Stories impacting the global battery industry

October 2020

FASTER, SMARTER, CHEAPER: BATTERIES ARE BEATING GAS PEAKERS AT THEIR OWN GAME
reneweconomy.com.au

A massive electricity price spike in Queensland earlier this month has once again demonstrated how and why gas is fighting a losing battle against battery storage for the key supporting role in Australia’s future renewables grid.



PILBARA, GALAXY FACE OFF FOR ALTURA MINING
www.afr.com

Pilbara Minerals and Galaxy Resources have rushed straight to Altura Mining's lender group to try and stitch up a snap deal to acquire the embattled lithium play.



AUSSUPER PILES INTO $230M PILBARA DEAL TO BUY ALTURA
www.afr.com

AustralianSuper is making another big investment in battery metals. Street Talk understands the country's largest superannuation and pension fund will bankroll Pilbara Minerals' $230 million equity raising to buy embattled lithium play Altura Mining.



TOYOTA-PANASONIC BATTERY JV TO BOOST EFFICIENCY TO CATCH UP WITH CHINESE RIVALS
www.reuters.com

A joint battery venture of Toyota Motor Corp and Panasonic Corp aims to boost efficiency of development and production processes by 10 times to better compete with larger Chinese rivals.



ELECTRIC-CAR MANIA TURNS BATTERY MAKERS INTO POWER BROKERS
www.bloomberg.com

Automakers are investing billions of dollars to bring new electric vehicles to consumers in the U.S. and other global markets, but their success hinges on securing the most critical and expensive component: the battery. A handful of companies based in China, Japan and South Korea make automotive-grade battery cells, which has upset the traditional dynamic between carmakers and parts suppliers. These battery giants -- though little known to the general public and relatively new to the auto industry’s sprawling supply chain -- are key to manufacturers’ goals of bringing dozens of new EV models to U.S. showrooms by 2025.



LIONTOWN TALKS UP DOWNSTREAM FACILITY
www.ltresources.com.au

Liontown Resources says the numbers look good for the holy grail of minerals processing: a downstream facility that can improve economics for its proposed Kathleen Valley lithium-tantalum project in Western Australia. Pursuing the A$1.1 billion, 57,600 tonne per annum lithium hydroxide option would deliver a post-tax net present value of $4.8 billion, free cashflow of $19.5 billion, operating costs of $4744/t, and with an internal rate of return of 41% would deliver a payback of three years.



BIDEN CAMPAIGN TELLS MINERS IT SUPPORTS DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF EV METALS
www.reuters.com

Joe Biden’s campaign has privately told U.S. miners it would support boosting domestic production of metals used to make electric vehicles, solar panels and other products crucial to his climate plan, according to three sources familiar with the matter, in a boon for the mining industry.



SOLAR PLUS STORAGE BETTER THAN GRID CONNECTION FOR REMOTE HOUSEHOLDS
reneweconomy.com.au

The Western Australian government has praised the use of solar and batteries to provide power to remote households and businesses, after Western Power replaced 230km of costly grid connections with stand-alone power systems that slashed costs and improved reliability.



JAPAN TO USE WIND, BATTERIES TO MEET LOFTY 2050 CARBON GOAL
finance.yahoo.com

Japan will promote the use of offshore wind generation and battery storage in its new effort to become carbon neutral by 2050, according to a government official, indicating how the nation might change its policies to meet the ambitious goal.



VW-BACKED EV BATTERY MAKER GUOXUAN EYES 100 GWH CAPACITY BY 2025
www.reuters.com

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Guoxuan High-tech Co Ltd, which is backed by German automaker Volkswagen AG, plans to have annual battery manufacturing capacity of 100 GWh by 2025.



CEP AND MARUBENI UNVEIL PLANS FOR 1GW BATTERY AND 1.5GW OF SOLAR IN AUSTRALIA
reneweconomy.com.au

A sizeable new renewables fund chaired by former NSW Premier Morris Iemma and numbering executives from Macquarie, AEMO and Tesla, has revealed billion-dollar plans to install 1.5GW of solar and a gigawatt of battery storage across commercial and industrial sites around Australia over five years.



FRANCE PLANS €1,000 USED ELECTRIC VEHICLE PREMIUM
www.electrive.com

France is planning a new premium for older electric cars. The new subsidy of 1,000 euros, which Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari announced, is intended specifically for the purchase of second-hand battery-electric cars.



CAR MAKERS COULD BE FORCED TO SELL ELECTRIC CARS
www.autoexpress.co.uk

UK Ministers are plotting a California-style zero emission vehicle mandate, allowing grants and subsidies for electric cars to be phased out in the run up to the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, but still allowing sales to increase.



SOUTH AUSTRALIA RECORDS 100PC SOLAR IN WORLD FIRST
www.afr.com

Australia's solar power boom sent records tumbling across three states for low demand for grid-based power in the September quarter, including one hour in South Australia where solar power fuelled the entirety of the state's electricity needs.



TESLA SUPPLIER LG CHEM TO BOOST BATTERY CAPACITY
mobile.reuters.com

Electric vehicle battery maker LG Chem plans to triple production capacity for cylindrical batteries used by Tesla and others, and is considering expansion in Europe and North America to meet surging demand.



HONDA TO PHASE OUT DIESEL, PETROL CARS IN UK IN FAVOUR OF EVS BY 2022
thedriven.io

Japanese automotive giant Honda Motor Company has quietly moved to end sales of diesel vehicles in the UK and will phase out all traditional petrol and diesel versions of its mainstream models by 2022.



