TradingCharts
6 days ago
Not sure if Pantera wants to go the same direction as Pure Energy. SLB has control of them now. Price of lithium is very low price not sure if Pantera would get a good price selling the mineral rights. Worth watching Pantera has been pumping out the videos the last few weeks. Could they be negotiate with YouTube. Or are they going to dilute the share count?
Grok
Pure Energy Minerals Limited is actively involved in advancing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies as part of its efforts to develop sustainable lithium production from its Clayton Valley Lithium Brine Project in Nevada. The company has partnered with SLB (formerly Schlumberger), a global technology firm, to implement and refine DLE processes at scale. Here’s what they’re doing with DLE:
Partnership with SLB: Since May 2019, Pure Energy has been working under an Earn-In Agreement with SLB, where SLB serves as the operator of the Clayton Valley Project. SLB has invested significantly in designing and constructing a DLE pilot plant aimed at processing lithium-bearing brines into high-quality lithium products, such as lithium hydroxide monohydrate or lithium carbonate.
Pilot Plant Development: SLB deployed a demonstration plant at the Clayton Valley site, located 5 km southeast of Silver Peak, Nevada, on Bureau of Land Management lands. By 2024, this plant had completed construction, received all necessary permits (secured in 2022 and 2023), and begun technical trials. The plant integrates SLB’s subsurface expertise with advanced surface engineering, including DLE, to extract lithium from brine efficiently.
Sustainable Lithium Production: The DLE process at Clayton Valley is designed to be a game-changer in terms of sustainability. It produces lithium 500 times faster than conventional evaporation methods (in hours rather than months), achieves a verified recovery rate of 96% from brine, and uses significantly less land (10% of traditional methods), water, energy, and chemical reagents. This aligns with Pure Energy’s goal to minimize environmental impact compared to traditional lithium extraction techniques like evaporation ponds.
Ongoing Trials and Scaling: As of mid-2024, the demonstration plant is undergoing technical trials to optimize the DLE process. These trials are critical to proving the technology’s scalability and economic viability. SLB’s success in meeting specific technical milestones has positioned it to potentially acquire 100% ownership of the project, reflecting confidence in the DLE approach.
Historical Context and Evolution: Earlier in its development, Pure Energy explored DLE innovations with Tenova Advanced Technologies, focusing on solvent extraction combined with membrane filtration and electrolysis. While this work informed their approach, the current focus with SLB emphasizes a broader, integrated DLE solution tailored to Clayton Valley’s brine chemistry.
In summary, Pure Energy Minerals is leveraging its partnership with SLB to pioneer a sustainable, efficient DLE process at Clayton Valley. They’re moving from pilot-scale testing to proving a scalable model that could redefine lithium brine extraction, with ongoing trials in 2024 aimed at refining the technology for commercial application. This positions them as a key player in the push for greener lithium supply chains in North America.
TradingCharts
6 days ago
Grok says you are correct.
Yes, Pantera Minerals Limited, a company focused on lithium reserves, engaged SLB (formerly Schlumberger) for subsurface analysis rather than specifically for seismic services alone. SLB, a global leader in oilfield and subsurface technology, was contracted by Pantera to develop a 3D static geological model for its Smackover Lithium Brine Project in Arkansas. This model was intended to identify optimal lithium brine well locations and enhance understanding of subsurface characteristics.
While the process involved the use of acquired 2D seismic data—alongside gravity, magnetic, and well data—to define the extent of the Upper Smackover Formation and locate faults, SLB's role was broader than just seismic services. Their expertise encompassed subsurface analysis, reservoir management, and integration of various data types into the 3D model. This work supported Pantera’s exploration efforts, including planning for well re-entry and future drilling, but it does not appear that SLB was directly tasked with conducting new seismic surveys. Instead, they leveraged existing seismic data as part of their comprehensive subsurface modeling approach.
So, to clarify: Pantera used SLB for a project that incorporated seismic data, but SLB’s primary contribution was the development of the 3D geological model, not the execution of seismic surveys themselves.
What year was that
Pantera Minerals Limited engaged SLB for the subsurface analysis and 3D geological modeling of its Smackover Lithium Brine Project in 2024. The company announced this collaboration as part of its exploration updates, with specific mentions of the work occurring in mid-to-late 2024. For example, updates from Pantera’s announcements and industry reports, such as those around July and November 2024, highlight SLB’s involvement in advancing the project during that year.
