Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Closing out a productive year. Century Lithium had a productive year in 2024 with the two most significant achievements being completion of the feasibility study on the Angel Island lithium project and producing battery-grade lithium carbonate at its pilot plant. The feasibility study was released in April and while the economics were compelling, the company continues to focus on process optimization to improve potential returns by reducing the project’s estimated capital and operating costs. The use of a Chlor-alkali plant is unique and offers technical and environmental advantages by producing reagents for use onsite and producing surplus sodium hydroxide which can be sold to offset cash operating costs.
Environmental and regulatory permitting. On the environmental and permitting front, most of the required baseline studies have been completed and the company is editing a draft Plan of Operations and preparing key state permits for pollution and water quality compliance. Once the Plan of Operations is completed, the company may initiate the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process.
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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Lithium carbonate production at the pilot plant. Century Lithium has successfully produced battery-quality lithium carbonate at its Angel Island lithium project pilot plant and demonstrated it has an end-to-end process to produce lithium carbonate. The pilot plant utilizes the Company’s patent-pending process for chloride leaching combined with direct lithium extraction (DLE). Management is now focused on process optimization to reduce the project’s estimated capital and operating costs, along with advancing environmental studies, permitting, and project funding.
Progress on the environmental and permitting front. Century Lithium has completed a draft hydrological model and a draft Plan of Operations Additionally, Century has identified potential alternative locations for water supply closer to the project within its water rights permit to optimize resource usage.
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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
October 24, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (“Century Lithium” or the “Company”) is pleased to report on progress at its wholly owned Angel Island lithium project (“Project”) located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA. Since the completion of a Feasibility Study on Angel Island in April 2024, the Company continues to focus on critical steps for the Project’s development. Primary attention is on process optimization to drive reductions in the Project’s estimated capital and operating costs, environmental studies and permitting, and Project funding. Among these actions, testing has continued at the Company’s Lithium Extraction Facility (“Pilot Plant”) in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, with emphasis on producing lithium carbonate samples for evaluation by domestic end-users and interested parties.
“Century Lithium is focused on delivering results that will position the Company as one of the most advanced opportunities for a new domestic supply of this important and strategic commodity for the EV and battery storage industry” said Bill Willoughby, President, and CEO of Century Lithium. “The State of Nevada has expressed the desire to play a critical role in the clean energy transition, specifically through Nevada’s Lithium Loop initiative focusing on local resources to products to recycling. We are working with Century’s resources and technology to position us at the forefront of this effort.”
Pilot Plant Testing and Engineering
Review of the Feasibility Study with emphasis on pursuing several avenues to reduce the estimated capital and operating costs and achieve significant improvement of the Project’s economics
Achieved onsite production of battery quality lithium carbonate samples for evaluation and to demonstrate Angel Island’s capability as an end-to-end process for taking lithium claystone to a battery-quality product
Conducted initial tests with third parties on alternate reagents and media for the Pilot Plant
Currently installing equipment at the Pilot Plant based on results from the above
Initiated materials testing program to optimize and potentially reduce the estimated costs of the tailings storage facility
Environmental Studies and Permitting
Completed draft hydrologic model and addressing comments from federal regulators
Completed a draft plan of operations
Modeled alternate locations for water supply to potentially source process water closer to the Project within the scope of the Company’s water rights permit
Engaged consultants to prepare key state permits with emphasis on water pollution control and air quality
Angel Island Funding
Communicating with potential strategic partners and end-users of lithium carbonate for testing of our product samples
Pursuing parties interested in marketing or obtaining a future supply of sodium hydroxide; Century Lithium’s process will produce a surplus of sodium hydroxide, the sales of which are estimated to result in a low net production cost for lithium carbonate
Compiling Project information to support applications for government funding opportunities available through the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Defense
ABOUT CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.
Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its wholly owned Angel Island project in Esmeralda County, Nevada, which hosts one of the largest sedimentary lithium deposits in the United States. The Company has utilized its patent-pending process for chloride leaching combined with Direct Lithium Extraction to make battery quality lithium carbonate samples from Angel Island lithium-bearing claystone on-site at its Lithium Extraction Facility in Amargosa Valley, Nevada.
Angel Island is one of the few advanced lithium projects in development in the United States to provide an end-to-end process to produce battery grade lithium carbonate for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market. Angel Island is currently in the permitting stage for a three-phase feasibility-level production plan expected to yield an average of 34,000 tonnes per year of battery grade lithium carbonate over a 40-year mine-life.
Century Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “LCE” and the OTCQX under the symbol “CYDVF”; and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “C1Z”. To learn more, please visit centurylithium.com.
ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP. WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE President & Chief Executive Officer
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.
Forward-looking statements relate to any matters that are not historical facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential development and value of the Project and benefits associated therewith, statements with respect to the expected project economics for the Project, such as estimates of life of mine, lithium prices, production and recoveries, capital and operating costs, IRR, NPV and cash flows, any projections outlined in the Feasibility Study in respect of the Project, the permitting status of the Project and the Company’s future development plans.
