the implications of this complaint.