TradingCharts
1 week ago
February 25, 2025 the first Fi³Lières en lumière conference
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pierre-de-lapeyriere_lithium-transitionenergaeztique-medefinternational-activity-7303447512349065216-osM2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACqICfIBDnVCtKiuX6gsoBWZSJ9pAt341yg
Thank you to MEDEF for hosting on February 25, 2025 the first Fi³Lières en lumière conference, on 🔋 the extraction and refining of Lithium 🔋 organized by the Task force Matériaux critiques, the internationalization platform for French companies in critical minerals and metals of the MEDEF International and A3M - Alliance for Minerals, Metals ores and Metals.
Very good, rich and constructive exchanges, and in particular during our Direct Lithium Extraction round table in which I participated with Romain Millot, Pedro Ruiz, Fabien Burdet and Arnaud Baudot.
It highlighted the growing industrial maturity of DLE technologies and their definite contribution to the challenges related to the demand for lithium: 💲 economical, ✅ qualitative, 🕘 speed of deployment, 🌍 respect for the environment and 🧡 reduction of project risk for proven technologies.
Accelerating the industrial deployment of DLE technologies is the flagship ✅ solution to meet the needs of the industry in the coming years – on time 🕘 and at an affordable cost 💲.
This is a unique opportunity for France to contribute to building a competitive and sustainable sector internationally, subject to accelerating investments in the value chain (quality resources + DLE + refining) in order to take a sustainable 🏆 place in the leading pack!
Thank you in particular to François L. for the organization, to Arnaud Baudot for the moderation, to Benjamin Gallezot, DIAMMS - Délégation interministérielle aux approvisionnements en minerais et métaux stratégiques for his interventions, and to all the other participants for these rich and enlightening exchanges.
More details on the sector overview here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dZVWfxWJ
TradingCharts
1 week ago
INTERNATIONAL BATTERY METALS LTD. ANNOUNCES BINDING TERM SHEET FOR NON-BROKERED PRIVATE PLACEMENT FINANCING
Mar 3, 2025 6:30
https://money.tmx.com/quote/IBAT/news/5808960264851666/INTERNATIONAL_BATTERY_METALS_LTD_ANNOUNCES_BINDING_TERM_SHEET_FOR_NONBROKERED_PRIVATE_PLACEMENT_FINANCING
The issue price per Unit will be based on the maximum permissible discount to the market price of the Company's common shares (the " Common Shares ") under the rules of the TSX Venture Exchange (the " TSXV ") as of closing on the trading day immediately preceding the announcement of the closing of a tranche of the Offering (the " Market Price "). Each Unit will consist of one Common Share and one Common Share purchase warrant (a " Warrant "). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Common Share (each, a " Warrant Share ") at an exercise price of equal to the Market Price per Warrant Share, until the date which is four years from the date of issuance. The use of proceeds for each tranche of the Offering will be disclosed in the applicable news release announcing such tranche.
The Company expects to close the first tranche of the Offering (the " Initial Closing ") on or before March 31, 2025 . Under the Initial Closing, EV Metals VII and entities under the common control of Jacob Warnock (together, " EV Metals ") have agreed to purchase US$7,550,000 of Units and based on the Bank of Canada US$1.00 to C$ exchange rate as of February 28, 2025 of US$1.00 to C$1.44 , the Company expects to issue 26,084,453 Units to EV Metals at an issue price of C$0.4168 for aggregate gross proceeds of C$10,872,000 . The Warrants issuable pursuant to the Initial Closing will entitle the holder to acquire one Warrant Share at an exercise price of C$0.51 per Warrant Share for a period of four years from the date of the Initial Closing. The proceeds of the Initial Closing will be used for preparing IBAT's modular direct lithium extraction plant (" MDLE Plant ") for future operations and general corporate purposes. Provided that EV Metals elects to acquire additional Units at any time prior to April 17, 2025 , the Company expects the price per Unit and exercise price of the Warrants will remain the same as the Initial Closing.
TradingCharts
2 weeks ago
I asked Grock.
Lake resouces has a large property in Argentina. Does Lilac have access to all of lakes properties or does lake have other property waiting for another dle investor?
