IONR - Lithium Junior Miners News For The Month Of August 2022

Summary

• Lithium chemical and spodumene prices were higher the past month. The lithium market is booming.
• Lithium market news - USA Inflation Reduction Act passed, supports EVs. IEA: Need 50 new average-sized lithium mines by 2030.
• Junior lithium miner company news - Frontier Lithium intersects 357.5m of high-grade lithium averaging 1.63% Li2O. Patriot Battery Metals drill 1.25% Li2O over 96.9m.
• Lithium South Development Corp. announces high grade lithium discovery (732 mg/l lithium to 772 mg/l lithium) at Alba Sabrina Claim Block. Alpha Lithium declares Maiden I&I Resource of ~3.3mt LCE at Tolillar from only 1/3 of the salar.

Welcome to the August 2022 edition of the 'junior' lithium miner news. We have categorized those lithium miners that won't likely be in production before 2023 as the juniors. Investors are reminded that many of the lithium juniors will most likely be needed in the mid and late 2020s to supply the booming electric vehicle [EV] and energy storage markets. This means investing in these companies requires a higher risk tolerance and a longer time frame.

August saw plenty of great news notably from governments looking to support EVs and promote battery metal supply chains. The IEA's report of 50 new average-sized lithium mines needed by 2030 appears to have been heard this time (last year the IEA reported the need for 13x to 42x more lithium by 2040 , on 2020 levels). Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (details here ), including US$369b for climate change, showed the world the USA is now making a comeback and is serious to build a critical metals supply chain in North America and with USA free trade agreement countries.

This is all great news for the lithium juniors with demand forecast to outstrip supply this decade.

Lithium price news

Asian Metal reported during the past 30 days, 99.5% China lithium carbonate spot prices were up 2.82% and China lithium hydroxide prices were up 0.33%. Lithium Iron Phosphate (Li 3.9% min) prices were up 1%. Spodumene (6% min) prices were up 2.42% over the past 30 days.

Metal.com reported lithium spodumene concentrate (6%, CIF China) price of CNY 34,535 (~USD 5,039/mt), as of August 24, 2022.

China Lithium carbonate spot price - CNY 492,500 (~USD 71,873)

Rio Tinto's lithium emerging supply gap chart (chart from 2021)

Lithium market news

For a summary of the latest lithium market news and the "major" lithium company's news, investors can read: " Lithium Miners News For The Month Of August 2022 " article. Highlights include:

• Tesla (TSLA) co-founder's recycling startup is building $3.5 billion battery-material plant.
• LG Energy Solution to set up 1st Korean battery recycling plant in China.
• Race to secure battery metals heats up as GM (GM), Ford (F) ink deals.
• BMI: $200b needed to meet battery cell demand by 2030, a six-fold increase in battery demand by the end of the decade compared to 2021.
• IEA: Lithium has the largest projected demand-supply gap, requiring the equivalent of 50 new average-sized lithium mines by 2030.
• S&P: Even if every lithium project comes online we could still have a 2 million tonne deficit by 2030.
• Investing News: "The lithium market is booming. The market simply cannot keep up."
• Insatiable lithium demand fuels investment boom in Australia. Carmakers and miners inking deals amid $42 billion funding gap.
• Inflation Reduction Act mandates escalating battery critical mineral requirements to qualify for EV tax credit . Details here .
• CATL to supply M3P batteries to Tesla in Q4 for Model Y, report says. M3P is an enhanced LMFP cathode doped with ternary materials.
• Mercedes (MBGAF) , CATL partner on $7.6 billion Hungary battery plant to produce 100GWh for EVs by mid-decade.
• China lithium prices near record as power cuts squeeze market.
• Volkswagen (VLKAF), Mercedes-Benz team up with Canada in battery materials push.

Junior lithium miners company news

Sayona Mining [ASX:SYA] ( SYAXF )

On July 29, Sayona Mining announced : "June 2022 quarterly activities report." Highlights include:

Québec, Canada

• "Sayona and Piedmont approve North American Lithium (NAL) restart, boosted by successful A$190 million placement to global institutional, professional and sophisticated investors.
• Positive Pre?Feasibility Study highlights value of NAL operation, confirming technical and financial viability over 27?year life?of?mine, with pre?tax NPV (8% discount) of A$1 billion, IRR of 140% and capital payback within two years.
• New lithium discoveries show potential for increased resource at Moblan Lithium Project, enhancing emerging northern lithium hub.
• Positive NOVONIX battery test results reaffirm quality of Authier Lithium Project’s spodumene.
• Sayona Québec releases Corporate Social Responsibility report, highlighting commitment to sustainable development, community relations and health and safety."