These and other forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause their actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein.These risks include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and its other public filings, copies of which can be under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update-forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Furthermore, Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Lithium carbonate production at the pilot plant. Century Lithium recently added a lithium carbonate stage at the company’s lithium extraction facility which is part of the company’s Angel Island Mine project. Previously, concentrated lithium solutions from the pilot plant were treated by Saltworks Inc. at their facility in Richmond, British Columbia to produce samples of battery grade lithium carbonate. Century Lithium is now able to do this at the pilot plant and demonstrate it has an end-to-end process to produce lithium carbonate. The pilot plant utilizes the Company’s patent-pending process for chloride leaching combined with direct lithium extraction (DLE).
Assay results. Century Lithium recently released assay results from the first lithium carbonate produced at the lithium carbonate stage at the company’s lithium extraction facility. Assays received for the initial five individual lots of lithium carbonate produced indicated purity of the lithium carbonate ranging from 98.2% to 99.2%. After addressing a mechanical issue, two additional 40-liter lots of concentrated lithium solution were treated and achieved a battery grade lithium carbonate purity level of 99.5% due to an expected reduction of impurities.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Lithium carbonate production at the pilot plant. Century Lithium successfully added a lithium carbonate stage at the company’s lithium extraction facility which is part of the company’s Angel Island Mine project. Previously, concentrated lithium solutions from the pilot plant were treated by Saltworks Inc. at their facility in Richmond, British Columbia to produce samples of battery grade lithium carbonate. Century Lithium is now able to do this at the pilot plant and demonstrate it has an end-to-end process to produce lithium carbonate.
Assay results. Century Lithium released assay results from the first lithium carbonate produced at the newly commissioned lithium carbonate stage at the company’s lithium extraction facility. Assays received for the initial five individual lots of lithium carbonate produced indicated purity of the lithium carbonate ranging from 98.2% to 99.2%. While lithium carbonate greater than 99.5% purity is typically considered battery grade, the company has identified steps to improve the purity level.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
August 6, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV:LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (Century Lithium or the Company) is pleased to report the successful addition of a lithium carbonate stage at the Company’s Lithium Extraction Facility (Pilot Plant) in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, USA, part of the Company’s 100%-owned Angel Island Mine (the Project). Prior to this addition, concentrated lithium solutions from the Pilot Plant were treated by Saltworks Inc. at their facility in Richmond B.C. where samples of battery quality lithium carbonate were produced. During the first days of startup of the lithium carbonate stage, Century’s team at the Pilot Plant successfully treated 200 liters of concentrated lithium solution and produced 20 kg of high-grade lithium carbonate onsite.
“At this point in time, the ability to make lithium carbonate at our Pilot Plant is an important step forward, in line with recommendations from our recently completed Feasibility Study” commented President and CEO Bill Willoughby. “The drop in lithium prices over the last year has taken a toll on the share price of all lithium companies. Despite the downturn, domestic production is still key to the security of supply in the U.S. While it is becoming well known that a vast amount of lithium is contained within the claystone deposits of Nevada, the benefit in unlocking these resources is the ability to produce a battery quality lithium product onsite and thereby reducing or eliminating the need for downstream processing.”
The Company continues work at the Pilot Plant, utilizing the Company’s patent-pending process for chloride leaching combined with Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) to generate data as the Company works to identify further technological breakthroughs to make the extraction of lithium from clay more economic. Adding the lithium carbonate stage at the Pilot Plant is one of the recommendations made in the Feasibility Study, not only to further demonstrate that battery quality lithium carbonate can be made, but to better understand and minimize the recycle streams from the DLE stage through to final product in the process. With the assistance of engineers from Hargrove Engineers and Constructors, Century’s team configured equipment to run 40-liter batches of concentrated lithium solution though precipitation, washing and drying steps. Final assays on the lithium carbonate are pending.
Qualified Person
Todd Fayram, MMSA-QP and Senior Vice President, Metallurgy of Century Lithium is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information in this release.
ABOUT CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.
Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Angel Island Mine in west-central Nevada, USA. Century Lithium recently completed a Feasibility Study on its Clayton Valley Lithium Project and is currently in the permitting stage, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.
ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP. WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE President & Chief Executive Officer
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.
Forward-looking statements relate to any matters that are not historical facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential development and value of the Project and benefits associated therewith, statements with respect to the expected project economics for the Project, such as estimates of life of mine, lithium prices, production and recoveries, capital and operating costs, IRR, NPV and cash flows, any projections outlined in the Feasibility Study in respect of the Project, the permitting status of the Project and the Company’s future development plans.
These and other forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause their actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein.These risks include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and its other public filings, copies of which can be under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update-forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Furthermore, Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Lithium carbonate production at the pilot plant. Century Lithium successfully added a lithium carbonate stage at the company’s lithium extraction facility which is part of the company’s Angel Island Mine project. Recall that Century recently changed the name of its Clayton Valley Lithium project to Angel Island Mine to distinguish it from other projects. Previously, concentrated lithium solutions from the pilot plant were treated by Saltworks Inc. at their facility in Richmond, British Columbia to produce samples of battery grade lithium carbonate.