Lake Resources controls a substantial portfolio of lithium brine properties in Argentina, totaling around 220,000 hectares across multiple projects in the Lithium Triangle. Their flagship Kachi Project, located in Catamarca Province, is the primary focus of their partnership with Lilac Solutions. Lilac, a California-based company specializing in direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, has been working closely with Lake on Kachi since their collaboration began in 2018, with a formal partnership solidified in 2021. Under this agreement, Lilac provides its proprietary ion-exchange technology and engineering support, earning a stake in the Kachi Project—currently at 20% following milestones like the production of 2,500 kilograms of lithium carbonate equivalent in 2023, with the potential to reach 25% based on further performance targets.
However, Lilac’s involvement appears limited to the Kachi Project specifically, rather than extending across all of Lake’s properties. Lake Resources owns three other significant lithium brine projects in Jujuy Province: Olaroz, Cauchari, and Paso. These projects are adjacent to major operations by companies like Orocobre (now Allkem), Lithium Americas, and Ganfeng Lithium, positioning them as valuable assets. There’s no clear public evidence that Lilac has access to these additional properties under the current partnership terms. The Kachi-focused agreement suggests Lilac’s role is tied to that single project, where they’ve deployed a demonstration plant and are working toward commercial-scale production, targeting first lithium in 2027.
Lake has historically framed its strategy around leveraging Lilac’s DLE technology at Kachi to establish a scalable, sustainable lithium production model. But they’ve also indicated ambitions to expand and integrate their other assets—Olaroz, Cauchari, and Paso—into production, as seen in their 2022 fast-tracking announcement. This raises the possibility that Lake could be holding these properties in reserve for either future development with Lilac, if the Kachi model proves successful, or for partnerships with other DLE technology providers or investors. The company has emphasized flexibility in its approach, engaging with multiple potential offtake partners (like Ford and Hanwa) and export credit agencies, which suggests they’re open to diverse funding and technology options.
No explicit statements confirm that Lake is actively seeking another DLE investor for these other properties right now. However, their large tenement package and the distinct mention of Kachi in Lilac’s updates imply that Olaroz, Cauchari, and Paso remain untapped by Lilac’s tech so far. Given the rising demand for lithium and the push for innovative extraction methods, it’s plausible Lake is keeping these assets available for strategic moves—whether that’s negotiating with Lilac for broader access or courting another player in the DLE space. For now, Lilac’s footprint with Lake seems confined to Kachi, leaving the door open for other possibilities on the remaining properties.
TradingCharts
2 weeks ago
I asked Grok.
Lake resources has been working with Lilac. what has been done in the last year between the two.
Lake Resources and Lilac Solutions have been collaborating on the Kachi Lithium Brine Project in Argentina, and over the past year—since February 26, 2024—they’ve made significant strides in advancing this initiative. Their partnership focuses on using Lilac’s innovative direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology to produce high-quality lithium in a sustainable way. Here’s a rundown of what’s happened between them in the last 12 months based on available information and the ongoing nature of their work.
The most notable recent development came earlier in 2024 when Lilac Solutions completed a successful demonstration plant at the Kachi site. This milestone showcased the effectiveness of Lilac’s ion exchange technology, proving it could operate at scale using brine directly from the wellhead. The plant demonstrated strong performance, reliability, and operability, producing lithium chloride that was later converted into lithium carbonate. This success built on earlier achievements, like the production of 2,500 kilograms of lithium carbonate equivalent announced in April 2023, which bumped Lilac’s stake in the project from 10% to 20%. While that specific production predates the last year, it set the stage for the demonstration plant’s completion in 2024, a key focus of their recent efforts.
Throughout 2024, the two companies have been working to transition the Kachi Project from pilot phase to commercial-scale development. Lake resources has been working with Lilac. what has been done in the last year between the two.This aligns with their shared goal of setting a new standard for efficient, eco-friendly lithium production. Posts on X from late 2022, while older, reflect the ongoing sentiment of progress and dedication, with Lilac’s team hitting milestones like producing on-spec lithium chloride within a month of commissioning—hinting at the kind of rapid advancements that carried into 2024.
Lake Resources has leaned on Lilac’s technical expertise, with Lilac providing engineering support and the physical infrastructure (like the demonstration plant shipped to Argentina back in 2022 and fully utilized in 2024). Meanwhile, Lake has been handling on-site logistics and advancing the project’s definitive feasibility study (DFS), which is likely nearing completion or at least progressing significantly in the past year, given prior timelines aiming for mid-2023 that may have slipped slightly. The partnership has also navigated past challenges—like a timeline dispute resolved in late 2022—focusing now on joint execution and scaling up.
