Tag: Lithium

Will Elon Musk Inspire and Excite on Investor Day 2023?

Posted on by phoffman@channelchek.com
Image Credit: Trubni (Instagram)

Will Tesla Investors be Inspired or Disappointed on March 1 (Investor Day)?

Tesla’s Investor Day is March 1st. The lead-up to these events is usually filled with speculation of how the founder, Elon Musk, may surprise EV fans and the investment community. Tesla’s (TSLA) innovations and unique marketing and distribution have made it the most valuable car company in the world. Part of that marketing is the mystique and confidence Musk brings whenever he has an audience. The company is also inspiring as it is less than 20 years in the making and is leading a revolution in how automobiles are built, driven, and fueled.

As plans are kept under wraps, most of the rumors as to what to expect fall in the category of speculation. Below are some of the most likely ideas from past announcements from Tesla and across the internet since the meeting date was announced.

Battery Production

Sourcing raw materials for batteries to make certain new EVs have all the needed components is becoming a concern among car manufacturers.

News has leaked of a proposed $3.6 billion Giga factory to produce up to 100 Gwh of batteries. The factory is expected to be in Nevada and eventually be used to assemble the Tesla semi when production eventually starts.

Tesla is expected to build a processing facility to make lithium hydroxide from spodumene concentrate in Corpus Christie, Texas. The location is good for shipping, and it is close to sources of sulfuric acid from the oil industry. This would be the first lithium hydroxide production facility in the U.S. If true, it would help Tesla fulfill the raw material sourcing requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act to qualify its cars for the $7,500 federal tax credit.

Those deals are at market prices; Tesla would reap the profits from processing the spodumene concentrate into hydroxide, but the bulk of the profit from the material supply accrues to the mining company. Tesla has hinted previously of plans to enter the lithium mining business.

The $25,000 EV

First mentioned in 2020, Tesla’s proposed $25,000 car earned the nickname “fluffy pillow” after Musk showed a picture of an object covered by a blanket that many thought resembled a large pillow. The project was put on hold in early 2022 when Musk said Tesla had too much on its plate.

Tesla’s existing best sellers, the Model 3 and Model Y, have been around for a while, a new model, whether it is the truck or an affordable entry level car would freshen up the line-up.

New Factory

Tesla’s production goals put it at or near capacity. The current factory capacity is listed as 1.9 million vehicles per year. The current goal is six million cars a year by 2026. This would require the expansion of existing plants and then some. A new factory takes three years to design, construct, and get rolling. So planning would have to start now. Musk is more likely to build a new plant than change his production goals.

Thoughts from across the internet suggest this could be in Indonesia or Mexico. Cars built in Mexico could qualify for the $7500 tax credit to purchasers.

Capital Raise

To accomplish the above requires money. Currently, there is construction in progress building out Tesla’s German and Texas factories. Billions more would be needed to implement other plans.

There is as of recent reporting, $22 billion in cash on Tesla’s balance sheet. This is a snapshot of quarter-end and not an accurate representation of the company’s finances. Offsetting this large number is $15 billion in trade payables and $7 billion in accrued payables, much of which is due soon.

Tesla may have to go to the market to raise cash for projects that will be presented on March 1st.

About Tesla Day

The investor event will be live-streamed from Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas, with some of the company’s institutional and retail investors attending in person. According to Tesla’s press release, investors will be able to see its most advanced production line as well as discuss long-term expansion plans, the generation 3 platform, and capital allocation.  

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Sources

https://ir.tesla.com/press-release/tesla-announces-date-2023-investor-day

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/09/14/fact-sheet-president-bidens-economic-plan-drives-americas-electric-vehicle-manufacturing-boom/

https://www.barrons.com/articles/tesla-cars-brand-rank-51674047645

Lithium Stocks are Depressed, Might They Be a Buy?