EU’S SEFCOVIC: EUROPE MUST BE ‘MUCH MORE STRATEGIC’ ON RAW MATERIALS
www.euractiv.com

The European Union “cannot achieve” climate neutrality without critical raw materials like lithium and rare earths, says Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič. It now needs to be “much more strategic” in relations with supplier countries in order to ensure the bloc’s “strategic autonomy,” he argues.



RICH LISTER STRAPS IN FOR $700M ELECTRIC VEHICLE HUB
www.afr.com

Rich Lister and Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis has become an investor in a proposed $700 million electric vehicles manufacturing hub planned at Moss Vale, south-west of Sydney, which aims to be at the forefront of a revival of local manufacturing. Mr Politis, who is the largest shareholder in Australia's biggest car dealership group Eagers Automotive with a 27 per cent holding worth $830 million, took a stake in a $50 million capital raising last month by TrueGreen, an entity owned by Nexport.



NITIN GADKARI SAYS INDIA TO BECOME EV MANUFACTURING HUB
auto.hindustantimes.com

Gadkari said that India is at the cusp of becoming one of the most significant players in electric vehicles. The Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Minister said that the country would become the world's largest e-vehicle manufacturing hub in the next five years with products ranging from two-wheelers, three-wheelers and cars to construction equipment.



TESLA BATTERY RESEARCHER SHOWS NEW TEST RESULTS POINTING TO BATTERIES LASTING OVER 2 MILLION MILES
electrek.co

A Tesla battery researcher showed updated test results pointing to batteries lasting over 15,000 cycles or the equivalent of over 2 million miles (3.5 million km) in an electric car.



MINERS FACE TOUGHER CONTEST TO SNARE GREEN PROJECTS, WARNS SOUTH32
www.afr.com

The big miners' dash for more climate-friendly commodities will make it harder for mid-tier miners to muscle their way into deals or snap up assets, South32 CEO Graham Kerr has warned. Competition is heating up as companies such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Glencore and Anglo American look to focus more on the materials that will power renewable energy and battery technology, such as nickel, copper, cobalt and lithium.



APPLE SUPPLIER FOXCONN AIMS TO SUPPLY TO 10% OF GLOBAL EVS
uk.reuters.com

Foxconn aims to provide components or services to 10% of the world's electric vehicles (EVs) by between 2025 and 2027, and has been in talks with multiple car manufacturers for future cooperation, Chairman Liu Young-way said on Friday.



ELECTRIC VEHICLES: ADDITIONAL 9M EV SALES REQUIRED TO MEET EMISSIONS TARGETS
roskill.com

On October 6th, the European Parliament voted on new targets aimed at speeding-up the decarbonisation of the economy. The new regulation targets a 60% decrease in CO2 emissions against emissions levels in 1990, compared to the previous target of a 40% reduction. The introduction of the new target will require a great proportion of vehicle sales in the Western Europe to be xEVs, with xEV sales in the Western Europe forecast to increase by 700% over the period to 2030.



CEO OF TOP BATTERY MAKER LG CHEM DISCLOSES JV TALKS, DEFENDS SPLIT-OFF
uk.reuters.com

LG Chem, the world’s top electric vehicle (EV) battery maker, is in talks with a “couple” of automakers to create joint ventures to produce automotive batteries, Chief Executive Officer Hak Cheol Shin told Reuters on Friday.



ELECTRIC CARS TO TRIPLE MARKET SHARE IN EUROPE AMID COVID-19, RESEARCHERS SAY
ca.reuters.com

Electric vehicles made up 8% of car sales in Europe in the first half of 2020, putting them on track to triple their market share this year, according to analysis by the NGO Transport & Environment (T&E).



BHP THINKS BIG ON NICKEL AFTER MUSK DANGLES SUPPLY CONTRACT
www.afr.com

Nickel West sold 70 per cent of the 80,000 tonnes of nickel metal it produced last year to battery makers as it continues the transition from a 50-year-old supplier to the stainless steel industry.



INDONESIA TO CREATE FIRM TO BUILD UP ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY INDUSTRY
uk.reuters.com

A group of Indonesian state-owned companies will form a venture to make batteries to power electric vehicles, the Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID) chief executive said on Tuesday. Indonesia, the world’s biggest producer of nickel ore, a key component of EV batteries, wants to build an integrated EV industry that will eventually include building the vehicles.



TOYOTA-PANASONIC VENTURE TO BUILD LITHIUM ION BATTERIES
europe.autonews.com

A joint battery venture of Toyota and Panasonic will produce lithium ion batteries for hybrid cars at a plant in western Japan starting 2022 to meet growing demand for electric vehicles. The production line at a Panasonic factory in Tokushima prefecture will have enough capacity to build batteries for around 500,000 vehicles a year, the joint venture, Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, said.



AI IS THROWING BATTERY DEVELOPMENT INTO OVERDRIVE
www.wired.com

Improving batteries has always been hampered by slow experimentation and discovery processes. Machine learning is speeding it up by orders of magnitude.



WAYMO HAS LAUNCHED A SELF-DRIVING TAXI SERVICE
www.gizmodo.com.au

The age of the driverless taxi has arrived – at least in parts of Phoenix, Arizona. Self-driving car company Waymo, owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, announced its autonomous vehicles are now available to the general public (or at least paying customers).



