Graphite and Lithium Mining Industry Update: July 2024

Graphite Miners News For The Month Of July 2024

I do much more than just articles at Trend Investing: Members get access to model portfolios, regular updates, a chat room, and more. Learn More " Welcome to the July edition of the graphite miners news. July saw flake graphite prices flat to slightly higher. Graphite price news During the past 30 days the China graphite flake-194 EXW spot price was flat The China graphite flake +195 EXW spot price was up 1.30%. Note that 94-97% is considered best suited for use in batteries; it is then upgraded to 99.9% purity to make "spherical" graphite used in Li-ion batteries. The spherical graphite 99.95% min EXW China price was flat the past 30 days. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence 2023 flake graphite and spherical graphite price chart (source) Graphite demand and supply forecast charts Macquarie Research (March 2023) forecasts flake graphite deficits starting in 2025 and growing larger to 2030 (source) The IEA Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2024 report forecasts graphite demand and supply pipeline to 2040 (source) Trend Investing vs. IEA demand forecast for EV metals (Trend Investing) (IEA) 2021 IEA forecast growth in demand for selected minerals from clean energy technologies by scenario, 2040 relative to 2020 -- Increases Of Lithium 13x to 42x, Graphite 8x to 25x, Cobalt 6x to 21x, Nickel 7x to 19x, Manganese 3x to 8x, Rare Earths 3x to 7x, And Copper 2x to 3x 2022 -- BMI forecasts we need 330+ new EV metal mines from 2022 to 2035 to meet surging demand -- 97 new 56,000tpa natural flake graphite mines Graphite market news On July 3, Fastmarkets reported: "Fastmarkets battery raw materials market update. Key points. Supporting local production: The US administration is supporting North American anode production by implementing a 25% tariff on Chinese anodes. Diversification: This will encourage diversification away from China and help build local anode capacity, essential for the US market once recent exemptions under the Inflation Reduction Act expire." On July 15, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported: Synthetic anode material average prices tip below natural graphite for first time in over three years...pushing cell makers to increasingly switch towards the more affordable option. On July 22, Investing News Network reported: S&P Global: US outpaced by most other countries in mine development times...The document reveals that it takes nearly 29 years on average for a US mine to progress from discovery to production, compared to 27 years in Canada and 20 years in Australia. Only Zambia takes longer at an average of 34 years...Without domestic supply, the US remains vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. With that in mind, the Biden administration has recognized the need to secure domestic sources of important commodities and has taken steps to address lengthy mine approval timelines. For example, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes provisions that prioritize energy and critical minerals research, and also allocates funds for mineral extraction. On July 22, Fastmarkets reported: Markets largely adjusted to China's germanium, gallium, graphite export controls one year on...consumers have adjusted their procurement habits to compensate for longer wait times... Falling exports further pressured the oversupplied graphite market in China, Fastmarkets has heard. Graphite miners news Graphite producers We have not covered the following graphite producers as they are not typically accessible to most Western investors. They include - Aoyu Graphite Group, BTR New Energy Materials, Qingdao Black Dragon, National de Grafite, Shanshan Technology, and LuiMao Graphite. Note: AMG Critical Materials N.V. [AMS:AMG] [GR:ADG] (OTCPK:AMVMF) is also a "diversified producer", producing graphite, vanadium, and lithium. Syrah Resources Limited [ASX:SYR][GR:3S7](OTCPK:SYAAF)(OTC:SRHYY) Syrah Resources Limited owns the Balama graphite mine in Mozambique. Syrah is also a vertically integrated producer of natural graphite Active Anode Material ("AAM") at their Vidalia facility, Louisiana, USA. On July 25, Syrah Resources announced: "June 2024 quarterly activities and cashflow report." Highlights include: "Balama campaign production of 24kt at 78% recovery with strong cost and ESG performance. 