Following through on the feasibility study. Adding the lithium carbonate stage at the pilot plant satisfies one of the recommendations contained in the recently published feasibility study. Being able to produce battery grade lithium on site further demonstrates the commercial viability of the project and will also help the company to better optimize the process from the direct lithium extraction (DLE) phase through to production of the final product. Century successfully treated 200 liters of concentrated lithium solution and produced 20 kilograms of high-grade lithium carbonate on site.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
August 6, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV:LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (Century Lithium or the Company) is pleased to report the successful addition of a lithium carbonate stage at the Company’s Lithium Extraction Facility (Pilot Plant) in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, USA, part of the Company’s 100%-owned Angel Island Mine (the Project). Prior to this addition, concentrated lithium solutions from the Pilot Plant were treated by Saltworks Inc. at their facility in Richmond B.C. where samples of battery quality lithium carbonate were produced. During the first days of startup of the lithium carbonate stage, Century’s team at the Pilot Plant successfully treated 200 liters of concentrated lithium solution and produced 20 kg of high-grade lithium carbonate onsite.
“At this point in time, the ability to make lithium carbonate at our Pilot Plant is an important step forward, in line with recommendations from our recently completed Feasibility Study” commented President and CEO Bill Willoughby. “The drop in lithium prices over the last year has taken a toll on the share price of all lithium companies. Despite the downturn, domestic production is still key to the security of supply in the U.S. While it is becoming well known that a vast amount of lithium is contained within the claystone deposits of Nevada, the benefit in unlocking these resources is the ability to produce a battery quality lithium product onsite and thereby reducing or eliminating the need for downstream processing.”
The Company continues work at the Pilot Plant, utilizing the Company’s patent-pending process for chloride leaching combined with Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) to generate data as the Company works to identify further technological breakthroughs to make the extraction of lithium from clay more economic. Adding the lithium carbonate stage at the Pilot Plant is one of the recommendations made in the Feasibility Study, not only to further demonstrate that battery quality lithium carbonate can be made, but to better understand and minimize the recycle streams from the DLE stage through to final product in the process. With the assistance of engineers from Hargrove Engineers and Constructors, Century’s team configured equipment to run 40-liter batches of concentrated lithium solution though precipitation, washing and drying steps. Final assays on the lithium carbonate are pending.
Qualified Person
Todd Fayram, MMSA-QP and Senior Vice President, Metallurgy of Century Lithium is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information in this release.
ABOUT CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.
Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Angel Island Mine in west-central Nevada, USA. Century Lithium recently completed a Feasibility Study on its Clayton Valley Lithium Project and is currently in the permitting stage, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.
ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP. WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE President & Chief Executive Officer
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.
Forward-looking statements relate to any matters that are not historical facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential development and value of the Project and benefits associated therewith, statements with respect to the expected project economics for the Project, such as estimates of life of mine, lithium prices, production and recoveries, capital and operating costs, IRR, NPV and cash flows, any projections outlined in the Feasibility Study in respect of the Project, the permitting status of the Project and the Company’s future development plans.
These and other forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause their actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein.These risks include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and its other public filings, copies of which can be under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update-forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Furthermore, Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
July 23, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV:LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z)
Century Lithium (or the Company) announces it has changed the name of its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada, USA to the Angel Island Mine (the Project). In April 2024, the Company announced a positive Feasibility Study for the Project, making it one of the few advanced lithium projects being developed in the United States. As the Company now continues to work towards permitting the Project, regulators encouraged a name change for clarity in the permitting process. The Angel Island name distinguishes it from other mining and energy projects in the area by using the name of a topographical feature from the Project.
ABOUT ANGEL ISLAND
Angel Island is named for the ridge of older metavolcanic and clastic rocks bordering the west side of Century’s lithium clay deposit. The name itself dates to the 1800’s, one of three landforms in Clayton Valley named for islands in San Francisco Bay (Alcatraz and Goat islands being the other two). Of the three landforms, Angel Island is the largest, rising to a height 400 meters above the valley floor. Its presence on the east side of the valley, separating Century’s lithium clay deposit from the lithium brine operation of Albemarle Corp., is owed to uplift along a major northeast trending normal fault located along the western base of the ridge. Although not directly related to the formation of Century’s deposit, uplift of Angel Island along this fault was responsible for elevating the clay deposits east of the fault and bringing them to the surface where they are now accessible for mining. The harder rocks in the ridge also likely acted as a physical barrier protecting Century’s lithium clay deposit from erosion.
ABOUT CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.
Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Angel Island Mine in west-central Nevada, USA. Century Lithium recently completed a Feasibility Study on the Project and is currently in the permitting stage, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.
ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP. WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE President & Chief Executive Officer
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.
Forward-looking statements relate to any matters that are not historical facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential development and value of the Project and benefits associated therewith, statements with respect to the expected project economics for the Project, such as estimates of life of mine, lithium prices, production and recoveries, capital and operating costs, IRR, NPV and cash flows, any projections outlined in the Feasibility Study in respect of the Project, the permitting status of the Project and the Company’s future development plans.
These and other forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause their actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein.These risks include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and its other public filings, copies of which can be under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update-forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Furthermore, Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
June 13, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV:LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (Century Lithium or the Company) is pleased to announce the filing of the report “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feasibility Study of the Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA”, with effective date April 29, 2024 (Feasibility Study or Report), to support the disclosure in the Company’s news release dated April 29, 2024 (see news release). The Report was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) by Wood Canada Limited (Wood), Global Resource Engineering, Ltd. (GRE) and WSP USA Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. (WSP). All currency amounts in this news release are presented in US dollars.