In summary, over the last year, Lake Resources and Lilac Solutions have successfully completed and validated a demonstration plant at Kachi, pushed forward with engineering and feasibility work, and laid the groundwork for commercial production. Their collaboration has proven the scalability of Lilac’s DLE tech, positioning Kachi as a potential leader in sustainable lithium supply as they move toward full-scale operations.
Lilac seems to have a person who does very well at doing contracts. Lilac now has 20% stack in LAKE.
Not very good recovery rate. They need to look at IBAT.
This success built on earlier achievements, like the production of 2,500 kilograms of lithium carbonate equivalent announced in April 2023, which bumped Lilac’s stake in the project from 10% to 20%.
.
TradingCharts
2 weeks ago
You’ve asked about Ensorcia’s permit status, likely in the context of our ongoing discussion about lithium brine testing permits, including connections to International Battery Metals Ltd. (IBAT), Daniel Layton, American Potash, and earlier mentions of IDE Americas and Jacob Warnock’s ventures. I’ll assume you’re seeking the latest on Ensorcia Metals Corporation’s lithium-related permits, particularly for brine testing or extraction, given their role as IBAT’s partner in Chile and Argentina. Here’s what I can piece together as of February 24, 2025, focusing on their permit status in those regions and any ties to Utah or elsewhere.
Ensorcia Metals Corporation Overview
Ensorcia, founded in 2016 by Chairman Daniel Layton, is a private U.S.-based company focused on building a sustainable lithium supply chain. It’s a major IBAT shareholder (over 10% via $4M+ investments by 2021) and holds exclusive licenses for IBAT’s direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology in Chile and Argentina. Ensorcia operates through subsidiaries like Sorcia Minerals LLC (Chile) and Ensorcia Argentina LLC, securing brine resources and deploying IBAT’s tech to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate and hydroxide.
Permit Status in Key Regions
Ensorcia’s permit status hinges on its partnerships and resource access rather than direct operational permits in its own name, as it often collaborates with local entities or concession holders. Let’s break it down:
Chile
Context: Chile’s Lithium Triangle, including the Atacama Salar, is a global lithium hub. Ensorcia, via Sorcia Minerals, targets brine extraction using IBAT’s DLE tech.
Permit Details:
In 2018, Sorcia Minerals signed a Joint Development Agreement with ENAMI (Chile’s state mining company), granting access to lithium-bearing salars for exploration and development. This deal, formalized by April 2018, leverages ENAMI’s concessions rather than requiring Sorcia to secure standalone permits.
A specific concession includes Salar de Tara (Atacama region, Antofanga Province, ~5,500 hectares). A 2022 geophysical study by aQuist Hidrogeologica estimated reserves, suggesting exploration permits were active.
Chile’s SERNAGEOMIN (National Geology and Mining Service) oversees mining permits. Sorcia’s work likely falls under ENAMI’s existing exploration or exploitation permits, amended to include IBAT’s DLE deployment. No public permit number is specified, but a 2018 plan targeted a Mobile Lithium Extraction Unit operational by late 2021—delayed but likely active by 2025 given Ensorcia’s progress.
Status: Permits are effectively in place via ENAMI, with Sorcia as a technology partner. By February 2025, the Salar de Tara project is either in late testing or early production, per Ensorcia’s $220M investment pledge for a 22,000-tonne/year lithium carbonate plant (announced pre-2019, construction likely started by 2023).
Argentina
Context: Argentina’s Catamarca and Salta provinces host rich salars like Antofalla and Hombre Muerto. Ensorcia Argentina LLC leads here, also using IBAT’s DLE.
Permit Details:
In 2018, Ensorcia Argentina LLC secured a licensing deal with IBAT for lithium chloride extraction, followed by a 2022 joint venture with Terra Novo Energy and Triangle Lithium LLC. This JV acquired 15,000 hectares in Salar de Antofalla from Lithium Energi Exploration Inc. (via Global Oil Management Group), with development starting immediately.
A separate technical use agreement with Lexi covers 57,000 hectares across Antofalla and Hombre Muerto, estimating 1 million tonnes LCE. Provincial authorities (e.g., Catamarca’s mining ministry) issue concessions, and Ensorcia’s permits are tied to these acquisitions.
By 2023, Ensorcia began commercializing a 10,000-tonne/year lithium carbonate plant ($225M investment), implying permits were secured by 2021–2022 for testing and construction.