Posted on by phoffman@channelchek.com
Image: Silver Peak Lithium Mine, Nevada – Ken Lund (Flickr)

The Lithium Dip May Be Worth Exploring

Lithium (Li) was once synonymous with treating depression. Today the mineral is more often discussed as part of the subject of sustainable energy storage, specifically batteries. So it’s ironic that the recent stock price movement of a number of companies tied to lithium may have depressed some investors, as February has seen a sudden depression in values. The primary reason for the decline in lithium stocks may actually be a net plus for miners and others tied to production. This thinking is outlined below.  

Many companies involved in Li exploration and/or production were up on the year along with the overall market. Late last week and carrying over to today, many of these stocks have fallen dramatically. The reason for the sudden decline coincided with the largest EV battery manufacturer, Contemporary Amperex Technology’s (CATL) announcement that it will cut the price it charges for Li-ion batteries.

As seen in the chart below, Shares of the larger lithium miners Albemarle ALB (ALB), SQM (SQM), Livent (LTHM), Piedmont Lithium (PLL), and Lithium Americas (LAC) are down between 7% and 14% with much of that drop coming in the past few trading days. Smaller lithium mining operations like LithiumBank Resources Corp. (LBNKF), and Century Lithium Corp. (CYDVF) fared much better, outperforming the more established larger companies.

Source: Koyfin

Did Traders Get this Wrong?

CATL seems to have aimed to maintain or grow its market share as a battery manufacturer. Any price war they may have started is likely to have a direct impact on competitors. Even car manufacturers that are involved in battery sales may shed some profitability, but is it necessarily a negative for companies involved in mining or refining?

CATL plans on pricing its batteries on a lithium-price-linked calculation. With this, 50% of each battery will benchmark to lithium carbonate, which would largely embed the price of lithium in its Li-ion product. The rest of the batteries will key off of the spot market for lithium carbonate.

Spot prices for lithium carbonate are up about ninefold over the past few years as the growth in EV demand and other battery-operated products has stressed the global lithium supply chain. So while CATL has decided to discount batteries, the production costs are unlikely to fall. The move may instead place greater demand on lithium carbonate. If production doesn’t keep up with, what should spark greater demand for Li-ion batteries, miners may benefit. If correct, this could suggest the declines in mining stock prices related to CATL’s new pricing policy, may be considered as an entry point for investors that had been looking for a price dip.

As for battery makers, this may have more permanently drained value. CATL is about 68% of the mainland Chinese EV battery manufacturing industry. Other battery producers may have to similarly adjust their pricing models to compete. This group includes Panasonic, LG Energy, Samsung, and SK Innovations that also tumbled this month.

Take Away

Mining analysts discuss supply and demand, or deficit and surplus, when adjusting forecasts. If demand grows as a result of the large battery manufacturer CATL discounting prices, and this discounting causes others to follow, the result could be a larger lithium deficit that could raise the price of the mineral per USD/metric-ton. Time will tell.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Sources

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/unipolar-depression-in-adults-treatment-with-lithium/print#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20lithium%20is%20used,mid%2D1800s%20%5B2%5D.

https://www.barrons.com/articles/lithium-stocks-tesla-ev-battery-shares-40aa53d0?mod=hp_columnists

https://www.barrons.com/articles/tesla-stock-price-graphite-battery-magnis-bc0dad59?mod=hp_LATEST

Release – Cypress Development Engages Thyssenkrupp Nucera For Design And Engineering Of Chlor-Alkali Plant In Feasibility Study

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on CYDVF

October 27, 2022 – Vancouver, Canada – Cypress Development Corp. (TSXV: CYP) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z1) (Cypress or Company) is pleased to announce the selection of thyssenkrupp nucera USA, Inc. (thyssenkrupp nucera) to provide the design and engineering for the chlor-alkali plant as part of the ongoing Feasibility Study on the Company’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada, USA (Project). The chlor-alkali plant is an essential component which will allow the Project to self-generate two key reagents required for processing lithium-bearing claystone through to a Li2CO3 (lithium carbonate) product.