Western Australia

• "Deep diamond drilling commences at Mallina Lithium Project under earn?in partner Morella Corporation Limited.
• Lithium targets identified at Sayona’s Mt Edon prospect.
• Maiden 60?hole air?core drilling program completed at Deep Well, targeting Hemi?style gold mineralisation."

On August 4, Sayona Mining announced : "North American Lithium restart on track for first production." Highlights include:

• " Restart of North American Lithium ((NAL)) operation picks up speed, with around 30% of plant and equipment upgrade now completed, including arrival of magnetic separator and crusher...
• Project on track to deliver first spodumene (lithium) concentrate production in Q1 2023, in line with Government plan to develop 100% local battery supply chain. "

On August 5, Sayona Mining announced :

At-the-market extension and increase. Emerging lithium producer Sayona Mining Limited (ASX:SYA; OTCQB:SYAXF) is pleased to announce it has agreed with Acuity Capital to extend and increase the size of its At-the?Market Subscription Agreement (“ATM”) (also previously referred to as a Controlled Placement Agreement). The expiry date has been extended to 31 July 2025 and the ATM facility limit has been increased to $200 million...

Upcoming catalysts include:

• 2022 - Authier permitting. Possible project financing and off-take.
• Q1 2023 - Restart of NAL (SYA 75%: PLL 25%) operations.

Piedmont Lithium [ASX:PLL] (Nasdaq: PLL )

Piedmont Lithium 100% own the Carolina Lithium spodumene project in North Carolina, USA; as well as 25% of North American Lithium [NAL].

No significant news for the month.

Upcoming catalysts include:

• 2022 - Carolina Lithium - Possible further off-take, permitting or project funding announcements.
• Q1 2023 - NAL (25% Piedmont Lithium) production set to begin.

You can view the company's latest presentation here .

Liontown Resources [ASX:LTR] ( LINRF )

Liontown Resources 100% own the Kathleen Valley Lithium spodumene project in Western Australia. DFS completed in November 2021.

On July 28, Liontown Resources announced : " June 2022 quarterly report." Highlights include:

Kathleen Valley Project Development:

• "With high-calibre foundational offtake agreements in place with Ford, Tesla and LG Energy Solution, and financing commitments secured, the Liontown Board made the Final Investment Decision ((FID)) to proceed to develop Kathleen Valley.
• Accommodation village design, build and construction awarded to ADD Business Group, with building manufacture and site installation works commencing during the quarter.
• Front-end Engineering and Design ((FEED)) activities continued with a focus on advancing detailed design for the crushing and milling process areas.
• Procurement packages substantially advanced including the award of 75% of long-lead process equipment (by value)... "

Financing:

• "In late June, the Company executed a binding full-form funding facility agreement (Funding Facility) with Ford for a A$300 million debt facility.
• The Funding Facility, together with the A$463 million raised by Liontown in December 2021, means that Liontown has now secured commitments for the required funds to support the full development of the Project through to first production.
• The senior-secured Funding Facility has a 5-year maturity from supply commencement date and interest is payable at the Bank Bill Swap Rate (BBSW) plus a fixed margin of 1.5%.

• ...Cash balances and funds on deposit as at 30 June 2022 of A$453 million. "

You can view the company's latest presentation here .

Upcoming catalysts include:

• 2023: Kathleen Valley Project construction
• Q1, 2024 : Commissioning with production set to begin Q2, 2024

Liontown Resources is fully funded for production start in H1 2024

Vulcan Energy Resources [ASX: VUL] ( VULNF )

Vulcan Energy Resources state that they have "the largest lithium resource in Europe" with a total of 15.85mt LCE , at an average lithium grade of 181 mg/L. The Company is in the development stage developing a geothermal lithium brine operation (geothermal energy plus lithium extraction plants) in the Upper Rhine Valley of Germany.