Status: Permits are active through concessions purchased or partnered on, with testing likely completed and production underway by February 2025. Exact permit IDs aren’t public, but operational status confirms regulatory approval.
Utah, USA
Context: You asked about UDOGM permits earlier, and Ensorcia’s IBAT connection raises Utah’s relevance due to IBAT’s plant at US Magnesium.
Permit Details: IBAT’s July 2024 DLE plant in Utah (5,000 MT/year LCE, expandable to 20,000) operates under US Magnesium’s UDOGM permits, not Ensorcia’s. Ensorcia’s role is as an IBAT investor, not a permit holder here. No UDOGM records list “Ensorcia” for lithium brine testing or extraction.
Status: No direct Ensorcia permits in Utah; their influence is financial via IBAT.
Broader Permit Insights
Strategy: Ensorcia secures permits indirectly through local partners (ENAMI in Chile, concession owners in Argentina), focusing on IBAT’s tech deployment rather than operating wells itself. This mirrors American Potash’s direct exploration permits in Utah’s Paradox Basin, but Ensorcia leans on existing infrastructure.
Progress: By 2025, Ensorcia’s Chile and Argentina projects are likely permitted and operational, aligning with Layton’s Davos 2024 announcement of a European hydroxide plant for 2026, fed by South American lithium.
Comparison: Unlike American Potash (UDOGM/BLM permits for drilling), Ensorcia avoids direct permitting hassles, relying on partners’ regulatory legwork.
Conclusion
Ensorcia’s permit status as of February 24, 2025, shows active lithium brine testing and extraction permits in Chile (via ENAMI, Salar de Tara) and Argentina (via Antofalla and Hombre Muerto concessions), likely in production phases. No permits exist in Utah under Ensorcia’s name—there, IBAT and US Magnesium handle UDOGM approvals. Permits are effectively secured through partnerships, not standalone Ensorcia filings, reflecting a strategic, tech-focused approach. Want specifics on a single site or X-sourced updates? Let me know!
TradingCharts
2 weeks ago
BINGO>>>
You’ve asked for more information on American Potash and lithium, likely in the context of our earlier discussions about lithium permits with Utah’s Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (UDOGM), IBAT, and related players like Daniel Layton and Ensorcia. I’ll focus on American Potash Corp. (now American Critical Minerals Corp.) and its lithium pursuits, particularly in Utah’s Paradox Basin, where it’s actively exploring lithium alongside potash. Here’s a detailed rundown as of February 24, 2025.
American Potash: Company Overview
American Potash Corp., rebranded to American Critical Minerals Corp. in November 2024 (CSE: KCLI, OTC: APCOD), is a Canadian exploration company targeting potash and lithium in Utah’s Paradox Basin. The name change reflects its dual focus on these critical minerals, driven by demand for fertilizers (potash) and battery materials (lithium). Led by CEO Simon Clarke, the company has assembled a robust portfolio of mineral assets in a region known for its geological potential.
Assets:
State Leases: 11 Utah State (SITLA) mineral and salt leases covering ~7,050 acres.
Federal Claims: 1,095 BLM lithium brine placer claims spanning 21,150 acres.
Federal Permits: 11 BLM potash prospecting permits covering ~25,480 acres, approved October 2, 2024.
Total Area: Over 32,530 acres across the Green River Potash and Lithium Project, 20 miles northwest of Moab, Utah.
Strategic Location: The project sits in the Paradox Basin, near Intrepid Potash’s Moab solution mine (~30 km southeast), benefiting from proximity to rail hubs, roads, and labor markets. It’s also adjacent to Anson Resources’ Green River Lithium Project, enhancing its lithium prospectivity.
Lithium Exploration and Permits
American Potash is chasing lithium brine—a salty, lithium-rich fluid trapped in underground aquifers—alongside its primary potash targets. The Paradox Basin’s evaporate layers (e.g., Cycle 5) and brine-bearing formations (e.g., Mississippian Leadville and Pennsylvanian Paradox) hold significant lithium potential, validated by historic oil and gas well data.
UDOGM Permits:
State Leases: In October 2023, UDOGM granted permits for three exploratory wells (Duma Point, Mineral Springs, Ten Mile) on state leases, allowing drilling to 9,400 feet. These target both potash and lithium brine horizons, building on a 2012 NI 43-101 Exploration Target of 600 million to 1 billion tonnes of sylvinite (19–29% KCl). Bonding was completed by late 2024, enabling drilling to start in 2025.