“The Company’s selection of thyssenkrupp nucera is another important step towards completion of the Feasibility Study for the Project’s production of lithium carbonate. Their experience and proven track record as an electrolysis technology company with worldwide knowledge in the chlor-alkali field will add to our Feasibility Study” stated Bill Willoughby, President, and CEO of Cypress Development.

thyssenkrupp nucera USA Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of thyssenkrupp nucera AG & Co. KGaA, an international company that offers world-leading technologies for high-efficiency electrolysis plants, which includes chlor-alkali electrolysis, HCl electrolysis, and alkaline water electrolysis. thyssenkrupp nucera’s scope in the chlorine electrolysis business includes the supply and services around engineering, supply of all major plant equipment, supervision of the erection and commissioning activities, training of the operating personnel as well as holistic 360-degree service solutions for the entire lifecycle of a plant.

thyssenkrupp nucera’s scope of work will include the development of a facility concept for treatment of the recovered brine stream from Cypress’ process and ensure compatibility with the membrane electrolysis cells of a chlor-alkali plant. Standardized and proprietary e-BiTACv7 BiPolar type membrane cell electrolyzers from thyssenkrupp nucera serve as the heart of the chlor-alkali plant to generate the key reagents HCl (hydrochloric acid) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide) required to process the lithium ore. The NaCl (sodium chloride) and H2O (water) molecules present in the recovered brine are electrolyzed to produce Cl2 (chlorine), H2 (hydrogen) and the sodium hydroxide, where then outside of the cells, the chlorine and hydrogen molecules are combined to produce hydrochloric acid.

Feasibility Study Update

The Company’s Feasibility Study on the Project commenced in March 2022 under the direction of Wood PLC (Wood), with support from Global Resource Engineers, Continental Metallurgical Services, WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc., and Cypress.

Progress on the Feasibility Study is advancing as planned. Wood and the supporting teams have completed or are near completion of several key items, including resource and reserve estimates, mine plan, processing plant design, and tailings and waste storage facilities.

Positive results from test work conducted at Saltworks Technologies Inc. (Saltworks) (see news release dated September 19, 2022), where high purity lithium carbonate was made at Saltworks from concentrated lithium solutions produced at Cypress’ Lithium Extraction Facility in Nevada.

Saltworks has since completed a second phase of testing which examined the production of lithium from the blowdown-brine stream collected during the lithium carbonate concentration in the first stage of testing. We are pleased to report these results are positive and confirm the viability of an increase in lithium recovery via re-concentration of the blowdown-brine and production of additional lithium carbonate solids. Results from third-party laboratory analysis are pending for lithium carbonate quality obtained during this test. This step has the potential to significantly reduce the volume required to be recycled back to the upstream direct lithium recovery (DLE) plant and reduce size and capital cost of the DLE plant.

Based on the progress and results from Saltworks, Cypress is focusing on lithium carbonate as the end-product for the Feasibility Study and has engaged Saltworks to provide the engineering and design for the final steps in producing lithium carbonate. Based on timelines for the major components and cost analysis, as well as to allow thyssenkrupp nucera sufficient time to complete its design and optimization studies, the Company expects the Feasibility Study to be completed in the second quarter of 2023.

Qualified Person

Todd Fayram, MMSA-QP, is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved of the technical information in this release.

About Cypress Development Corp

Cypress Development Corp. is a Canadian based advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada, USA. Cypress is in the pilot stage of testing on material from its lithium-bearing claystone deposit and progressing towards completing a Study and permitting, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.

ON BEHALF OF CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT CORP.
WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE
President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:
Spiros Cacos | Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: +1 604 764 1851 | Toll Free: 1 800 567 8181 | Email scacos@cypressdevelopmentcorp.com
www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “scheduled,” and other similar words. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration, and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.