On July 28, Vulcan Energy Resources announced : " Local council approvals and license grant at Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project." Highlights include:

• "Eight local councils have approved Vulcan’s upcoming 3D seismic programme of works in Rhineland-Palatinate region.

• Exploration Licence area increased by 277km 2 to a total of 1,440km2."

On July 28, Vulcan Energy Resources announced : " Quarterly activities report June 2022." Highlights include:

• " Vulcan agreed a A$76M (€50M) equity investment from Stellantis (NYSE / MTA / Euronext Paris: STLA, Stellantis), which is understood to be the world’s first upstream investment by a top tier automaker into a listed lithium company. In addition to becoming Vulcan’s second largest shareholder, Stellantis extended their binding lithium hydroxide offtake agreement by five years, to 2035.
• Vulcan and MVV Energie AG ((MVV)), the largest municipal energy supplier in Germany, executed a binding purchase agreement for Vulcan to sell 240 gigawatt hours per year of renewable heat for the next 20 years.
• Vulcan’s Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field (URVBF) license area increased by 141km2 to a total of 1,163km 2 with the acquisition of new exploration licenses...
• Work on the Definitive Feasibility Study is progressing as Vulcan aims to upscale its production plans significantly, to produce more lithium hydroxide and meet customer demand for Vulcan’s Zero Carbon Lithium™ product.
• Vulcan’s pilot plant has now been successfully operating for 15 months, testing “live” brine from two different geothermal plants, including Vulcan’s commercially operational NatürLich Insheim plant.
• Strong cash position of €175.3m ($266m) at 30 June 2022.
• The Company’s sustainability framework, which outlines ESG initiatives, targets and risks, was launched.
• Community support for geothermal production and lithium extraction continued to grow with the City Council of Landau voting to support geothermal energy production, and the cross-border Upper Rhine Council voted in favour of deep geothermal and lithium extraction in the region.
• Currently, eight local councils have approved Vulcan’s upcoming 3D seismic program of works in Rhineland-Palatinate region, in a strong demonstration of support for the Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project.
• Refurbishment of Vulcan’s electric drill rigs continues, ahead of operational readiness early 2023.
• Preassembly works for Vulcan’s sorption-demo plant are ongoing , ahead of the shipment to the construction site at Landau. "

Subsequent events post-Quarter:

• "Vulcan and Enel Green Power ((EGP)) signed a binding collaboration agreement to explore and develop its Cesano license in Italy through a joint scoping study...
• Vulcan received a positive result for its preliminary EIA application (UVP-V) in its Taro license, to drill six wells for geothermal energy and lithium...
• Vulcan was granted a new exploration license, designated Ried, increasing the Company’s license area in the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field (URVBF) by 277km2 to a total of 1,440km2."

On August 8, Vulcan Energy Resources announced : " Upcoming release of shares from Escrow."

Upcoming catalysts include:

• H2 2022 - DFS, potential permitting and project funding.
• 2024 - Target to commence production.

POSCO [KRX:005490] ( PKX )

On July 28, Yonhap News Agency reported :

POSCO Chemical bags US$10.8 bln additional deal to supply EV battery component to GM. POSCO Chemical Co. will supply a key electric vehicle (EV) battery component to General Motors Co. for three years starting 2023, in an additional US$10.8 billion deal expected to give a boost to the South Korean firm's pivot to the battery materials sector...

Upcoming catalysts include:

• 2024 - Target to commence production at Hombre Muerto and ramp to 25ktpa LiOH.

Wesfarmers [ASX:WES] ( WFAFY )(took over Kidman Resources)

The Mt Holland Lithium Project is a 50/50 JV between Wesfarmers [ASX:WES] ( WFAFF ) and SQM ( SQM ), located in Western Australia. There is also a proposal for a refinery located in WA. Wesfarmers acquired 100% of the shares in Kidman for A$1.90 per share, for US$545 million in total.

No lithium news for the month.

You can view the latest company presentation here and news on the Mt Holland construction here .

Upcoming catalysts include:

• H2, 2024 - Mt Holland spodumene production and Kwinana LiOH refinery planned to begin and ramp to 45 - 50ktpa LiOH .

AVZ Minerals [ASX:AVZ] ( OTC:AZZVF )

AVZ Minerals owns 51% of its Manono Lithium & Tin Project in the DRC, after selling 24% of it to Suzhou CATH Energy Technologies for US240m. DRC-owned firm Cominiere has a 25% share.