TESLA HAS A SHOT AT PRODUCING 500,000 CARS THIS YEAR, MUSK SAYS IN MEMO
www.reuters.com

Tesla Inc has a chance at producing 500,000 cars this year, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk told employees, according to an internal email seen by Reuters.



WHY TESLA IS INTERESTED IN INDONESIA
gulfnews.com

Indonesia's government is in early discussions with electric vehicles maker Tesla about a potential investment in the country, a major producer of nickel, an official said. Indonesia is keen to develop a full supply chain for nickel at home, especially for extracting battery chemicals, making batteries and eventually building electric vehicles. It has stopped exports of unprocessed nickel ore to support investment in its domestic industries.



PLUG-IN ELECTRIC CAR REGISTRATIONS IN THE UK – SEPTEMBER 2020
insideevs.com

BEVs: 21,903 (up 184% year-over-year) at market share of 6.7%; PHEVs: 12,400 (up 139% year-over-year) at market share of 3.8%; Total: 34,303 (up 166% year-over-year) at market share of over 10.5%



A NEW YORK BILL QUIETLY SEEDS THE BAN OF NEW ICE CARS BY 2035
electrek.co

California announced a ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles from 2035 on September 23. Two days later, New York state senator Pete Harckham from the Hudson Valley introduced a bill that would also require all of New York State’s sales of new cars and trucks to be zero emissions by 2035.



TESLA TO ACQUIRE GERMAN BATTERY ASSEMBLY MAKER
uk.reuters.com

Tesla Inc TSLA.O has agreed to acquire German ATW Automation, a supplier assembling battery modules and packs for the auto industry, a source familiar with the transaction said on Friday.



EU WANTS LITHIUM SELF-SUFFICIENCY BY 2025
www.pv-magazine.com

As the bloc pushes its digital and green transition agenda, policymakers have looked at the raw materials required. Little is mined, processed or assembled in Europe at present but the European Commission has a plan…



TESLA CUTS STARTING PRICE FOR CHINA-MADE MODEL 3 CARS BY 8%
uk.reuters.com

U.S. electric car maker Tesla cut the starting price of its Chinese-made Model 3 sedans on Thursday by about 8% to 249,900 yuan ($36,805), once Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles are taken into account, according to its China website.



from the ASX...
ADO: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 30th, 2020

Energy

link to asx announcements for ADO


AGY: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 30th, 2020

Continued progress with LCE product end-users for potential commercial scale product offtake

Argosy joins EBA250 network - the industrial development program of the European Battery Alliance.

Rincon industrial scale pilot plant and site operations continuing, producing high purity >99.5% Li2C03 product.

Argosy progressing on preferred funding solution for the development capital requirement.

Regulatory approval/permit applications works continuing for enlarged ~l0,000tpa commercial scale project development.

Clean technology validated with green credentials confirming very low energy and raw water requirements.

Argosy has the lithium processing expertise and knowledge to pursue a complementary commercial lithium carbonate and hydroxide production strategy

link to asx announcements for AGY


AJM: APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVERS AND MANAGERS
October 26th, 2020

Richard Tucker and John Bumbak of KordaMentha were appointed as Receivers and Managers of the Group on 26 October 2020 by the security agent, BNY Trust Company of Australia Ltd. The Receivers and Managers understand that Voluntary Administrators have also been appointed to the Group.

link to asx announcements for AJM


ATC: ALTECH - SALE OF 25% OF ALTECH INDUSTRIES GERMANY FOR A$8.3M
October 26th, 2020

€5.0 million (A$8.3 million) sale of 25% of Altech’s wholly owned Germany subsidiary (AIG).

Acquired by Frankfurt Stock Exchange listed Altech Advanced Materials AG.

Initial cash payment, with balance of consideration payable over 3 years.

AIG will have the rights to use Altech's HPA manufacturing technology.

€20.0 million (A$33 million) valuation of AIG, with Altech retaining 75%.

link to asx announcements for ATC


AUZ: AUZ PARTNERS WITH DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
October 12th, 2020

Advanced battery materials developer, Australian Mines Limited is pleased to advise it has entered into an agreement with Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials on a project to use scandium to develop new aluminium alloys.

link to asx announcements for AUZ


AVZ: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES AND CASHFLOW REPORT
October 30th, 2020

Secured rights to additional 10% equity in Manono Lithium and Tin Project for US$15.5M, taking its total ownership to 75% on completion of the transaction.

Ongoing discussions held to aquire additional equity in the Manono Project.

Discussions advanced with multiple offtake partners for significant volumes of Spodumene Concentrate and Tin.

Negotiations progressed around financing options with several entities in Australia, Europe, the Middle East and South Africa.

Terms of reference for the Manono Special Economic Zone were submitted, along with a proposed framework of economic incentives.

Tenders for process plants were adjudicated, with the results pending a Financial Investment Decision to mine the Manono Project.

Tenders issued for rehabilitation of Mpiana Mwanga Hydro Electric Power Plant.

Pit floor drilling of the Roche Dure 'wedge’ commenced to potentially upgrade some Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources.

New Ore Reserves to be generated from optimised mine design.

Geotechnical site investigations of plant site underway.

Site tailings storage facility confirmed and geotechnical sampling program commenced.

Phase 2 hydrogeological modelling field program commenced.