“Century Lithium is pleased to file the report on the Feasibility Study of our Clayton Valley Lithium Project,” said Bill Willoughby, President, and CEO. “The Report is the culmination of the dedicated work of our team of employees and consultants and highlights the economic benefits of the Project made possible by Century’s unique use of chlor-alkali and direct lithium extraction processing. The filing of the report now marks another major milestone for the Company.”
During the preparation of the Report, minor changes were made to the parameters used to determine the Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimates. The resulting economic analysis is effectively unchanged. Using a base case price of $24,000/tonne of lithium carbonate, the Project after-tax cash flow has a 17.2% Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and a $3.16 billion Net Present Value (NPV) at an 8% discount rate.
RESOURCE AND RESERVES
The Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimates for the Project were updated for the Report and built using geologic data and 1,318 lithium assays from 45 core holes drilled between 2017 and 2022 and have an effective date of April 29, 2024. The constrained Measured and Indicated Resource Estimate is 1,138.59 million tonnes (Mt) with an average grade of 966 parts per million (ppm) lithium and contains 1.099 Mt of lithium or 5.852 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). The Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate was derived from the constrained Mineral Resources and contains 287.65 Mt with an average grade of 1,149 ppm lithium and contains 0.330 Mt of lithium or 1.759 Mt of LCE.
Mineral Resource Estimate
Domain
Tonnes Above Cut-off (millions)
Li Grade (ppm)
Li Contained (million t)
LCE (million t)
Measured
858.26
990
0.850
4.523
Indicated
280.33
891
0.250
1.329
Measured & Indicated
1,138.59
966
1.099
5.582
Inferred
187.28
820
0.154
0.817
1.The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is April 29, 2024. The QP for the estimate is Ms. Terre Lane, MMSA, an employee of GRE and independent of Century. 2.The Mineral Resources are constrained by a pit shell with a 200 ppm Li cut-off and density of 1.505 g/cm3. The cut-off grade considers an operating cost of$20/t mill feed, process recovery of 78% and a long-term lithium carbonate price of $24,000/t. 3.The Mineral Resource estimate was prepared in accordance with 2014 CIM Definition Standards and the 2019 CIM Best Practice Guidelines. 4.Mineral Resource figures have been rounded. 5.One tonne of lithium = 5.323 tonnes lithium carbonate. 6.Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
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Mineral Reserve Estimate
Domain
Tonnes Above Cut-off (millions)
Li Grade (ppm)
Li Contained (million t)
LCE (million t)
Proven
266.39
1,147
0.306
1.626
Probable
21.26
1,174
0.025
0.133
Proven & Probable
287.65
1,149
0.330
1.759
1.The effective date of the Mineral Reserve Estimate is April 29, 2024. The QP for the estimate is Ms. Terre Lane, MMSA, an employee of GRE and independent of Century. 2.The Mineral Reserve estimate was prepared in accordance with 2014 CIM Definition Standards and 2019 CIM Best Practice Guidelines. 3.Mineral Reserves are reported within the final pit design at a mining cut-off of 900 ppm. The mine operating cost is $5.44/t milled, processing cost of $40.9/t milled, G&A cost of $2.68/t milled and a credit for the NaOH sales of $28.95/t milled. The NaOH sales credit is proportionally applied to all the operating costs to get appropriate costs for the cut-off grade calculation. The cut-off grade considers a mine operating cost of $2.22/t, a process operating cost of $16.69/t milled, a G&A cost of $1.09/t milled, process recovery of 78% and a long-term lithium carbonate price of $24,000/t. 4.The cut-off of 900 ppm is an elevated cut-off selected for the mine production schedule as the elevated cut-off is 4.5 times higher than the break-even cut-off grade. 5. Mineral Reserve figures have been rounded. 6.One tonne of lithium=5.323 tonnes lithium carbonate
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PROJECT SUMMARY
Century’s Project centers on the mining and processing of a large, flat-lying lithium claystone deposit. Mineral Reserves are sufficient to support a mine life of approximately 40 years.
Mining is by mechanized surface excavation of claystone at production rates of 7,500 to 22,500 tonnes/day of mill feed, and 13,000 to 39,000 tonnes/year of lithium carbonate. Lithium recovery is through Century’s patent-pending process that combines chloride leaching with direct lithium extraction to produce a marketable battery-quality product at the Project site.
The Report is available on SEDAR+ and on the Company’s website.
QUALIFIED PERSON
Terre Lane, RM SME, MMSA, Principal Mining Engineer, GRE, is an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information in this release.
ABOUT CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.
Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in west-central Nevada, USA. Century Lithium recently completed a Feasibility Study on its Clayton Valley Lithium Project and is currently in the permitting stage, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.
ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP. WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE President & Chief Executive Officer
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.
Forward-looking statements relate to any matters that are not historical facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential development and value of the Project and benefits associated therewith, statements with respect to the expected project economics for the Project, such as estimates of life of mine, lithium prices, production and recoveries, capital and operating costs, IRR, NPV and cash flows, any projections outlined in the Feasibility Study in respect of the Project, the permitting status of the Project and the Company’s future development plans.
These and other forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause their actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein. These risks include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and its other public filings, copies of which can be under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update-forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Furthermore, Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Results of the Clayton Valley feasibility study. Century released the results of a feasibility study (FS) for its Clayton Valley lithium project in Nevada. A phased approach was adopted. Phase I and II mining rates of 7,500 tonnes per day and 15,000 tonnes per day, respectively, are maintained over five years each, while the Phase III mining rate of 22,500 tonnes per day is maintained for 30 years. The production plan reflects a life-of-mine average of 34,000 tonnes per year of battery grade lithium carbonate or 13,000 tonnes and 27,000 tonnes per year during Phase I and II, respectively, and 41,000 tonnes per year during Phase III.