On July 29, AVZ Minerals announced : " Activities report for the quarter ending 30 June 2022." Highlights include:

• " DRC Minister of Mines signed Ministerial Decree to award the Mining Licence for the Manono Lithium and Tin Project (Manono Project) to Dathcom Mining SA.
• DRC Mining Code required Cadastre Minier (CAMI), operating under the supervision of the Minister of Mines, to calculate the surface rights fee and officially award the Mining Licence following receipt of payment.
• Ministerial Decree to award the Mining Licence covered the entirety of the Roche Dure JORC Mineral Resource and Reserve2&3 and the Carriere de l’Este exploration target.
• An area which was excluded under the Ministerial Decree to award the Mining Licence will be renewed under a new 5-year Exploration Licence to Dathcom with discussions regarding the terms of the ongoing joint venture under discussion with the DRC Government.
• Completion of US$240M cornerstone investment with Suzhou CATH Energy Technologies extended by mutual agreement to 31 July 2022.
• Request for arbitration received from Jin Cheng Mining Company Limited, the DRC arm of Zijin Mining Corporation .
• Inaugural 2021 Sustainability Report published in June ."

On August 15, AVZ Minerals announced : "Request for extension to voluntary suspension."

Upcoming catalysts include:

• 2022 - Initial project work. FID on the Manono Project.

Note: July 2022 - AVZ Minerals ‘confident’ despite Manono dispute remaining unresolved

Standard Lithium [TSXV:SLI] ( SLI )

No significant news for the month.

Leo Lithium Limited [ASX:LLL] (LLLAF) (Firefinch Limited spinout 50/50 JV with Ganfeng Lithium)

On August 17, Leo Lithium announced : "ATO ruling – Leo Lithium demerger."

On August 22, Leo Lithium announced : "Escrowed shares – application for waiver and waiver decision... ASX has determined that it will not grant the waiver requested as the proposal."

Critical Elements Lithium Corp. [TSXV:CRE] [GR:F12] ( OTCQX:CRECF )

On July 27, Critical Elements Lithium Corp. announced : "Critical Elements files NI-43-101 technical report for the Rose Lithium-Tantalum feasibility study."

On August 11, Critical Elements Lithium Corp. announced : "Critical Elements complete Positive Engineering Study for a Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate Plant."

Investors can view the company's latest presentation here.

Upcoming catalysts include:

• 2022 - Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project provincial permitting. Possible off-take or financing announcements.

You can read the latest Trend Investing Critical Elements Lithium article here .

Global Lithium Resources [ASX:GL1]

On July 28, Global Lithium Resources announced : " Quarterly report f or the period ending 30 June 2022." Highlights include:

• "Significant high grade lithium assay results continue to be delivered from ongoing reverse circulation ((RC)) drilling campaign at the Marble Bar Lithium Project (MBLP) in the Pilbara region, Western Australia (refer ASX releases 2 May and 10 June 2022) .
• Results include: 11m @ 1.42 Li 2O and 62ppm Ta2O 5 from 25m in MBRC0258. 12m @ 0.88% Li 2O and 44ppm Ta2O 5 from 82m in MBRC0269. 9m @ 1.09% Li 2O and 61ppm Ta2O 5 from 44m in MBRC0270...
• Wide intervals from the drilling continue to demonstrate the robustness of the MBLP and enhance the opportunities for increasing the resource base in proximity to the current Archer deposit and along strike further to the south and east .
• Potential for lithium demonstrated in the east towards the Brockman Zone where a number of drillholes intercepted wide zones of lithium mineralisation – 12m @ 0.53% Li 2O and 20m @ 0.47 Li 2O in MBRC0236 in an area previously unexplored.
• Additional outcropping lithium targets remain untested by drilling...
• Significant intervals of lithium mineralisation intersected from early RC drilling at the Manna Lithium Project (Manna) in the Goldfields region, Western Australia.
• The program validates previous drilling and resource information, further extending the orebody at depth which remains open...
• Manna East Pegmatite showing increasing width with depth: MRC0032 9m @ 1.29% Li 2O from 110m ..."