10kt natural graphite sold and shipped to third-party customers at US$735 per tonne [CIF] weighted average sales price with a higher proportion of high-priced coarse flake sales and no fine flake sales to Chinese anode customers reflective of record low prices. Operations at the 11.25ktpa AAM Vidalia facility ramping up with solid capacity utilisation demonstrated in all primary process areas. Dispatched on-specification commercial-scale production samples to Tesla, Inc. ("Tesla") and other customers. Vidalia AAM sales now expected from early 2025 as expanded qualification requirements and timelines are being introduced by customers concurrently with US Government policy changes and low-cost Chinese AAM import availability. Progression of Vidalia's expansion to a 45ktpa AAM, inclusive of 11.25ktpa AAM, production capacity ("Vidalia Further Expansion") to a FID is awaiting Vidalia sales and dependent on customer and financing commitments. Syrah is taking action to deal with the impacts of recent market, policy and customer developments on near-term cash flows. Further cost saving initiatives are underway, considering reduced Balama campaign production rate and curtailed Vidalia ramp-up operations pending market catalysts and customer purchasing intent. Quarter end cash balance of US$82 million, including restricted cash of US$41 million, of which US$27 million is available to fund Vidalia operating and capital costs. US$150 million binding loan agreement with United States International Development Finance Corporation will be finalised shortly to provide long-term working and sustaining capital support to Balama." Catalysts: 2024 -- Outcome of the U.S. Gov. additional US$350 million ATVM loan application to help fund Vidalia expansion. Natural graphite and AAM demand is forecast to increase four and five times, respectively, over the next 10 years (source) Ceylon Graphite [TSXV:CYL] [GR:CCY] (OTC:CYLYF) Ceylon Graphite has 'Vein graphite' production out of one mine in Sri Lanka with 121 square kilometers of tenements. No news for the month. Mineral Commodities Ltd. ("MRC") [ASX:MRC] Skaland Graphite is 100% owned by MRC. Skaland is the highest grade flake graphite operation in the world and largest producing mine in Europe; with immediate European graphite production of up to 10,000 tonnes per annum with regulatory approval to increase to 16,000. MRC plans to demerge its Norwegian graphite assets into a newly incorporated Norway company branded as Ascent Graphite. On June 25, MRC announced: "MRC agrees terms to settle dispute and become 100% owner of Munglinup Graphite Project." Highlights include: "MRC has executed a non-binding term sheet to settle the dispute with JV partner, Gold Terrace, and acquire the remaining 49% interest in Munglinup. Upon completion of the transaction via a formal agreement, MRC will become the 100% owner of Munglinup. Total consideration for the transaction is $A7.5M for 49% payable in three (3) tranches. Completion of the formal agreement is subject to standard conditions precedent. MRC is in negotiations to obtain funding to finance completion of the transaction." On July 4, MRC announced: "A$4M convertible loan funding facility. Key loan terms include. 1% establishment fee, 15% interest..." Tirupati Graphite [LSE:TGR] On July 10, Tirupati Graphite announced: Tirupati Graphite...is pleased to announce the development strategy for its current projects to achieve its aim of reaching production capacity of c.400,000 tons per annum of flake graphite to serve c.8% of forecast global demand in the next decade, subject to ongoing and future financing requirements and market demands over the course of the next few years. Strategic positioning of the Company. As announced on 4 July 2024, the Company and its financial advisers are progressing funding discussions with potential strategic partners and financial institutions. Since 2021, the Company has developed two flake graphite projects in Madagascar into production, and acquired additional large-scale projects in Mozambique, thereby laying a solid foundation for growth. Although there is no guarantee that funds will be raised, discussions are ongoing for near term raising of up to £3 million to streamline the current operations in Madagascar. The Company intends to raise, in due course, Project Finance of up to £80 million from Financial Institutions for expansion of the Company's Madagascan projects to a combined 54,000 tons per annum production capacity, and development of a first 50,000 tons per annum module at its Mozambican projects. Northern Graphite [TSXV:NGC][FRA:ONG] (OTCQX:NGPHF) Northern Graphite purchased from Imerys the Lac des Iles producing graphite mine in Quebec and the Okanjande graphite deposit/Okorusu processing plant in Namibia. They also own the Bissett Creek graphite project located 100km east of North Bay, Ontario, Canada and close to major roads and infrastructure. The Company has completed an NI 43-101 Bankable final Feasibility Study and received its major environmental permit. On June 27, Northern Graphite announced: Northern Graphite