Updating our financial model. We have assumed the mine begins commercial production in 2029. Our mining model is for the years 2029 through 2069. While our financial assumptions are detailed in the body of this report, our valuation is based on the present value of free cash flows, and we have used a discount rate of 8.0%. Our price target for the equity is C$3.25 per share or US$2.35 per share. In our view, the project’s low operating cost after sales of surplus sodium hydroxide is a key differentiator relative to other lithium projects.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Results of the Clayton Valley feasibility study. Century released the results of a feasibility study (FS) for its Clayton Valley lithium project in Nevada. A phased approach was adopted. Phase I and II mining rates of 7,500 tonnes per day and 15,000 tonnes per day, respectively, are maintained over five years each, while the Phase III mining rate of 22,500 tonnes per day is maintained for 30 years. The production plan reflects a life-of-mine average of 34,000 tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate or 13,000 tonnes and 27,000 tonnes per year during Phases I and II, respectively, and 41,000 tonnes per year during Phase III.
Key assumptions and net present value. Key assumptions include: 1) initial capital expenditures of $1.5 billion, $651 million for Phase II, and $1.3 billion for Phase III, 2) a lithium carbonate price of $24,000 per tonne, 3) average operating cost of $8,223 per tonne of lithium carbonate produced, or $2,766 per tonne after sales of surplus sodium hydroxide, 4) a lithium recovery rate of 78%, and 5) sustaining capital of $315 million over the life of the project. Based on an 8% discount rate, the project is expected to generate an after-tax net present value of $3.01 billion and 17.1% internal rate of return.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Large-Scale Nevada-based Lithium Project: three-phase production plan will generate a life-of-mine average of 34,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-quality lithium carbonate (Li2CO3)
Innovative Approach in Processing: patent-pending chloride leaching process combined with Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), the Feasibility Study is supported by 2+ years of testing at the Company’s Pilot Plant
Mineral Resource Estimate: Measured and Indicated resources totaling 1,207.33 million tonnes (Mt) at an average grade of 957 parts per million (ppm) lithium (Li) containing 1.155 Mt of Li or 6.148 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE)
Long 40-Year Mine Life: Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate totaling 287.65 Mt at an average grade of 1,149 ppm Li containing 0.330 Mt of lithium or 1.759 Mt of LCE
Initial Project: Phase 1 Capital Cost $1.537 billion for production capacity of 13,000 tpa LCE
Designed for Expansion: Phase 2 $0.651 billion for 28,000 tpa LCE, and Phase 3 $1.336 billion for 41,000 tpa LCE; Project expansions are capitalized with Project cash flow
Low Operating Cost: average operating cost $8,223/t of Li2CO3 produced, or $2,766/t after sales of surplus sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
After-tax IRR of 17.1% at $24,000/t Li2CO3: $3.01 billion after-tax net present value (NPV) at 8% discount rate and a 17.1% after-tax internal rate of return (IRR), using price assumptions of $24,000/t for Li2CO3 and $600/dry metric tonne (dmt) for NaOH
April 29, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV:LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (Century Lithium or the Company) is pleased to announce the results of a National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) feasibility study (Feasibility Study, FS or Study) completed on its 100% owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project (Project) in Nevada, USA. The Feasibility Study was prepared by Wood Group USA, Inc. (Wood) and Global Resource Engineering, Ltd. (GRE). All currency amounts in this news release are presented in U.S. dollars.
“Century Lithium is proud to present our Feasibility Study. The Study indicates our Project has robust economics, made possible with our unique chlor-alkali and DLE processes” commented Bill Willoughby, President, and CEO. “Completion of the Study marks a major milestone for the Company and is the result of the dedicated work and efforts of our team of employees and consultants.”
“Our process technology was developed by way of many trials and successes at our Pilot Plant in Amargosa Valley. As one of the few lithium-focused Pilot Plants in North America, we continue to operate safely and recently passed two years of testing. The data generated to date supports the Feasibility Study, and we continue to test various conditions and ideas to improve our process flow sheet,” said Bill Willoughby.
With the Feasibility Study completed, the Company will now direct its focus on engineering and permitting. The Company is concurrently advancing discussions with government agencies, strategic partners, and other interested parties to provide funding to advance the Project and maximize the value to the Company’s shareholders that is reflected in the FS.
FEASIBILITY STUDY SUMMARY
The information in the following tables highlight the Project’s production and economic summaries.