Unmarketable parcel share sale facility completed

link to asx announcements for AVZ


BEM: BLACKEARTH COMPLETES OVERSUBSCRIBED PLACEMENT
October 2nd, 2020

Placement completed oversubscribed by over 50%; Funds will be applied to exploration activities at the Maniry and Donnelly River Projects; Pilot work will be completed to formalise further offtake arrangement discussions; Ongoing testing and evaluation of downstream processing opportunities with overseas parties will be quickly advanced; BEM will provide a detailed market update in the near term on further developments.

link to asx announcements for BEM


BEM: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 30th, 2020

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS

link to asx announcements for BEM


CXO: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES AND CASHFLOW REPORT 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
October 30th, 2020

During the September quarter, Core was focused on a number of initiatives aimed at further enhancing the value and potential of its wholly owned Finniss Lithium Project, located near Darvvin in the Northern Territory. During the reporting period, Core:

link to asx announcements for CXO


EGR: AGREEMENT WITH LEADING SOUTH KOREAN LI-ION BATTERY RECYCLER
October 12th, 2020

EcoGraf Limited is pleased to announce it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SungEel Hitech Co. Ltd to evaluate the EcoGraf proprietary purification process to recover and re-use high-purity battery carbon anode material from production scrap and ‘black mass’ from lithium-ion battery materials produced at their South Korean plant.

link to asx announcements for EGR


EGR: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES AND CASHFLOW REPORT
October 30th, 2020

The Company made significant progress during quarter on all key business areas.

Western Australia (WA) battery graphite manufacturing facility

Battery recycling programs continued with a range of battery industry participants in Australia, Asia and Europe

Epanko debt financing

link to asx announcements for EGR


ESS: DOME NORTH LITHIUM MET TEST WORK UPDATE
October 20th, 2020

'Whole of ore' flotation at a grind size of p80 0.15mm achieved a recovery of 67% Li2O at a concentrate grade of 6.0% Li2O and 0.6% Fe2O3. Dense Medium Separation (DMS) at a crush size of p100 3.15mm +0.85mm achieved a recovery of 28% Li2O at a concentrate grade of 5.7% Li2O and 0.9% Fe2O3. First-pass metallurgical test work programme expected to be completed end-October. The recently updated Mineral Resource for Dome North stands at 11.2Mt at 1.21% Li2O and 40ppm Ta2O5, with 51% of the contained lithium located within the high-confidence Indicated Resource at the Cade Deposit (5.4Mt @ 1.3% Li2O - refer ASX release dated 29 September 2020).

link to asx announcements for ESS


GLN: GALAN SUCCESSFULLY RAISES $3 MILLION
October 12th, 2020

Galan Lithium Limited is very pleased to announce it has successfully received firm commitments for a placement of approximately 23.1 million shares (New Shares) at a price of A$O.13 per share to raise $3 million (before costs) (Placement) The placement was very well supported by domestic and international investors which resulted in bids exceeding the original placement goal by 50%.

link to asx announcements for GLN


GLN: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 30th, 2020

PROJECT

Completion of conceptual pond modelling at HMW Project shows its exceptional potential with concentration grade over 50% higher than Candelas (4.8% Liv 3.1% Li).

Galan’s Board and project team fully focussed on the development of the HMW Project.

PEA and scoping studies for HMW remain on track with process design and pond layout being finalised with final results expected in Q4 2020.

Company commences lab test production of battery grade lithium carbonate at world renowned Universidad Catolica del Norte in Antofagasta Chile.

Completion of right to earn a 100% interest in the Del Condor and Pucara lithium brine salar projects.

Galan’s teams in Australia and South America continue to advance its studies, in full compliance with COVID-19 restrictions.

CORPORATE

Oversubscribed $3m placement announced and completed in October 2020.

Cash on hand of 51m at end of the quarter

link to asx announcements for GLN


GXY: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2020
October 28th, 2020

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Sal de Vida, Argentina

PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS

Mt Cattlin, Australia

FEASIBILTY ACTIVITIES

James Bay, Canada

link to asx announcements for GXY


HZR: HAZER & AP VENTURES AGREE INVESTMENT TERMS
October 12th, 2020

Hazer Group Limited is delighted to advise that it has executed a non-binding term sheet with AP Ventures Fund II GP LLP (APV) for an investment in Hazer by APV.

link to asx announcements for HZR


HZR: APPENDIX 4C - QUARTERLY
October 30th, 2020

Approved the Final Investment Decision for the Hazer Commercial Demonstration Plant (“CDP”) project and appointed Primero Group as our engineering, procurement and construction contractor.

Progressed detailed engineering, procurement and permitting activities for the Hazer CDP. At end of quarter, detailed engineering estimated to be 55% complete with main package long lead item orders placed.

Confirmation received from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) that the Milestone 1 conditions of the Funding Agreement have been achieved, release of the $2.2 million Milestone 1 grant in the course of being processed.

Execution of binding agreements for a $6.0 million senior secured loan facility from Mitchell Asset Management (MAM Loan Facility). The first $2.0 million drawdown is expected in Q4 calendar year 2020.

Investment Terms Agreed with AP Ventures Fund II GP LLP, a fund headquartered in London with a global mandate to invest in pioneering new technologies and companies.

Cash reserves of $15.53 million as at 30 September 2020. Subsequent to the end of the quarter further liquidity added with receipt a $0,951 million R&D Tax Incentive rebate for FY20 and option exercise proceeds totalling $2.440 million.

link to asx announcements for HZR


INR: SEPTEMBER 2020 QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 30th, 2020

September quarter marked by advances in permitting, engineering and financing discussions.

