Century Lithium Signs MOU with Orica for Sodium Hydroxide from Angel Island

Century Lithium and Orica Partner for Sodium Hydroxide Supply

In a significant move for both parties, Century Lithium Corp., a prominent player in the lithium sector, has recently announced that it has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Orica Specialty Mining Chemicals. This agreement, signed on January 16, 2025, paves the way for the formalization of a long-term supply agreement concerning sodium hydroxide (NaOH) derived from Century Lithium’s Angel Island project, located near Silver Peak, Nevada.

The Importance of the Agreement

This MOU signifies a pivotal milestone for the Angel Island project, marking the anticipation of a significant offtake agreement for sodium hydroxide during the initial operational years of the facility. Century Lithium's President and CEO, Bill Willoughby, stated, "The MOU outlines the first expected agreement of its kind for the project and involves a large portion of the surplus sodium hydroxide anticipated during the early years of operation."

Orica, recognized as one of the leading providers of mining and infrastructure solutions globally, has a strong foothold in the U.S. mining sector, particularly in Nevada. With this collaboration, Orica reaffirmed its dedication to fortifying and enhancing the manufacturing and mining landscape in Nevada by securing a reliable source of sodium hydroxide from Angel Island. Andrew Stewart, President of Orica Specialty Mining Chemicals, remarked, "This collaboration signifies our commitment to strengthening and unlocking Nevada's manufacturing and mining sectors."

The Landscape of the Angel Island Project

Century Lithium's approach to lithium extraction at the Angel Island project is innovative, utilizing a patent-pending process combining chloride leaching with direct lithium extraction. The technique employs sodium chloride or saline brine as reagents for leaching and pH control, which not only facilitates lithium extraction but also generates surplus sodium hydroxide. This byproduct plays a crucial role in maintaining low operating costs for producing lithium carbonate, the primary output of the Angel Island Project.

This MOU outlines the intention for an initial five-year term, with an option for an additional five years if necessary. Although the pricing specifics will be laid out in a definitive agreement, this partnership holds potential for reinforcing the U.S. supply chains, thereby reducing dependency on imports of NaOH in the western United States.

About the Companies

Orica Specialty Mining Chemicals

Operating for over 150 years, Orica has solidified its stance as a key player in the mining and infrastructure sectors. With a workforce exceeding 14,000 globally, Orica specializes in producing explosives, blasting systems, mining chemicals, and various digital solutions, all geared towards sustainably mobilizing the earth's resources. Notably, Orica is the largest producer of sodium cyanide and serves as a key supplier to the Nevada mining industry, bolstering U.S. gold production in the region.

Century Lithium Corp.

Century Lithium Corp. is dedicated to developing its wholly-owned Angel Island project situated in Esmeralda County, Nevada, which holds one of the largest sedimentary lithium deposits in the United States. The company’s innovative approach employs a combination of chloride leaching and direct extraction techniques on-site at its Pilot Plant, yielding high purity lithium carbonate product samples. With plans to establish a three-phase feasibility-level production, the Angel Island project aims to produce an average of 34,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually over a projected 40-year lifespan.

Century Lithium trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (Ticker: LCE), OTCQX (Ticker: CYDVF), and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Ticker: C1Z). For more detailed information, visit centurylithium.com.

Conclusion

This strategic partnership between Century Lithium and Orica not only highlights each company’s commitment to advancing the mining sector in Nevada but is also a proactive step toward enhancing domestic supply chains. As the demand for electrical vehicle components continues to surge, securing such partnerships will be vital for fulfilling the growing need for sustainable and reliable resource production.