Production Summary
Phase
Years
Mine tonnes per day (tpd)
Li2CO3 (tpa)
Capital Cost (B$)
1
1-5
7,500
13,000
$1.537
2
6-10
15,000
28,000
$0.651
3
11+
22,500
41,000
$1.336
Economic Summary
Units
Amount
Operating Costs (average)
$/t
8,223
Operating Costs (average w/NaOH credit)
$/t
2,766
After-tax NPV @ 8% Discount Rate
$ billion
3.01
After-tax IRR
%
17.1
RESOURCE AND RESERVES
The Mineral Resource and Reserve Estimates for the Project were updated for the Feasibility Study and built using geologic data and 1,318 lithium assays from 45 core holes drilled between 2017 and 2022. The constrained Measured and Indicated Resource Estimate is 1,207.33 Mt with an average grade of 957 ppm lithium and contains 1.155 Mt of Li or 6.148 Mt of LCE. The Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate was derived from the constrained Mineral Resources and contains 287.65 Mt with an average grade of 1,149 ppm lithium and contains 0.330 Mt of Li or 1.759 Mt of LCE and reflects an increase of 74.6 Mt and 0.48 Mt LCE compared to the 2021 Mineral Reserve Estimate. The Mineral Resources were generated with a pit shell that encompasses all mineralized material within the Property excluding all areas that will be used for Project infrastructure and placement of tailings, waste, and low-grade material.
Mineral Resource Estimate
Domain
Tonnes Above Cut-off (millions)
Li Grade (ppm)
Li Contained (million t)
LCE (million t)
Measured
858.38
990
0.849
4.524
Indicated
348.95
875
0.305
1.625
Measured & Indicated
1,207.33
957
1.155
6.148
Inferred
119.03
827
0.098
0.524
The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is December 15, 2022. The QP for the estimate is Ms. Terre Lane, MMSA, an employee of GRE and independent of Century. The Mineral Resources are constrained by a pit shell with a 200 ppm Li cut-off and density of 1.505 g/cm3. The cut-off grade considers an operating cost of $16.90/t mill feed, process recovery of 83% and a long-term lithium carbonate price of $20,000/t. The Mineral Resource estimate was prepared in accordance with CIM Definition Standards (CIM, 2014) and the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (CIM, 2019). Mineral Resource figures were rounded. One tonne of lithium = 5.323 tonnes lithium carbonate. Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
Mineral Reserve Estimate
Domain
Tonnes Above Cut-off (millions)
Li Grade (ppm)
Li Contained (million t)
LCE (million t)
Proven
266.39
1,147
0.306
1.626
Probable
21.26
1,174
0.025
0.133
Proven & Probable
287.65
1,149
0.330
1.759
The effective date of the Mineral Reserve Estimate is December 15, 2022. The QP for the estimate is Ms. Terre Lane, MMSA, an employee of GRE and independent of Century. The Mineral Reserve estimate was prepared in accordance with CIM) Definition Standards (CIM, 2014) and the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (CIM, 2019). Mineral Reserves are reported within the final pit design at a mining cut-off of 900 ppm. The cut-off grade considers a mine operating cost of $1.98/t, a process operating cost of $14.27/t milled, a G&A cost of $0.65/t milled, process recovery of 83% and a long-term lithium carbonate price of $20,000/t. The cut-off of 900 ppm is an elevated cut-off selected for the mine production schedule as the elevated cutoff is 4.5 times higher than the break-even cut-off grade. Mineral Reserve figures have been rounded. One tonne of lithium = 5.323 tonnes lithium carbonate. Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.
PROCESS METALLURGY & CHLOR-ALKALI PLANT
Metallurgical testing through 2020 focused on using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to extract lithium from the clay. In late 2020, testing shifted to hydrochloric acid (HCl) for its improved compatibility with the deposit’s chemistry. These benefits included higher lithium extractions, lower reagent consumptions, significantly better filtration of solids, and the ability to utilize certain DLE technologies in the recovery and concentration of lithium from the leach solutions.
A key component of the Project with chloride-based leaching is a chlor-alkali plant. The chlor-alkali plant provides the ability to produce the key reagents HCl and NaOH on-site from the electrolysis of a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. A chlor-alkali plant represents a greater capital investment relative to that of a sulfuric acid plant but has important environmental and economic benefits for the sustainability of the Project. These benefits include replacing the purchase and transportation of sulfur with regionally sourced salt, and a reduction in emissions and the physical footprint of the operation with dryer, non-sulfate tailings.
Additionally, the chlor-alkali plant will generate significant quantities of NaOH surplus to the Project’s operational needs and therefore available for sale. The chlor-alkali plant will utilize modern electrochemical cell technology thereby producing membrane grade sodium hydroxide without the energy consumption and environmental problems of older technologies. The surplus amounts of NaOH are inherent to the operation of the plant and the sales represent a significant offset to the Project’s operating costs.
PILOT PLANT
In 2021, Century Lithium constructed a Pilot Plant in Nevada to leach one tonne per day of lithium clay and produce a high-grade lithium chloride solution which is processed off-site at Saltworks Technologies, Inc. (Saltworks), at their Richmond, British Columbia processing plant to make battery-quality Li2CO3. To maximize lithium recovery, the Company purchased the license rights and pilot-stage equipment to DLE an ion-exchange-based process and incorporated it into the Pilot Plant. The DLE license is held in perpetuity and royalty free by the Project.
Throughout its Pilot Plant program, the Company has sought improvement in its process methods. The Company obtained a provisional patent in 2023 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce. The provisional patent is titled System and Method for Extracting Lithium from Clay and Other Materials in a Chloride Solution Using Individualized Pretreatments. The patent pending process encompasses the Company’s flowsheet and protects its methods of leaching lithium-bearing solids and handling solutions, precipitates, and residues.
