【SMM Analysis】Overseas Lithium News from March 24 to March 28

【A1 Lithium and KOCH Achieve Industry-Leading Results in Direct Lithium Extraction】

Recently, Anson Resources Limited (hereinafter referred to as "Anson" or "the Company") announced through its wholly-owned US subsidiary, A1 Lithium Inc (A1 Lithium), the successful completion of a pilot project in collaboration with KOCH Technology Solutions ("KTS"). The project, conducted at the Green River lithium project site in southeastern Utah, utilized Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") technology to produce high-concentration and high-purity lithium chloride eluate from newly extracted lithium-rich brine, fully meeting the technical specifications.

KTS's DLE process demonstrated outstanding performance, achieving an average lithium recovery rate of 98% and a contaminant removal rate exceeding 99%. Additionally, the average lithium-to-total dissolved solids (Li:TDS) ratio was 0.125, 57% higher than the industry standard Li:TDS ratio of 0.08 required for downstream processing, which will significantly reduce the processing costs of the lithium carbonate the company plans to produce.

With these excellent results, KTS will provide Anson/A1 Lithium with a "process guarantee" for a commercial-scale plant with an annual production capacity of 10,000 mt of lithium carbonate.

Furthermore, KTS's DLE plant successfully produced 43,500 gallons (165,000 liters) of high-quality eluate at the Green River site in Utah, which has been properly stored and is ready for downstream processing.

Source: Public Information

【Maxell to Cease Production of Prismatic Lithium-Ion Batteries】

Recently, Japanese battery manufacturer Maxell announced that it will discontinue the production of prismatic lithium-ion batteries by May 2025, marking the end of its nearly three-decade manufacturing history. Since 1996, these batteries have been widely used in devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, and portable gaming consoles. Due to declining profitability and the increasing dominance of laminated lithium-ion batteries in the market, Maxell will also dissolve its Chinese subsidiary, Maxell Energy (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., which is responsible for prismatic battery production.

Maxell stated that it will shift its focus and resources to the R&D of solid-state batteries, leveraging the technology's advantages in safety, performance, and lifespan. The next generation of solid-state batteries is expected to play a key role in industrial equipment, electric mobility, and medical devices, which demand high energy density, thermal stability, and long cycle life.

Source: Battery News

【European Metals' Cinovec Lithium Project Receives EU Critical Raw Materials Act Strategic Certification】

Recently, European Metals made significant progress in its plan to develop the large Cinovec lithium mine in the Czech Republic—the EU officially designated it as a "strategic project." As the largest hard-rock lithium resource deposit in Europe, Cinovec has been recognized by the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act (CRM) as having the potential to become a key supplier to the European EV market.

The "strategic project" status means the project will receive explicit support from European institutions, including financial institutions, and will expedite the approval process within the timeline set by the Critical Raw Materials Act. Executive Chairman Keith Coughlan stated: "This recognition is a major milestone in the project's development, marking its entry into an advanced stage. Previously, the Czech government officially listed Cinovec as a strategic deposit, and this growing official support provides greater confidence for the project's future approvals and financing. In short, this brings Cinovec one step closer to its goal of producing battery-grade lithium compounds."

Under the Critical Raw Materials Act, lithium has been identified as a critical raw material for the transition to a modern low-carbon economy, essential for the development of the automotive industry and the modernization of the power sector. The Act aims to strengthen the security of critical raw material supply chains, reduce dependence on imports from third countries, and support innovation in the sustainable extraction of mineral resources. Projects with strategic status must have a credible timetable and achieve mass production targets with the highest ESG standards, as they are seen as key to the green and digital transformation and the resilience of the defense and aerospace sectors.

It is worth noting that earlier this month, the Cinovec deposit was listed as a strategic deposit under the Czech Building Code. This designation allows developers to obtain specific permits and take measures to ensure the project's development is not delayed. The final feasibility study for Cinovec is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed by mid-2025, with the company aiming to complete the environmental impact assessment and submit it for approval by the end of 2025.

Source: Trading View

【Standard Lithium Advances Arkansas Lithium Project】

Standard Lithium Ltd., focused on lithium resource development, recently announced significant progress in its Southwest Arkansas (SWA) lithium project, officially initiating the financing and offtake process for a project with an annual production capacity of 22,500 mt of battery-grade lithium carbonate. Despite a 12.6% decline in its stock price year-to-date to $1.37, InvestingPro analysis indicates that its current valuation is undervalued, with strong financial health (current ratio of 4.37, Altman Z-score of 10.65) and a solid project execution foundation. Meanwhile, Smackover Lithium, a joint venture with Equinor, is accelerating the expansion of lithium resources in eastern Texas, with the leased area now expanded to 185,000 acres, including a 67,000-acre exploration area in Franklin County where brine lithium content reaches up to 806 mg/L. The company plans to conduct re-sampling of existing wells in Q2 and Q3 and expects to release an inferred resource report in Q3. Analysts note that with robust financial metrics and the parallel advancement of two core projects, the company is well-positioned to play a more strategic role in the North American lithium battery supply chain.

Source: Public Information

【Core Lithium Pushes for Finniss Restart】

Recently, Core Lithium has been actively advancing the restart study for its Finniss lithium project in the Northern Territory, which is scheduled for completion in the June quarter of 2025. At the end of 2023, Core suspended early work on the BP33 underground mine project at Finniss due to difficulties in mining and construction during the rainy season and the company's renewed focus on cost reduction. Subsequently, in January 2024, citing a weak lithium market primarily driven by supply surplus and increased lithium production in countries like China, the company also suspended mining operations at the Grants open-pit mine, part of the Finniss startup project, to "preserve corporate value."

Core stated: "The Finniss project has already invested over A$250 million in construction, with well-established and well-maintained infrastructure. The restart study focuses on optimizing existing facilities and streamlining future mining and processing procedures to improve production efficiency, and the work conducted so far further confirms the development potential of the Finniss project." As part of the restart study, the company is optimizing the mining plan for the BP33 ore body, a large near-vertical pegmatite with a strike length of approximately 350 meters and a true thickness of 40 meters. In September 2024, the BP33 ore resource increased significantly by 223%, now reaching 8.7 million mt with a lithium oxide grade of 1.38%.

"The ore body's morphology is suitable for longitudinal sublevel open stoping," Core noted, "and compared to the original mining plan, we have identified several opportunities to increase productivity and reduce operating costs, which are being implemented. At the same time, we are conducting metallurgical test work to improve the recovery rate, production, and processing capacity of the future dense media separation (DMS) plant. Current work indicates that process optimization can be achieved without installing a flotation circuit."

Additionally, Core has terminated all remaining contracts during the Finniss mine's operational period. The company also added that full ownership of all site infrastructure lays the groundwork for adopting a new operational model in the future.

Source: Australian Mining