#United States #Lithium Project #Century Lithium #Angel Island #Esmeralda County

Century Lithium Unveils Promising Feasibility Study for Angel Island Lithium Project

Overview
Century Lithium Corp. has released an updated National Instrument 43-101 compliant feasibility study for the Angel Island Lithium Project located in Esmeralda County, Nevada. This recent study highlights a remarkable after-tax net present value (NPV) of $4.01 billion, indicating strong economic viability and growth potential for the project.

Feasibility Highlights

One of the standout features of this updated feasibility analysis is the incorporation of sophisticated engineering optimizations alongside primary metallurgical testing. The project is based on an expected lithium carbonate price of $24,000 per tonne, which plays a significant role in driving its robust NPV.

• - After-tax NPV: $4.01 billion calculated using an 8% discount rate.
• - Estimated Operating Costs: Approximately $4,389 per tonne of lithium carbonate, significantly lowered from past projections, showcasing improved cost efficiency.
• - Projected Internal Rate of Return (IRR): Stands impressively at 27.4%, reinforcing the project’s lucrative financial outlook.

Project Development Strategy

The Angel Island project is planned as a conventional open-pit mining operation that will utilize advanced processing technologies, including hydrolytic acid leaching and Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). The comprehensive processing plan ensures the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate, catering to the soaring demand for electric vehicles and battery storage technologies. Critical phases of this development include:

• - Phase 1: Processing of 7,500 tonnes per day (tpd).
• - Phase 2: Expansion to 15,000 tpd, anticipated within five years following the initial phase.

This strategic two-phase deployment, with optimized scheduling and design, is expected to enhance capital efficiency and lower execution risks, driving the project closer to commercial viability.

Economic Viability and Operating Costs

Centuries of built infrastructure underpins the project, where the economic assessment bases its potential on substantial proven and probable reserves. The study estimates:

• - Proven and Probable Reserves: 287.65 million tonnes at 1,149 ppm lithium, equating to about 1.759 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE)
• - Average operating cost: Approximately $22.45 per tonne of mill feed, translating to around $4,389 per tonne for lithium carbonate.
• - Co-product revenues: The innovative integration of a chlor-alkali plant is expected to generate additional surplus sodium hydroxide, which may effectively offset operating costs.

Next Steps and Future Prospects

As Century Lithium continues to advance the Angel Island project, key steps include submitting a plan of operations and initiating permit applications under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The company is also looking into the economic aspects of possible rare earth elements (REE) recovery associated with the lithium production, further enhancing the project's economic profile. Additional strategic initiatives are focused on securing partnerships and funding to ensure project success.

Conclusion

Century Lithium’s feasibility study for the Angel Island Lithium Project represents a significant leap forward in the development of lithium resources, pivotal for the North American supply chain amidst growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. With strong financials and operational strategy, the project is positioned to play a crucial role in bolstering the U.S. lithium production landscape effectively.

The results of the study not only reinforce the potential economic viability of the project but also enhance the operational strategies to ensure a reduced environmental impact. As Century Lithium forges ahead, the continued engagement with stakeholders and potential partners will further solidify its successes in the lithium landscape.