LITHIUM EXTRACTION, RECOVERY & Li2CO3 PRODUCTION
A lithium recovery of 78% is used in the Feasibility Study, based on the data collected in over two years of operations at the Pilot Pant.
Feed material grades averaged 1,100 ppm
Leach solution samples varied from 200 to 320 ppm Li
Lithium extractions averaged 88% and varied from 80 to 95%
DLE lithium recoveries were typically above 90%
10% of the lithium in solution is retained in the moisture remaining in the tailings
Extraction rates do not account for losses downstream and are only indicative of the potential overall recovery. Work at the Pilot Plant continues to focus on reducing losses of lithium to tailings. A small loss of lithium from processing the DLE product solutions into Li2CO3, and the recycling of process solutions to the DLE and leach areas is anticipated.
During 2022 and 2023, Saltworks processed the DLE product solutions from the Pilot Plant and made battery-quality Li2CO3 at greater than 99.5% purity. Modifications at the Pilot Plant in mid-2023 increased lithium solution grades to over 14 grams per liter which simplified the flowsheet and eliminated the evaporation stage for production of Li2CO3.
PRODUCTION PLAN
The Project’s production plan comprises three equal phases of production rate increases, Phase 1 and Phase 2 production rates are maintained over five years each and Phase 3 is maintained for 30 years. This approach was selected to reduce capital exposure and risk by dividing the Project’s production schedule into realistic phases of construction and equipment installation. The plan fully utilizes the Project’s Mineral Reserve.
Phase 1 includes all work required to implement the Initial Project Plan including all necessary mining and processing infrastructure. The Phase 2 cost estimate focuses on an expansion within the footprint of Phase 1. Phase 3 development includes an additional processing plant and facilities not built in the previous phases and allows for a fourth phase of expansion.
LITHIUM CARBONATE AND SODIUM HYDROXIDE SALES PRICES
A price of $24,000/t of Li2CO3 is used in the Feasibility Study as the Project base case. This price is selected as a conservative mid-point between current market prices which are under $20,000/t Li2CO3 and forecast prices obtained from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence which are in the range of $23,000 to $39,000/t Li2CO3 during Phase 1 and $29,000 to $31,000/t Li2CO3 thereafter (Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Lithium Forecast Q1 2024). The sales price is free on board (FOB) the Project site for battery quality Li2CO3.
NaOH is a product of the chlor-alkali process and a sales price of $600/dmt FOB the Project is used in the Feasibility Study as the Project base case. Based on the material mass balance, it is expected that surplus NaOH will be available for sale at rates of 120,000 to 360,000 dmt per annum, depending on Project Phase. This price is based on a February 2023 market study by Global Exchange and Trading, Inc. where it was determined the Project’s surplus NaOH can be readily sold in the western U.S. which currently relies heavily on imports arriving at west coast ports.
CAPITAL COST ESTIMATE
The basis for the capital cost estimate follows AACE Class 3 for feasibility studies. Contributors to the estimates are GRE (mining), Wood (process plant and infrastructure), ThyssenKrupp Nucera (chlor-alkali plant) and Century Lithium (property information and owners’ costs). The capital cost estimates by phase are summarized as follows.
Installed Capital Costs
Initial Phase 1 ($M)
Expansion Phase 2 ($M)
Expansion Phase 3 ($M)
Mining & Site Preparation
$64
$7
$27
Process Facilities
$517
$205
$477
Chlor-Alkali Plant
$496
$336
$496
Buildings, Services & Infrastructure
$130
$5
$42
Indirect & Owners Costs
$234
$72
$190
Contingency
$96
$27
$105
Total Capital Cost
$1,537
$651
$1,336
Notes: Totals may not sum due to rounding, Contingency and site Indirects for chlor-alkali plant is included in the Chlor-Alkali Plant line item, contingency for mining is included in the Contingency line item, indirect costs for mining are not included in the Indirects and Owner’s Costs line item
The Phase 2 capital costs represent the expansion of the process facilities and infrastructure established in Phase 1. The Phase 3 capital costs support an additional processing plant and facilities not built in the previous phases. In the Project schedule, a 2-year period is allocated for the time to construct and commission each phase.
Sustaining capital over the life of the Project is estimated at $315 million for tailings facility expansion and equipment replacements. These costs are in addition to the expansion capital costs shown above.
OPERATING COST ESTIMATES
The following information highlights the operating cost estimates for each phase in dollars per tonne of Li2CO3, before and after deducting sales of surplus NaOH.
Initial Phase 1 (7,500 tpd mill feed)
$ (000s)/y
$/t mill feed
$/t LCE
Mining
$13,754
$5.43
$1,205
Processing and G&A
$57,515
$21.01
$4,428
Chlor-Alkali Plant
$61,787
$22.57
$4,757
Total Operating Cost
$133,056
$49.01
$10,390
Less NaOH Sales (FOB mine)
$78,272
$28.95
$6,026
Net Operating Cost
$54,784
$20.06
$4,364
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
Expansion Phase 2 (15,000 tpd mill feed)
$ (000s)/y
$/t mill feed
$/t LCE
Mining
$24,901
$4.26
$766
Processing and G&A
$82,018
$14.98
$3,157
Chlor-Alkali Plant
$105,138
$19.20
$4,047
Total Operating Cost
$212,057
$38.44
$7,970
Less NaOH Sales (FOB mine)
$142,350
$26.00
$5,479
Net Operating Cost
$69,707
$12.44
$2,491
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
Expansion Phase 3 (22,500 tpd mill feed)
$ (000s)/y
$/t mill feed
$/t LCE
Mining
$22,064
$2.70
$561
Processing and G&A
$119,945
$14.60
$3,078
Chlor-Alkali Plant
$151,325
$18.43
$3,884
Total Operating Cost
$293,334
$35.73
$7,523
Less NaOH Sales (FOB mine)
$213,525
$25.99
$5,479
Net Operating Cost
$79,809
$9.74
$2,044
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding
ECONOMIC MODEL AND SENSITIVITY
The cash flow model is developed using base prices of $24,000/t for Li2CO3 and $600/dmt for NaOH.