awarded Québec Government Exploration Grant for Lac des Iles...The grant for up to C$400,000 will pay 50 percent of eligible expenses for geo-metallurgical and geo-environmental drilling to be carried out this year on the Company's Lac des Iles mining lease. NextSource Materials Inc. [TSX:NEXT] [GR:1JW] (OTCQB:NSRCF) NextSource Materials Inc. 100% owns the Molo Graphite Mine in Madagascar. The Company also has the Green Giant Vanadium Project on the same property. On June 27, NextSource Materials announced: Global anode expansion strategy update, economic results of proposed Battery Anode Facility in Saudi Arabia, and Strategic Partner Process...As announced in February 2023, NextSource plans to construct, in stages, multiple BAFs globally in key jurisdictions that would be capable of producing commercial scale graphite anode active material...The key jurisdictions being evaluated for potential BAF expansions are Madagascar, the KSA, the United Arab Emirates, and North America. Gratomic Inc. [TSXV:GRAT] [GR:CB82] (OTCPK:CBULF) Gratomic's Aukam Graphite Project is located in Namibia, Africa. Gratomic also 100% own the Capim Grosso Graphite Project in Brazil. Gratomic is also collaborating with Forge Nano to develop a second facility for graphite micronization and spheronization. On July 24, Accesswire reported: "Gratomic provides update on Strategic Path...The following are some key improvements, changes and progress made over last three months: "Gratomic has taken steps to significantly reduced expenses in Namibia, Canada and Brazil by a total of $115,000 per month. The Company is in the process of selling certain non-core assets. This includes a house the Company owns in Windhoek. Proceeds will be used for working capital and to complete a technical report on the Aukam Property. This will bring in some additional short-term cash, better used at the Aukam site. It will reduce on-going running costs. It is consistent with the Company focusing its resources towards achieving commercial goals. Gratomic is also focused on reducing its current debt level." Leading Edge Materials [TSXV:LEM] (OTCQB:LEMIF) Leading Edge Materials Corp. is a Canadian company focused on becoming a sustainable supplier of a range of critical materials. Leading Edge Materials' flagship asset is the Woxna Graphite Project and processing plant in central Sweden. The company also owns the Norra Karr REE project, and the 51% of the Bihor Sud Nickel-Cobalt exploration stage project in Romania. On July 23, Leading Edge Materials announced: Leading Edge Materials closes first tranche of private placement...issuing 34,400,000 common shares at a price of $0.10/share for gross proceeds of CAD$3,440,000. Evion Group NL [ASX:EVG] On July 25, Evion Group announced: "Supply agreement for expandable graphite JV site in India." Highlights include: "Evion's 50/50 Joint Venture in India ("Panthera Graphite Technologies" or "PGT") has secured a supply of concentrate for the remainder of the year - guaranteeing supply for operations. The Evion and PGT executive team negotiated a medium-term agreement for the supply of high-quality large flake material. Security of supply provides a significant boost to PGT's operations as we continue to ramp up production to meet strong demand for the sale of material. The JV has commenced reviewing options for a medium term upgrade to production that has the potential to more than double sales volumes and revenue. Samples of PGT material have recently been provided to multinational buyers in Japan and the USA as we seek to meet unprecedented demand. The JV is currently finalising sales pricing agreements for the short to medium term for offtake and new buyers - pricing for expandable graphite continues to increase due to the restrictions on exports from China." Graphite developers South Star Battery Metals [TSXV:STS] (OTCQB:STSBF) South Star Battery Metals' Santa Cruz Graphite Mine is in Bahia Brazil. The Company also owns the BamaStar Project in Coosa County, Alabama, USA. On June 25, Southern Star Battery Metals announced: "South Star Battery Metals announces successful metallurgical results for its BamaStar Graphite Project in Alabama, USA." Highlights include: "...Open circuit flotation tests resulted in excellent concentrates grade ranging from 94.4% Cg for fresh rock materials to 99.5% Cg for oxide samples with a simple flowsheet that maximizes graphite recovery and minimizes flake degradation. The open circuit graphite recoveries were high, ranging between 87.5% and 91.5%. Given the superior response of the oxide and transitional material, the next phase of work will investigate mining pit design to maximize processing of oxide and transitional material early in the project life and postpone mining of