Main federal permit application, the Plan of Operation, submitted to the Bureau of Land Management in May 2020 has been reviewed and accepted, marking a major milestone toward the completion of the National Environmental Policy Act process.

State Air Quality and Water Pollution control permit applications progressing to plan.

Engineering work continuing with design increasing from 30% (DFS level) to 50-100% complete.

First engineering packages issued for bid.

Continuing development of protection and conservation plans for Tiehm's buckwheat including ongoing research with UNR.

Upward revision in electric vehicle take-up and lithium demand has led to improved sentiment toward the lithium sector.

link to asx announcements for INR


LIT: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT AND QUARTERLY CASH FLOW
October 30th, 2020

An $8.5 million capital-raising through private placement and shareholder purchase plan (‘SPP’).

Convertible note repaid and no debt.

As at 30 Sept 2020, cash reserves were $9.2 million.

Battery recycling subsidiary Envirostream Australia Pty Ltd (‘Envirostream’ - 90% Company-owned) processed 80 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries (‘LIBs’).

The ACCC authorised the Battery Stewardship Council to establish and operate a national stewardship scheme for managing end-of-Iife batteries, which scheme is likely to significantly increase both Envirostream’s volumes and margins.

Envirostream signed electric vehicle (‘EV’) battery recycling agreements with two suppliers.

Company battery cathode subsidiary VSPC Ltd (‘VSPC’ - 100°/o Company-owned) produced high-quality Iithium-ferro-phosphate (‘LFP’) battery material.

Company battery sales subsidiary Soluna Australia Pty Ltd (‘Soluna Australia’ - 50% Company-owned) received Clean Energy Council (‘CEC’) approval for its three-phase energy-storage systems (‘ESS’) and commenced installations and sales.

The Company’s battery chemicals division completed stage 1 of the LieNA® Co- operative Research Centres Project.

The Company’s Iithium phosphate (‘LP’) recovery patent application was deemed to be novel, to involve an inventive step and to be applicable to industry.

Further studies undertaken on the Company’s Coates nickel/platinum group elements project.

The Company commenced a gold joint venture with Okapi Resources Ltd over its Lake Johnston project.

link to asx announcements for LIT


LKE: HAZEN OPTIMISES BATTERY LITHIUM CARBONATE
October 6th, 2020

Hazen has broadened its scope by reviewing different process combinations to optimize the consistent production of larger battery-quality lithium carbonate samples, with first samples next week; Hazen was appointed due to their thorough analysis using different applications to achieve the best quality product prior to producing samples in large volumes; Feedback to date from Hazen has been very encouraging and Lake remains confident in delivering high purity lithium carbonate samples.

link to asx announcements for LKE


LKE: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES AND CASHFLOW REPORT
October 29th, 2020

High purity 99.97% battery quality lithium carbonate produced at the Lilac Solutions’ pilot plant.

Kachi Project brines prove to supply a product of very low impurities, attractive for the battery market, with premium pricing potential.

Samples to be sent to Novonix to produce high- performance lithium-ion battery test cells using Lake’s lithium carbonate samples.

Company well-funded to initiate Kachi Project Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).

link to asx announcements for LKE


LPI: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 30th, 2020

Activities at Maricunga continue under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Chilean State-owned mining company, CODELCO, and the project’s joint venture company, Minera Salar Blanco S.A. (MSB). They are expected to be finalised in coming months.

The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) bidding process for the Maricunga development has advanced. Two major global engineering groups, Worley Parsons and Bechtel, have each submitted comprehensive proposals and both are being evaluated by MSB, taking the COVID-19 situation into account.

Financial structuring for the Maricunga project continues, with Treadstone Resource Partners being appointed as LPI’s and MSB’s advisor. Discussions continue with parties on project funding - equity and debt - and also on off-take agreements. COVID-19, however, has presented challenges for the initial time schedule.

Reviews and cost reductions have been undertaken in all operations in light of COVID-19. The Company remains focused on minimising costs and preserving cash reserves during this challenging period.

In July 2020, the Company executed a Tenement Acquisition Agreement with ASX-listed company Carnaby Resources Limited (ASX:CNB) to sell the Strelley Exploration Licence for 1,250,000 fully paid ordinary Carnaby shares. LPI will receive a 1% Net Smelter Return royalty for all gold produced from the tenement and retain all mineral rights for lithium, caesium, tantalum and tin contained within the tenement.

Results of a drilling program and the additional mapping, sampling and re-analysis of data undertaken at the Pilgangoora tenement placed no exploitable value on this tenement. The company is now in the process of finalising the tenement’s sale.

link to asx announcements for LPI


LTR: UPDATED KV PFS - SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN NPV AND MINE LIFE
October 9th, 2020

Substantially increased Mineral Resource (MRE), Ore Reserve and revised mining plan, combined with an enhanced process flowsheet drives significant improvement in project economics; Updated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) showcases the strong potential to develop a state-of-the-art, second-generation lithium-tantalum mining and processing operation at the 100%-owned Kathleen Valley Project in WA’s Eastern Goldfields; Building on the Mineral Resource announced in May 2020, the PFS confirms the outstanding technical and financial viability of a standalone, long-life initial 2Mtpa operation.

link to asx announcements for LTR


LTR: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES AND CASH FLOW REPORT
October 30th, 2020

KATHLEEN VALLEY LITHIUM PROJECT (Western Australia:100%)

Updated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) confirms the technical and financial viability of a standalone 2Mtpa mining and processing operation based on an updated Ore Reserve of 71Mt @ 1.4% Li2O and 130ppm Ta2O5.