On August 1, Global Lithium Resources announced : "New lithium bearing pegmatite at Marble Bar Lithium Project. Further significant intersections reported including 9m @ 1.32% Li2O, 8m @ 1.26 Li2O and 7m @ 1.67 Li2O." Highlights include:

• " New LCT pegmatite – the Lantern Prospect - located along the eastern side of the Marble Bar Lithium Project (MBLP) in the Pilbara region of Western Australia..."

On August 10, Global Lithium Resources announced :

Exceptional Manna drilling results include 24m @ 1.03% Li2O. Significant extension to resource along strike and down dip...

On August 19, Global Lithium Resources announced :

Positive initial metallurgical test work results received for Marble Bar Lithium Project. Preliminary test achieved a grade of 5.9% Li2O with a recovery rate of 76% .

Savannah Resources [LSE:SAV] [GR:SAV] ( SAVNF )

On July 25, Proactive Investors reported:

Savannah Resources rocked by possible legal action. Savannah Resources PLC (AIM:SAV, ETR:SAV, OTC:SAVNF) shares tumbled on Monday after it confirmed that it has been included in a civil claim relating to its acquisition of certain properties at its Barroso lithium project in Portugal. Savannah has been asked to submit its defence to the proposed legal action before the end of September 2022 and will be working with its Portuguese counsel on this, the statement added...

Upcoming catalysts include:

2022 - EIA permit due.

2023 - DFS due.

Lake Resources NL [ASX:LKE] [GR:LK1] ( LLKKF )

Lake Resources owns the Kachi Lithium Brine Project in Argentina. Lake has been working with Lilac Solutions Technology (private, and backed by Bill Gates) for direct lithium extraction and rapid lithium processing.

On July 29, Lake Resources announced :

Quarterly report f or the quarter ended 30 June 2022 ... Discussions continue with Ford Motor Co., Hanwa Corporation under non-binding MOU’s and others for offtake of lithium carbonate from Kachi Project. Definitive Feasibility Study ((DFS)) continues to advance with final drafts expected toward the end of 3Q 2022, based on 50,000 tonnes per annum lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) for the Kachi project. Discussions continue with UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Export Development Canada ((EDC)) to support approximately 70% of the total finance required for Kachi’s expanded production, subject to standard project finance terms. Drilling continuing with the arrival of a second drilling rig during the quarter at Lake’s 100 percent owned lithium brine projects at Olaroz, Cauchari and Paso, Argentina, to ensure multi-asset lithium expansion. Demonstration plant arrived in Argentina and is now on site and being assembled prior to commissioning following construction of the facility housing the demonstration modules. Lake is well-funded. Cash balance of A$173 million (US$120m) as at end of financial year increased due to conversion of A$62m of options in June. The company would like to thank shareholders for their ongoing support.

ioneer Ltd [ASX:INR] [GR:4G1] ( GSCCF ) ( IONR )

ioneer ltd. announced in September 2021 the sale of 50% of its flagship lithium boron project to Sibanye Stillwater (SBSW) for US$490m.

On July 25, ioneer Ltd announced : " Quarterly activities report for the period ending 30 June 2022." Highlights include:

• " ...L ithium offtake discussions advancing.
• Permitting advancing with revised Plan of Operations resubmitted to BLM in early July. NOI to start NEPA process expected shortly.
• Detailed due diligence process continuing with US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office.
• Detailed engineering and procurement activities advanced.
• ESG programs in development and being incorporated into business ..."

On August 1, Reuters reported :

Toyota-Panasonic battery JV to buy lithium from ioneer's Nevada mine... ioneer will supply 4,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually for five years to Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), which was formed by Toyota and Panasonic in 2020... Supplies are slated to begin in 2025, a timeline that depends in part on ioneer obtaining financing and permitting.

Upcoming catalysts include:

• Any debt funding deals on top of the existing Sibanye-Stillwater US$490m to fund Rhyolite Ridge.

European Metals Holdings [ASX:EMH] [AIM:EMH] [GR:E861] ( ERPNF ) ( EMHLF )( EMHXY )

On July 29, European Metals Holdings announced :

Quarterly activities report – June 2022. During the reporting period, European Metals was accepted to trade on the globally renowned US based OTCQX® Best Market Platform. The Company commenced trading under the codes EMHXY, ERPNF and EMHLF on 12 May 2022...

Upcoming catalysts include:

• 2022 - Any off-take or project funding deals.