the fresh ore in order to decrease initial CAPEX, lower OPEX and target improved project economics. The NI43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment results for BamaStar are scheduled for release in August 2024." Renascor Resources [ASX:RNU] Renascor Resources Ltd. is an Australian exploration company, which focuses on the discovery and development of economically viable deposits containing uranium, gold, copper, and associated minerals. Its projects include graphite, copper, precious metals, and uranium. On July 11, Renascor Resources announced: "Renascor awarded $5m Government Grant. Australian critical minerals grant to co-fund purified spherical graphite demonstration facility." Highlights include: "...The grant has been awarded to Renascor to co-fund up to 49.9% of the capital cost of a $10 million demonstration processing plant that will produce battery-grade Purified Spherical Graphite (PSG) for use in lithium-ion battery anodes. Renascor's grant application was supported by South Korean conglomerate POSCO International and Japanese trading company Hanwa Co. Ltd. Renascor has previously entered into non-binding offtake agreements with both POSCO and Hanwa Co. Ltd..." Talga Group [ASX:TLG] [GR:TGX] (OTCPK:TLGRF) Talga Group is a technology minerals company enabling stronger, lighter and more functional materials for the multi-billion dollar global coatings, battery, construction, and carbon composites markets using graphene and graphite. Talga 100% owned graphite deposits are in Sweden, proprietary process test facility is in Germany. No significant news for the month. Westwater Resources (WWR) Westwater Resources Inc. is developing an advanced battery graphite business in Alabama. The Coosa Graphite Plant (2023 production start) plans to source natural graphite initially from non-China suppliers and then from the USA from 2028. On July 18, Westwater Resources announced: "Westwater Resources announces off-take sales agreement with Stellantis for sale of graphite from its Kellyton Plant." Highlights include: "Westwater contracts with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ("FCA"), a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles and part of Stellantis, to supply natural graphite anode material. With this binding Off-Take Agreement and the previously announced agreement with SK ON, Westwater has now secured off-take agreements for 100% of its Kellyton Phase 1 capacity. With over $120 million into its Kellyton plant, and with these two off-take agreements in place, Westwater is proceeding to secure debt financing to complete construction." Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd [ASX:MNS] (OTCPK:MNSEF) Magnis is an Australian-based company that has rapidly moved into battery technology and is planning to become one of the world's largest manufacturers of lithium-ion battery cells. Magnis has a world-class graphite deposit in Tanzania known as the Nachu Graphite Project. On June 10, Magnis Energy Technologies announced: "Long term suspended entities. The securities of the following entities have been suspended for more than three months." Black Rock Mining [ASX:BKT] On June 27, Black Rock Mining announced: "Black Rock completes full form offtake agreements for large flake graphite concentrate." Highlights include: "Black Rock has executed full form offtake agreements for large flake graphite concentrate with two key customers: Muhui International Trade (Dalian) Co. Ltd (Muhui), and Qingdao Yujinxi New Material Co. Ltd (Qinqdao). Key terms of the two Offtake Agreements: Supply of 15ktpa of large flake concentrate (>+100 mesh) under each offtake contract (for a total of 30ktpa). Buyers option to purchase an additional 10ktpa of any uncontracted volume under each offtake contract (for a total additional volume of 20ktpa). Initial three (3) year term, extendable by two (2) years at the buyers option. Price indexed to published indices, RefWin and ICCSino." On July 17, Black Rock Mining announced: "Black Rock signs mining services contract with Taifa." Highlights include: "Black Rock has signed a mining services contract with TAIFA Mining and Civils Limited (Taifa) for an initial term of 3 years, subject to Final Investment Decision [FID]. Taifa is a highly skilled and experienced mining contractor based in Tanzania. The contract value for the initial 3-year term is US$37.9m, and is consistent with the estimated cost in the Mahenge eDFS Update released on the ASX in Oct. 2022. Signing the mining services contract is a key de-risking milestone for Black Rock and satisfies one of the conditions precedent for project lenders." On July 24, Black Rock Mining announced: "June 2024 quarterly activities report." Highlights include: "...Loan documentation