Average Annual Values
Units
Initial Phase 1
Expansion Phase 2
Expansion Phase 3
Li2CO3 Sales
t
11,885
26,753
39,098
NaOH Sales
dmt
130,488
237,250
355,875
Gross Sales
$ million
$282.4
$635.7
$929.0
Before-tax Cash Flow
$ million
$231.3
$553.3
$825.3
Lithium carbonate sales are the average over each Phase including ramp up to the stated production rate. Gross sales are revenues from Li2CO3 and NaOH sales are before operating costs and after royalty. Before-tax Cash Flow is gross sales minus operating costs. Taxes are applied at federal, state and county rates after allowances for amortization, depletion, and depreciation only. Possible tax credits under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act or other programs are not included.
The Project base case generates a 17.1% after-tax IRR and NPV-8% of $3.01 billion. These results are sensitive to changes in operating assumptions including the sales price of Li2CO3.
At 75% of the base case, or $18,000/t LCE, the after-tax NPV@ 8% is $1.52 billion, and the after-tax IRR is 12.9%.
At 125% of the base case, or $30,000/t LCE, the after-tax NPV@ 8% is $4.47 billion, and the after-tax IRR is 20.9%.
For every $1,000/t change in the price of lithium carbonate, the after-tax NPV@8% changes by about $250 million.
Project Sensitivity
Units
75%
Base Case
125%
Lithium Price
$/t LCE
$18,000
$24,000
$30,000
NPV-8%
$ billion
$1.52
$3.01
$4.47
IRR
%
12.9
17.1
20.9
PROJECT ADVANCEMENT
The Company has completed multiple environmental studies in advance of permitting and is examining ways to optimize power requirements and incorporate alternative energy solutions.
The recommendations of the FS include continuing the permitting process, engaging with governmental agencies and other parties, and proceeding with detailed engineering to further advance the Project.
Among these steps, the Company has contacted the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) and plans to initiate the pre-application process under the Title Seven Clean Energy Financing program when the Feasibility Study report is complete.
CONFERENCE CALL
Century Lithium will host a live webcast and conference call for analysts and investors on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 11:00 am ET (8:00 am PT), followed by a question-and-answer session.
A replay of the webcast will be available on our website shortly following the conclusion of the conference call.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
The data in this news release was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards by the following Qualified Persons (QP).
Terre Lane, Principal Mining Engineer, GRE, is an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by site visits and personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the Mineral Resource Estimate, Mineral Reserve Estimate, mine plan, mine capital and operating cost estimation, economic analysis, and marketing.
Hamid Samari, Principal Geologist, GRE, is an independent QP as defined by NI43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by site visits and personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description of the deposit, geological setting, and mineralization, deposit type, exploration, drilling, sample preparation, analyses and security, and data verification.
Todd Fayram, Senior Vice President Metallurgy, Century Lithium, is a non-independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by site visits and personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description of metallurgical testing, lithium recovery, and design operation and results of the Pilot Plant.
Alan Drake, Manager – Process Engineering, Wood, is an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by site visits and personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description and estimates related to recovery methods.
Haiming (Peter) Yuan, PE, PhD, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc., is an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by site visits and personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description related to infrastructure, environment and permitting.
Paul Baluch, Technical Director, Civil, Wood, is an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description and estimates of infrastructure.
Farzad Kossari, Cost Estimating Manager, Wood, is an independent QP as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release and verified by personal examination the information and original documents that relate to preparation of the description and summary of capital and operating cost estimates.
Further information about the Project, including a description of the key assumptions, parameters, description of sampling methods, data verification and quality assurance (QA) / quality control (QC) programs, methods relating to Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and factors that may affect those estimates will be contained in a NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feasibility Study of the Clayton Valley Lithium Project. Following Section 3.4 of NI 43-101 the report will be available on SEDAR+ and on the Company’s website within 45 days of the date of this news release.
ABOUT CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.
Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in west-central Nevada, USA. Century Lithium recently completed a Feasibility Study on its Clayton Valley Lithium Project and is currently in the permitting stage, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.
ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP. WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE President & Chief Executive Officer
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.
Forward-looking statements relate to any matters that are not historical facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential development and value of the Project and benefits associated therewith, statements with respect to the expected project economics for the Project, such as estimates of life of mine, lithium prices, production and recoveries, capital and operating costs, IRR, NPV and cash flows, any projections outlined in the Feasibility Study in respect of the Project, the permitting status of the Project and the Company’s future development plans.
These and other forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause their actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein. These risks include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and its other public filings, copies of which can be under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update-forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Furthermore, Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