Galan Lithium [ASX:GLN] (GLNLF)

Galan is developing its flagship Hombre Muerto West ("HMW") Lithium Project located on the west side edge of the high grade, low impurity Hombre Muerto salar in Argentina. In total Galan Lithium has 3.0m tonnes contained LCE @858mg/L .

On July 28, Galan Lithium announced : "Quarterly activities report June 2022." Highlights include:

• " Outstanding initial well test results reported from first Pata Pila pumping well (PPB-01-21) at HMW Project. Brine sampling confirmed high grade resource (Li > 910 mg/L). Hydraulic testing demonstrated favourable conditions for high volume brine production (15 – 20L per second). Long term (30-day) pumping tests underway and flowing steadily.
• Positive results returned from porosity test (RBRC) on second Pata Pila well core samples (range of 10.21 – 21.0%, mean of 14.1%).
• Pumping tests to be completed on three further wells: a second well at Pata Pila and two wells at Rana de Sal.
• HMW Project Definitive Feasibility Study activities continued during the quarter .
• First pegmatite lens discovered at Greenbushes South. Airborne radiometric, magnetic and DEM survey data processed. Interpretation provided 18 key target zones for lithium pegmatites near the mineralising Donnybrook-Bridgetown Shear Zone. Further soil samples and rock chips sent for geochemical analysis .
• Galan continues to adhere to Covid-19 protocols in Argentina, Chile and Australia with personnel and community health and safety its number one priority.
• Cash on hand at end of quarter was ?A$54 million ."

On August 1, Galan Lithium announced : " Greenbushes South exploration update. New pegmatite discovery, anomalous lithium soils and pilot geophysics." Highlights include:

• " Discovery of new outcropping pegmatite with 500m+ strike length; remains open along strike with geological mapping ongoing.
• New soil assays spatially associated with prior pegmatite discovery reveal up to 215 ppm Li; further soil and rock chip assay results pending.
• UltraFine+ assay method also confirms presence of anomalous pathfinder element concentrations (As, Cs).
• Pilot ground geophysics program in process, consisting of passive seismic (HSVR), gravity and resistivity methods.
• Processed HSVR and gravity data outcomes expected in next few weeks ."

Cypress Development Corp. (TSXV:CYP) ( CYDVF )

Cypress Development owns tenements in the Clayton Valley, Nevada, USA.

On August 4, Cypress Development Corp. announced : "Cypress Development announces drill results from Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Nevada." Highlights include:

• "Best intersection of 70.1 meters of 1,336 parts per million (“ppm”) lithium.
• ...Acquired 15 tonnes of claystone for testing at the Company’s Pilot Plant.
• Confirmed resource model built by Global Resource Engineering (“GRE”).
• Confirmed drill data obtained in the acquisition of Enertopia Corporation (“Enertopia”) property."

F rontier Lithium [TSXV:FL] ( LITOF )

Frontier Lithium own the PAK Lithium (spodumene) Project comprising 26,774 hectares and located 175 kilometers north of Red Lake in northwestern Ontario. The PAK deposit is a lithium-cesium-tantalum [LCT] type pegmatite containing high-purity, technical-grade spodumene (below 0.1% iron oxide).

On August 17, Frontier Lithium reported : "Frontier intersects 357.5m of high-grade lithium averaging 1.63% Li ₂ O over a horizontal distance of 110 metres and remains open." Highlights include:

• "Phase XII delineation and infill drilling with two drill rigs is currently being conducted, whereby, the Company has completed 8,000m of drilling in 24 holes at the time of this press release. Currently, analysis from 8 of the holes have been received; 4 of which were reported in the July 25 ^th press release and the remaining 4 are reported herein.
• DDH PL-059-22 intersected 145m of pegmatite over a 316m interval from surface with an average grade of 1.5% Li ₂ O along with some minor mafic volcanic sheets (<6m apparent width).
• DDH PL-060-22 intersected 357.5m of spodumene-bearing pegmatite averaging 1.63% Li2O throughout the entire hole representing a horizontal distance of 110m. An enriched 28 m tantalum-rubidium-tin zone was intersected from 84 to 112m grading 370 ppm Ta ₂ O ₅ , 0.62% Rb ₂ O and 328 ppm SnO ₂ . Hole was terminated in spodumene-bearing pegmatite at 360m (vertical depth of 345m).
• DDH PL-061-22 was collared in pegmatite intersecting 280.7m averaging 1.42% Li ₂ O. Hole was terminated in mafic volcanics prior to intersecting the southernmost identified zone of the pegmatite and will be extended.
• DDH PL-068-22 intersected spodumene pegmatite zones typically 20 to 50 m thick with grades ranging from 1.42% to 2% Li ₂ O; Includes 12m zone from 28 to 40m averaging 3% Li ₂ O. Also includes elevated Ta (213 ppm Ta ₂ O ₅ ) from 59.3 to 66.3m."