Ore Reserve underpins a 40-year mine life with average production of ~350ktpa 6% Li2O spodumene concentrate (SC6.0) and 430tpa of 30% Ta5O5 concentrate.

Key financial outcomes of the PFS include:

A Downstream Scoping Study (DSS) leveraging off the PFS demonstrates the significant financial upside of an integrated mining, processing and refining operation based on the production of lithium hydroxide (LHM) or lithium sulphate (LSM) using SC6.0 from Kathleen Valley as feedstock.

Liontown Resources has commenced a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) focused on SC6.0 production that will review a number of opportunities to improve the Project’s financial metrics, including additional test work to further develop the DSS, given the compelling economic upside.

CORPORATE

$12.5m capital raising announced subsequent to end of Quarter.

Funds will ensure the continued development of Liontown’s flagship Kathleen Valley Project, including the completion of a DFS, and initial drill testing of the Moore Project.

link to asx announcements for LTR


MIN: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 23rd, 2020

Mt Marion Lithium Project achieved record production of 133,000 dmt and record shipments of 118,000 dmt of spndumene concentrate during the quarter.

link to asx announcements for MIN


MLL: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 30th, 2020

Results of the Goulamina Definitive Feasibility Study confirm Goulamina confirmed as one of the world’s best hard rock lithium assets for scale and cost of production.

The project delivers outstanding returns with a pre-tax NPV of A$1.7 billion using conservative pricing metrics.

A key advantage is the quality of the 6% Li2O spodumene concentrate (SC6) product, being high in grade and low in impurities.

link to asx announcements for MLL


MNS: IM3NY BATTERIES TO BE THE GREENEST IN THE MARKETPLACE
October 6th, 2020

World renowned agency Abt Associates conducts and publishes a special article on batteries produced by C4V funded by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority [NYSERDA]; New information points to batteries produced at the iM3NY Lithium—ion Battery Plant containing at least 87% less dirty energy per kilowatt hour versus comparable batteries; iM3NY to be the first factory to make these batteries at Gigawatt hour scale starting in 2021.

link to asx announcements for MNS


MNS: SEPTEMBER 2020 QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 30th, 2020

Extra Fast Charge ["EFC"] test results for EV batteries developed by Magnis Partner, C4V, yielded a potential game changer for EV manufacturers.

Following the ongoing success of EFC results using unoptimized cells, for the next qualification phase, battery cells optimised for very fast charge will be used.

Demonstration program in New York commenced for a Public Transit Technology and Innovation Program funded by the NYSERDA, with a proposal to develop EFC system utilising extended-life batteries provided by C4V.

Abt Associates report highlights batteries to be produced by iM3NY will be the greenest in the market.

New York Battery Plant financing discussions progress.

The announcement on 4 September 2020 of a $7.65 million capital raising via a placement of 45,000,000 ordinary shares at 17 cents per share to new local and overseas institutional investors, new sophisticated investors and existing shareholders.

Queensland State Government approves Townsville Lithium-ion Battery Manufacturing Plant Feasibility Study.

Senior Management Team bolstered by new appointments.

link to asx announcements for MNS


NMT: MT EDWARDS NICKEL - MINERAL RESOURCE AND EXPLORATION UPDATE
October 6th, 2020

132N deposit Mineral Resource doubles in Nickel tonnes, with the estimate now 460,000 tonnes at 2.0% nickel for 9,050 tonnes of contained nickel; The 132N Mineral Resource is located between 80 and 350 metres below and north of a previous open pit mined by Western Mining Corporation; Global Mineral Resources at the Mt Edwards project increased to 8.72 million tonnes at 1.7% nickel for 146,000 tonnes of contained nickel across 11 deposits; Exploration continues at Lake Eaton South prospect with diamond and RC drilling.

link to asx announcements for NMT


ORE: SEPTEMBER QUARTERLY REPORT
October 29th, 2020

OLAROZ LITHIUM FACILITY (ORE 66.5%)

Operational activities continue to focus on the health and well-being of our staff, contractors and communities while maintaining production at an appropriate level to meet customer demand.

Production for the quarter of 2,352 tonnes was down 6% on the quarter on quarter (QoQ) due to a three week scheduled shutdown. Plant stability and operating practices continue to improve as evidenced by brine grades that are higher than at the same period in previous years and higher recoveries.

Sales volume for the quarter was up 112% quarter on quarter to 3,393 tonnes, while sales revenue was up 68% QoQ to US$10.5 million following the sale of excess inventory. The realised average price achieved was US$3,102/tonne on a free on board basis (FOB). Sales volumes were approximately 22% battery grade lithium carbonate and the remainder primary grade lithium carbonate.

Cash costs for the quarter (on a cost of goods sold basis) were US$3,974/tonne, excluding the export tax of US$70/tonne but including all additional costs incurred as a result of COVID-19 restrictions and operating practices.

During the quarter Orocobre entered into a non-binding MOU with Prime Planet Energy and Solutions (PPES), a joint venture between Toyota (51%) and Panasonic (49%) specialising in the production of automotive battery cells, for the long-term supply of product culminating in 30kt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in CY25. Discussions are now underway to finalise the detailed terms of the agreement.