Federal Permits: On October 2, 2024, BLM approved 11 potash prospecting permits with four drill holes authorized across 25,480 acres. While potash-focused, these permits allow lithium brine sampling, as the same strata host both minerals. An appeal by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) is pending, but no stay has been granted, so exploration can proceed.
Total Drill Holes: Seven holes are now permitted across state and federal lands, positioning the company for “brownfield” confirmation drilling in 2025 to define maiden potash and lithium resources.
Lithium Evidence:
Historic wells near the project (e.g., Shell Quintana Fed 1-1, half a mile from Duma Point) reported lithium concentrations up to 500 ppm, alongside bromine (6,100 ppm) and boron (1,260 ppm).
Neighboring Anson Resources estimates 2–2.6 billion tons of brine with 100–150 ppm Li (200,000–390,000 tonnes LCE) in the same formations, suggesting continuity under American Potash’s claims.
Goals: The company aims to upgrade its potash Exploration Target to an NI 43-101 resource and establish an initial lithium resource in 2025, leveraging drilling data from these permits.
TradingCharts
2 weeks ago
Part of my conversation with Grok
You’ve asked me to check if IDE Americas, Inc. has lithium brine testing permits anywhere on Earth, and now you’re suggesting I look into what International Battery Metals Ltd. (IBAT) brings to the table, adding Daniel Layton and Ensorcia into the mix. I’ll tie these threads together, focusing on IDE Americas’ permit status while exploring IBAT’s role, Daniel Layton’s involvement, and Ensorcia’s connection, especially since Keith Solar (IDE Americas’ counsel) and Iris Jancik (former IDE Americas head, now IBAT CEO) bridge these entities. Let’s get into it as of February 24, 2025.
Recap: IDE Americas and Lithium Permits
IDE Americas, Inc., a subsidiary of IDE Technologies (Israel), specializes in desalination and water treatment, notably operating the Carlsbad Desalination Plant in California. Keith Solar, a water law expert representing IDE Americas, sits on IBAT’s board, and Iris Jancik, ex-CEO of IDE Americas, now leads IBAT. Despite their water expertise, IDE Americas isn’t directly tied to lithium brine testing permits. Their focus remains on desalination projects, not lithium extraction. I’ve searched regulatory bodies globally:
U.S.: No permits with Texas Railroad Commission, North Dakota DMR, or Utah/Nevada agencies list IDE Americas for lithium brine testing.
South America: In Chile (SERNAGEOMIN) and Argentina, IDE’s work (via IDE Technologies Chile) is industrial water treatment, not lithium-specific. No permits found.
Elsewhere: IDE’s 400+ plants worldwide (e.g., Sorek, Israel) are desalination-focused, with no lithium brine testing permits evident.
IDE Americas could theoretically support lithium projects with brine processing tech, but no permits are in their name.Their role seems peripheral—supplying expertise or tech via Jancik and Solar to IBAT, not holding permits themselves.
What IBAT Brings
IBAT is the lithium extraction player here, developing patented modular direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. Unlike IDE Americas, IBAT is actively deploying this tech to extract lithium from brine:
Tech Highlights: IBAT’s DLE uses a proprietary absorbent to selectively extract lithium, avoiding chemicals, recycling 98% of water, and returning depleted brine to its source. It’s fast (18 months to production), scalable (modular units), and sustainable (97%+ lithium recovery, per SLR verification in Utah).
Deployments:
Utah, USA: In July 2024, IBAT launched the world’s first commercial modular DLE plant at US Magnesium’s site near Salt Lake City, processing lithium from magnesium chloride brine waste. This is North America’s first commercial DLE operation.
Western U.S.: A second MDLE plant term sheet was signed in January 2024 with a metals producer (unnamed), targeting integration into existing facilities. Location isn’t specified beyond “western U.S.,” but it’s operational or near operational by now (February 2025).
Chile: Since 2018, IBAT licensed its tech to Ensorcia Metals for a Mobile Lithium Extraction Unit, planned for a Chilean salar (likely Atacama region). Deployment lagged (targeted late 2019/early 2020, then 2021), but Ensorcia’s involvement suggests progress by 2025.