Cypress Development (CYDVF) – Clayton Valley Takes a Leap Forward

Posted on by cpatches


Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Proving it can be done. Cypress achieved a major milestone with the production of 99.94% lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) made from lithium-bearing claystone from the company’s Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada. The Li2CO3 was made using intermediate concentrated lithium solution, or ~2,200 parts per million lithium, produced at Cypress’ lithium extraction facility. Following direct lithium extraction (DLE) at the pilot plant, Saltworks Technologies completed the processing system design and pilot work to make the battery grade Li2CO3. Cypress has engaged Saltworks to integrate their designs into Cypress’ pilot plant program.

Suitable for use in electric vehicle batteries. The samples produced surpass minimum industry requirements for standard battery grade, or >99.5% Li2CO3, used in electronics and achieved industry requirements for enhanced battery grade Li2CO3 for use in electric vehicle batteries. Independent analyses of product samples were completed by SGS Canada Inc.


Get the Full Report

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. 

Release – Cypress Development Confirms Production Of Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on CYDVF

September 19, 2022

September 19, 2022 – Vancouver, Canada – Cypress Development Corp. (TSXV: CYP) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z1) (Cypress or Company) is pleased to report it has achieved a significant milestone with the production of 99.94% lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) made from lithium-bearing claystone from the Company’s 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada, USA (Project). The Li2CO3 was derived from the intermediate concentrated lithium solution produced at Cypress’ Lithium Extraction Facility in Amargosa Valley, Nevada (Pilot Plant). Following direct lithium extraction (DLE) at the Plant, Saltworks Technologies Inc. (Saltworks) completed the processing system design and pilot work to make the Li2CO3.

“These are excellent results for the initial iteration of testing and will be incorporated into our on-going Feasibility Study on the Project” stated Bill Willoughby, Cypress President, and CEO. “We are pleased to receive comprehensive assays validating the extraction process we have designed for our Project. Exceeding the standard for battery grade lithium carbonate checks-off an important goal for the Company and its further development of the Project.”

Cypress executed pilot operations through to production of ‘three nines’ Li2CO3 that exceeds the standard battery grade specifications below. All processing was completed with material from the Company’s Project in an end-to-end automated pilot plant that represents full scale production. Independent analyses of product samples were completed by SGS Canada Inc., with the results showing greater than 99.9 weight-percent (wt%) purity in a scalable representative process.

CONSTITUENTCONCENTRATIONBATTERY GRADE SPEC – LI2CO3CYPRESS LI2CO3
Li2CO3wt%>99.5%99.94%
H2Owt%<0.5%0.01%
Nawt%<0.05%0.02%
Cawt%<0.04%0.02%
AlWppm<106
CuWppm<5<4
NiWppm<6<5
ZnWppm<5<5
Clwt%<0.01%0.008%

Notes: wt% (weight percent), wppm (weight parts per million)

“Our team is pleased with the outcome at Saltworks, and their support of our Project,” stated Bill Willoughby. “Cypress has engaged Saltworks to integrate their designs into our pilot plant program and look forward to their continued work on the Project.”

The final product surpasses industry requirements for standard battery grade Li2CO3 and has achieved industry requirements for enhanced battery grade Li2CO3 for xEV use. It is common practice for lithium battery manufactures to have specific requirements for Li2CO3 used in their products dependant on application.

Qualified Person
Daniel Kalmbach, CPG, is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information in this release.

About Cypress Development Corp
Cypress Development Corp. is a Canadian based advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada, USA. Cypress is in the pilot stage of testing on material from its lithium-bearing claystone deposit and progressing towards completing a Feasibility Study and permitting, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market.

ON BEHALF OF CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT CORP.
WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE
President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:
Spiros Cacos | Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: +1 604 764 1851 | Toll Free: 1 800 567 8181 | Email scacos@cypressdevelopmentcorp.com
www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “scheduled,” and other similar words. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration, and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.