Lithium prices appear to have bottomed and realised Q2 FY21 prices are expected to be higher than Q1

LITHIUM GROWTH PROJECTS

Construction work on Stage 2 continued to be impacted during the quarter by COVID-19 restrictions. Construction has progressed to approximately 44% completion. Plans are in place to increase the accommodation available for expansion personnel so that appropriate social distancing can be maintained as the workforce increases. Stage 2 is expected to commence production in FY23, ramping up to full capacity of 25,000 tonnes per annum (ktpa) of industrial grade lithium carbonate by FY26.

Naraha Lithium Hydroxide Plant construction has continued throughout the period. However, delayed equipment deliveries from overseas will result in commissioning commencing in H2 CY21. Construction has achieved >80% completion

link to asx announcements for ORE


PLL: SEPTEMBER 2020 QUARTERLY REPORTS
October 30th, 2020

Signed agreement with Tesla, Inc. (”Tesla") for the supply of spodumene concentrate from Piedmont’s North Carolina deposit to Tesla for an initial five-year term on a fixed-price binding purchase commitment from the delivery of first product;

Completed a bench-scale lithium hydroxide testwork program which demonstrated conversion of Piedmont ore to battery-quality lithium hydroxide. Lithium hydroxide was produced from spodumene concentrate produced from core samples taken from Piedmont's North Carolina deposit. Quality results compare favorably with current market specifications for battery quality lithium hydroxide;

Resumed drilling at Piedmont’s properties located within the world-class Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt (”TSB") in North Carolina. The drill program will consist of approximately 5,600 meters with a primary objective to drill Exploration Target areas on the Core and Central properties, as well as previously untested occurrences of spodumene bearing pegmatite on regional properties;

Appointed Mr. Austin Devaney as Vice President - Sales & Marketing. Mr. Devaney spent most of the past decade in senior marketing roles with Albemarle Corporation, most recently as Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Customer Excellence; and

Completed a US. public offering of 2,300,000 of Piedmont’s American Depositary Shares (”ADSs"), with each ADS representing 100 of its ordinary shares, which includes the full exercise of the underwriters’ option, at an issue price of US$25.00 per ADS, to raise aggregate gross proceeds of US$57.5 million (A$81.2 million).

link to asx announcements for PLL


PLS: QUARTERLY OPERATIONAL UPDATE
October 12th, 2020

Australian spodumene and tantalum concentrate producer, Pilbara Minerals Limited, is pleased to provide the following operational update for the September 2020 Quarter for its Pilgangoora Lithium—Tantalum Project. While the Company continued campaign mining and processing during the September quarter in line with its moderated production strategy, several improvements were recorded across the operation, notably: an increase in plant run—time and utilisation, which represented approximately 70—75% utilisation across the quarter (compared with 40% in the June quarter); higher plant utilisation and continued high product recovery contributed to a lower average unit cash operating cost1 of US$355/dmt (CIF China) for the September quarter; increased production, with a total of 62,404 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of spodumene concentrate produced for the quarter (compared with 34,484 dmt for the June quarter); and an increase in sales, with spodumene concentrate shipments totalling 43,630 dmt for the quarter, in line with guidance provided in the June Quarterly Report (compared with 29,312 dmt for the June quarter).

link to asx announcements for PLS


PLS: CONDITIONAL AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE ALTURA LITHIUM OPERATIONS
October 28th, 2020

Following the appointment of KordaMentha as the Receiver of Altura Mining Limited (“Altura”) on 26 October 2020, Pilbara Minerals Limited (“Pilbara Minerals” or the “Company") (ASX: PLS) has entered into an Implementation Deed with the senior secured loan noteholders of Altura (“Loan Noteholders”) which provides it with a path to potentially acquire the Altura Lithium Project (“Altura Project") through the purchase of the shares in Altura Lithium Operations Pty Ltd (“ALO”) for approximately US$175 million, subject to completion of the receivership process.

link to asx announcements for PLS


PLS: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 29th, 2020

PRODUCTION AND SALES

Increase in process plant run-time, representing approximately 70-75% utilisation (compared with 40% in the June Quarter 2020) to satisfy increased customer demand.

Production of 62,404 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of spodumene concentrate (June Quarter: 34,484 dmt).

Spodumene concentrate shipments totalled 43,630 dmt (June Quarter: 29,312 dmt).

Tantalite concentrate sales totalled 25,222 lbs (June Quarter: 23,232 lbs).

Lower unit cash operating costs1 of US$355/dmt, reflecting sustained higher Iithia recoveries and increased processing plant utilisation. Unit costs trending towards the target of US$320-350/dmt (CIF China).

LITHIUM MARKET

European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050, is driving electric vehicle take up and therefore shifting market sentiment.

Lithium raw material demand improving as Pilbara Minerals’ spodumene sales increase 49% compared to the June Quarter 2020.

CORPORATE

Successful completion of the low-cost US$110M senior secured debt facility executed with BNP Paribas and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, allowing repayment of the Nordic Bond.

US$15M Working Capital Facility with BNP Paribas renewed and remains undrawn.