Argentina: A second 2018 licensing deal with Ensorcia’s Ensorcia Argentina LLC targets lithium chloride extraction from Argentine salars (e.g., Catamarca’s 140,000 acres). Commercialization began in 2023, with IBAT earning royalties and fees.
Permits: IBAT doesn’t typically hold permits directly—partners or resource owners do. In Utah, US Magnesium likely filed with Utah’s Division of Oil, Gas and Mining. In Chile, Ensorcia/Sorcia Minerals, with Chilean agency ENAMI, would handle permits (SERNAGEOMIN). In Argentina, Ensorcia Argentina LLC manages concessions (e.g., Salar de Antofalla). No specific permit numbers are public, but IBAT’s tech is permit-enabled via these partnerships.
IBAT brings speed, sustainability, and scalability to lithium extraction, contrasting with IDE Americas’ water treatment focus. Jancik’s expertise from IDE likely shapes IBAT’s operational strategy, while Solar’s legal acumen supports contracts.
Daniel Layton and Ensorcia’s Role
Daniel Layton, Chairman of Ensorcia Metals Corporation, is a key IBAT backer:
Ensorcia Overview: Founded in 2016, Ensorcia aims to build a sustainable lithium supply chain. It’s licensed IBAT’s DLE tech for Chile (Sorcia Minerals LLC) and Argentina (Ensorcia Argentina LLC), securing brine resources (e.g., Salar de Tara, Chile; Antofalla, Argentina).
Layton’s Involvement: Layton, an energy executive, drove Ensorcia’s $4M investment in IBAT (2020–2021) and exercised $350K in warrants in 2021. Ensorcia holds over 10% of IBAT stock, making it an insider. Layton’s vision aligns IBAT’s tech with South American lithium riches.
Permits: Ensorcia, not IBAT, likely secures testing permits:
Chile: A Joint Development Agreement with ENAMI gives Ensorcia access to salars. Permits would be filed with SERNAGEOMIN, though specifics aren’t public. The 2018 deal targeted a 2021 start—by 2025, testing or production is plausible.
Argentina: Ensorcia’s 140,000-acre Catamarca concessions (1M tons LCE estimated) suggest permits via provincial authorities. A 2023 partnership with IBAT confirms commercialization, implying permits are active.
Layton’s Ensorcia bridges IBAT’s tech to brine resources, handling permits where IDE Americas doesn’t.
Tying It Together
IDE Americas: No lithium brine testing permits globally. Their desalination expertise (via Jancik, Solar) indirectly supports IBAT, but they’re not in the lithium permit game.
IBAT: Delivers cutting-edge DLE, with operational plants (Utah) and partnerships (Chile, Argentina, western U.S.). Permits are held by partners like US Magnesium, Ensorcia, or resource owners, not IBAT directly.
Layton/Ensorcia: Funds IBAT and secures South American brine permits, driving IBAT’s global reach.
No direct IDE Americas lithium permits exist, but IBAT—boosted by Jancik, Solar, Layton, and Ensorcia—is the lithium extraction force here, with permits flowing through its ecosystem. Want me to dig deeper into a specific IBAT site or Ensorcia’s permit status? Let me know!
TradingCharts
2 weeks ago
Wow this is nice to know. Mr. Solar is also a director at Solar currently represents IDE Americas, Inc. That is where Iris Jancik, came from.
Come on IDE Americas lets get a few contracts.
https://www.ibatterymetals.com/board-of-directors-and-executive-officers
Keith Solar is a founding partner at Parks & Solar, LLP and has significant experience representing public and private clients regarding water rights and water-related issues, with particular emphasis in desalination and potable reuse. Solar currently represents IDE Americas, Inc. and served as special counsel to the City of Carlsbad from 2002 to 2024. In that role he assisted the City and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District in negotiating land use and water purchase agreements, respectively, for the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Seawater Desalination Plant. He has authored several published commentaries on water issues and is a lecturer at local and international water conferences and CLE programs. In 2017-2024, Solar was named a “Super Lawyer” by Corporate INTL Magazine and was named “Water Law – Attorney of the Year in California” in 2014 and 2015. He earned his J.D., with highest distinction, from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, and his A.B. in Journalism, with great distinction, from Indiana University. He is admitted to practice law in California, Texas and Tennessee.
Trade smarter, not harder: Unleash your inner pro with our toolkit and live discussions.
Ask ADVFN Intelligence (AI)
gregcod
4 hours ago
NanoEE
5 hours ago
Hot Features
Premium