Patriot Battery Metals [TSXV:PMET] ( PMETF )

Patriot Battery Metals own the Corvette Lithium Project in James Bay, Quebec. No resource yet but some great long length drill results.

On July 28, Patriot Battery Metals announced : "Patriot drills 1.25% Li2O over 96.9 m in first drill hole of summer program, and extends strike length of pegmatite to 1.9 km, Corvette, Quebec." Highlights include:

• "Strong lithium grades over wide intervals returned from first two drill holes completed during the summer phase of the 2022 drill campaign. 1.25% Li ₂ O and 118 ppm Ta ₂ O ₅ over 96.9 m, including 2.53% Li ₂ O and 130 ppm Ta ₂ O ₅ over 27.0 m (CV22-035). 1.38% Li ₂ O and 99 ppm Ta ₂ O ₅ over 27.0 m, and 2.00% Li ₂ O and 167 ppm Ta ₂ O ₅ over 7.3 m (CV22-036).
• ...The main pegmatite body has now been traced through drilling over a strike length of approximately 1,900 m and remains open in all directions.
• A third drill rig and barge have now been mobilized to the drill area and is expected to collar shortly.
• A total of 10,355 m over thirty-six (36) holes have now been completed over the 2022 drill campaign – 4,345 m over 20 holes in the winter program, and 6,010 m over sixteen (16) holes in the summer program."

On August 4, Patriot Battery Metals announced : "Patriot achieves 6% Li2O spodumene concentrate grade in preliminary HLS metallurgical test work on the CV5 pegmatite at the Corvette Property, Quebec."

On August 10, Patriot Battery Metals announced : "Patriot discovers new lithium pegmatite cluster on-trend with the CV5 pegmatite and samples 3.73% Li2O, Corvette Property, Quebec."

• "...Approximately 20 km of prospective CV Lithium Trend/Corridor remains to be prospected for lithium pegmatite, including the majority of the Felix, Deca-Goose, and Corvette East claim blocks...
• Due to the CV13 Pegmatite discovery, the surface program has been extended until mid?October / first snowfall and will continue with mapping, channel sampling, and prospecting across the Property."

Lithium Power International [ASX:LPI] (LTHHF)

LPI is consolidating to own 100% of the Maricunga Lithium Brine Project in Chile, plus plans to demerge its Australian assets into a new company called Western Lithium Ltd .

On July 28, Lithium Power International announced : " Activity report for the quarter ended June 2022." Highlights include:

• " Consolidating 100% ownership of Maricunga Lithium Brine Project in Chile by way of a three-party all-scrip merger with our JV Partners: The transactions will increase the current LPI shareholders’ proportionate interest in Maricunga from 51.55% to ~57.9% . LPI will consolidate the ~48.45% of the project that it does not currently own at a valuation discount of ~17.1% 2 compared with LPI’s current look-through value of Maricunga. By holding 100% ownership of the project, LPI will simplify decision making and provide the optimal structure to oversee and fund the rapid development of Maricunga .
• Significantly increased tenement holdings in Western Australia, to become the largest coverage in the Greenbushes Region: The acquisition of CMC Lithium and its Greenbushes Project in Western Australia adds an extra 365km 2 of prospective ground around Talison Lithium’s Greenbushes Mine, the world’s largest hard-rock spodumene operation .
• Acquisition of two tenements in the mineral rich Eastern Goldfields of WA, granting LPI tenements in each of the three major WA hard rock lithium areas – Greenbushes, the Pilbara Craton and the Eastern Goldfields ."