Quarter-end cash balance of $85.7M (30 June 2020: $86.3M).

link to asx announcements for PLS


PSC: $6M PLACEMENT TO FAST TRACK ARCADIA LITHIUM PROJECT
October 14th, 2020

Prospect receives subscriptions for 46,153,847 shares at A$O.13 to raise A$6m before costs via a private placement to sophisticated and professional investors. Funds to develop pilot plant to produce low iron spodumene & high purity petalite samples for glass & ceramics customers, initiate a Front End Engineering Design for Prospect's Arcadia Lithium Project and progressing Project financing activities.

link to asx announcements for PSC


PSC: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 30th, 2020

Signing a 7 year offtake agreement with Sibelco for up to 700,000 dmt of Arcadia's high purity petalite product;

Appointed Renaissance Capital as M&A Advisor in relation to the discussions with Uranium One Group;

Progressed both metallurgical testwork and customers qualification; and

Subsequent to the quarter, completed a transformational capital raise of A$6M before costs and signed an option agreement for the sale of the Penhalonga Gold Project for US$1M, to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet and fast track the Arcadia Lithium Project.

link to asx announcements for PSC


RNU: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT SEPTEMBER 2020
October 30th, 2020

Renascor enters into non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chinese anode company Shanxi Minguang New Material Technology Co. Ltd., part of one of China’s largest battery supplier groups, to supply up to 10,000 tonnes per annum of Purified Spherical Graphite (PSG) from Renascor’s 100%-owned Siviour Battery Anode Material Project in South Australia.

Other significant milestones for the Siviour Battery Anode Material Project achieved during the quarter include:

Renascor completes share placement to $3.6m to fund work streams for the Siviour and Carnding projects. Cash position of approximately $5.2m as of 30 September 2020.

link to asx announcements for RNU


SYA: SAYONA POSITION AS KEY PLAYER IN NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAIN
October 1st, 2020

North American battery metals supply chain locking into place as leading electric vehicle (EV)maker Tesla seeks local supply of spodumene and other battery metals. Canadian Government backs domestic EV sector with Ford investment; Québec positioned as a key supplier of battery metals to Canadian automakers, which include Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler. Sayona advancing flagship Authier Lithium Project and emerging Tansim Project to fill growing spodumene supply gap; bid for North American Lithium (NAL) continues to progress.

link to asx announcements for SYA


SYA: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 29th, 2020

Sayona expands Tansim Lithium Project, Québec with acquisition of additional 39 claims.

New field work underway at flagship Authier Lithium Project, as Company progresses environmental and geotechnical studies; critical follow-up work contracts awarded, targeting year-end completion.

Global independent investment banking advisory firm, Evercore Group LLC joins Sayona's world-class advisory team for North American Lithium (NAL) bid.

Placement agreed with Battery Metals Capital Group LLC raising up to US$2 million (AU$2.73m); additional US$6m available at Sayona's sole request.

Investors support Sayona's growth strategy with heavily oversubscribed placement of shortfall raising A$2.75 million.

Exploration work progresses at lithium/gold exploration portfolio in Western Australia.

link to asx announcements for SYA


TLG: TALGA FAST-TRACKS MASS-PRODUCIBLE SILICON ANODE PRODUCT
October 14th, 2020

Demand from European and US automotive and battery manufacturers for Talga's silicon anode product Talnode-Si drives 10x boost in commercial sample production capacity; Customer feedback supports Talga's commercial approach in using lower cost metallurgical-grade silicon and mass production equipment; Production of graphene-graphite precursors required to make Talnode-Si added to the Niska process flowsheet and scoping study, pushing release to November; Positive market feedback and technical development lead Talga to fast-track preliminary feasibility studies for stand-alone European silicon anode refinery.

link to asx announcements for TLG


TLG: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES AND CASHFLOW REPORT 30 SEPTEMBER 2020
October 30th, 2020

COMMERCIAL & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Vittangi Anode Project development to proceed directly to commercial phase following positive outcomes from completed detailed feasibility work.

Fast-tracking decision for Talga’s mass-producible silicon anode product, Talnode®-Si, announced subsequent to the quarter.

US patent granted for Talga’s electrochemical exfoliation process

MINERAL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & EXPLORATION

15% increase in the total natural graphite resources at Vittangi as a result of an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Talga’s Nunasvaara South deposit.

Scoping study for Vittangi’s Niska deposits to now include Talnode®-Si graphite-graphene material production.

CORPORATE & INVESTOR RELATIONS

Board and Executive changes included appointment of Mr Martin Phillips as European Chief Executive Officer subsequent to the quarter.

Completion of strongly supported institutional placement.

Sale of Western Australian gold royalties to Trident.

Cash balance ofA$12.6 million as at 30 September 2020.

link to asx announcements for TLG


VUL: QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT
October 29th, 2020

Vulcan ensured it is fully funded for its PPS by completion of an agreement for a direct investment by EU-backed EIT InnoEnergy, at a premium to 30-day VWAP. This followed the previous oversubscribed $4.8m institutional and ESG investor equity placement, also completed at a premium to 30-day VWAP.

Vulcan is now well-funded with cash of $5.1m at 30 September.

London-based Natural Resources Global Capital Partners Limited (“NRG”) was appointed to provide strategic and financial advice in connection with the Zero Carbon LithiumTM Project. NRG will assist Vulcan with financial advice related to potential future transactions surrounding funding for its Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) and first commercial lithium hydroxide production plant.

Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) testwork was successfully concluded, using commercially available adsorbents, which achieved initial recovery rates in excess of 90%. Optimisation work is underway to achieve enhanced recovery rates.

Taro license was granted and Vulcan’s overall Upper Rhine Valley (URVP) mineral resource estimate was updated. This is now estimated to collectively contain 15.37 million tonnes (Mt) Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) at a grade of 181 mg/l Li (Indicated & Inferred; 95% of which is in the Inferred Resource category), the largest JORC lithium resource in Europe.

Vulcan’s team was bolstered by the following Senior Executive appointments:

link to asx announcements for VUL


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