Upcoming catalysts:

• 2022 - Further developments with Mitsui re off-take partner and funding announcements for Maricunga Lithium Brine Project in Chile. Spin-out of Western Australian Greenbushes and Pilgangoora lithium assets.

American Lithium Corp. [TSXV: LI] ( OTCQB:LIACF ) (acquired Plateau Energy Metals Inc.)

On August 2, American Lithium Corp. announced : "American Lithium announces financial and operating results for the period ended May 31, 2022." Highlights include:

• "Launch of final phase of PEA compilation at TLC – appointment of DRA Global as lead engineer to finalize the TLC PEA, along with Stantec Consulting and ANSTO Minerals, Australia who have deep collective expertise in lithium processing, resource calculation and mine / project design and construction.
• Acquisition of water rights for TLC – agreement to acquire 431 acres of privately held agricultural lands near TLC, along with the accompanying 1,468 acre-feet of water rights for consideration of US$3.125 million. This brings the total water rights owned by the Company to approximately 2,500 acre-feet, which is expected to provide sufficient water for at least the initial phases of future production at TLC..."

On August 24, American Lithium Corp. announced :

American Lithium commences EIA drilling at Falchani and awards PEA update work to DRA Global and Stantec Inc.

Wealth Minerals [TSXV:WML] [GR:EJZN] ( OTCQB:WMLLF )

Wealth Minerals has a portfolio of lithium assets in Chile, such as 46,200 Has at Atacama, 8,700 Has at Laguna Verde, 6,000 Has at Trinity, 10,500 Has at Five Salars. Also the right to acquire a 100% interest in the Ignace REE Lithium Property in Ontario, Canada.

On August 9, Wealth Minerals announced :

Wealth Minerals enters into strategic partnership with thyssenkrupp Mining Technologies for development of Ollagüe Salar. Under the Strategic Partnership, Wealth Minerals and thyssenkrupp Mining Technologies will collaborate to: Identify, evaluate and select the most beneficial and environmentally sustainable processing technology for lithium extraction and purification treatment for the Ollagüe Project. Develop the Ollagüe Project from the exploration stage through to commercial scale production capacity of high-purity lithium products. Define new standards in green mining and foster the involvement of local communities in Chile.

Investors can view the company's latest presentation here.

E3 Lithium Ltd. [TSXV:ETL] [FSE:OU7A] ( EEMMF ) (Formerly E3 Metals)

E3 Lithium Ltd. is a lithium development company focused on commercializing its extraction technology and advancing the world's 7th largest lithium resource with operations in Alberta. E3 has an inferred mineral resource of 6.7 million LCE.

On July 28, E3 Lithium Ltd. announced :

E3 Lithium completes first production of commercial scale sorbent. “We are extremely pleased with the results of our first commercial production of sorbent and its high lithium recovery rates,” said Chris Doornbos, President and CEO of E3. “This commercially-produced sorbent provides confidence in the viability of scaling up E3’s production to deliver the larger volumes of high-quality sorbent needed for commercial operations.”

You can read the company's latest presentation here .

Iconic Minerals [TSXV:ICM] [FSE:YQGB] ( BVTEF )/ Nevada Lithium Corp. [CSE: NVLH]

Joint Venture (Nevada Lithium Corp. earn in option to 50%) in the Bonnie Claire Project in Nevada, USA; with an Inferred Resource of 18.68 million tonnes LCE.

No news for the month.

Arena Minerals [TSXV:AN] ( AMRZF )

On August 8, Arena Minerals announced : "Arena Minerals strategic shareholders to exercise warrants for $7,368,000..."

Rio Tinto [ASX:RIO] [LN:RIO] ( RIO )

No lithium news for the month.

Lithium South Development Corp. [TSXV:LIS] ( OTCQB:LISMF)

On August 10, Lithium South Development Corp. announced : "High grade lithium discovery at Alba Sabrina Claim Block." Highlights include:

• "Five double packer samples obtained from first hole AS01.
• Lithium values range from 732 mg/l lithium to 772 mg/l lithium.
• Lithium magnesium ratio remains favorable at under 4 to 1.
• Drilling will continue to basement rock."

On August 17, Lithium South Development Corp. announced : "Second drill rig added to HMN Lithium Project, Argentina."

On August 19, Lithium South Development Corp. announced :

For further details see:

Lithium Junior Miners News For The Month Of August 2022