for the US$153m in project debt facilities with DBSA, IDC and CRDB progressed materially during the quarter and is expected to be finalised shortly. A$9.1m cash at bank at 30 June 2024." Nouveau Monde Graphite [TSXV:NOU] (NMGRF) (NYSE:NMG) and Mason Resources Inc. [TSXV:LLG] [GR:M01] (OTCQX:MGPHF) Nouveau Monde Graphite ("NMG") own the Matawinie Graphite Project, located in the municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints and the Lac Guéret Project. On June 27, Nouveau Monde Graphite announced: NMG discloses Annual General & Special Meeting voting results and provides update on the advancement of its Business Strategy... Having a majority of its Phase-2 production reserved via offtakes with Panasonic Energy and GM, active commercial engagement with other tier-1 battery and EV manufacturers to formalize long-term agreements on active anode material volumes and potential equity investment. Strong footing for launch of construction once minimum financing is reached; construction-ready Phase-2 sites, core owner team assembled, and project execution strategy outlined. Project financing diligently advancing through engagement with multiple governmental agencies and programs, strategic investors, and lenders. On July 2, Nouveau Monde Graphite announced: "NMG pays accrued interests..." Greenwing Resources Limited [ASX:GW1] (OTCPK:BSSMF) No significant news for the month. Triton Minerals [ASX:TON][GR:1TG] Triton Minerals Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of areas that are highly prospective for gold, graphite and other minerals. Triton has two large graphite projects in Mozambique, not far from Syrah Resources Balama Project. In July 2024 Triton divested 70%, retaining 30% of their Mozambique graphite assets. On July 2, Triton Minerals announced: "Triton agrees to divest 70% of Mozambique graphite assets for A$17 million cash." Highlights include: "Triton expected to receive material, near term cash - A$17 million cash payment payable to Triton in staged payments. Fastest development pathway - the non-associated Directors of Triton deem the Transaction to be the fastest and most logical route to production for the flagship Ancuabe Graphite Project, given Shandong Yulong's status as a Shanghai Stock Exchange listed entity with a market capitalisation of approximately RMB10 billion. Retains optionality to the graphite market - Triton will initially retain a 30% joint venture interest in the Mozambique Graphite Assets, which provides Triton with continued exposure to the graphite market. Well-funded for value accretive transactions -Triton is expected to be well funded to assess value accretive acquisitions to generate Triton shareholder value." On July 3, Triton Minerals announced: "1st tranche funds received." Falcon Energy Materials plc [TSXV:SRG] [GR:18Y] [Formerly SRG Mining Inc.] SRG is focused on developing the Lola graphite deposit, which is located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. The Lola Graphite occurrence has a prospective surface outline of 3.22 km2 of continuous graphitic gneiss, one of the largest graphitic surface areas in the world. SRG owns 100% of the Lola Graphite Project. On July 2, Falcon Energy Materials plc announced: Redomiciliation to United Arab Emirates completed. Falcon Energy Materials announces name change. Strategic partnership and financing discussions progressing. Falcon Energy Materials plc (TSXV: SRG), formerly SRG Mining Inc. ("Falcon" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the completion of its redomiciliation to the jurisdiction of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (the "ADGM") in the United Arab Emirates (the "UAE Redomiciliation"). The UAE Redomiciliation will provide the Company with expanded strategic options as it advances its partnership discussions. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates ("UAE") has double taxation and bilateral investment treaties with the Republic of Guinea, where Falcon's primary asset, the Lola Graphite Project, is located EcoGraf Limited [ASX:EGR] [FSE:FMK] (OTCQB:ECGFF) On July 11, EcoGraf Limited announced: Study confirms EcoGraf HFfree™ process cost advantages...New raw material demand for graphite in North America and Europe expected to increase significantly from 2026. On July 17, EcoGraf Limited announced: Product qualification facility successfully commissioned. Major milestone achieved through State-of-the-Art facility to produce Battery Anode Material for the Lithium-ion Battery Market. On July 25, EcoGraf Limited announced: "Updated Epanko ore reserve. 110% increase in proven ore reserve, providing the highest level of confidence." Highlights include: "Epanko Ore Reserve increased to 14.3Mt at 8.8% total graphitic carbon (TGC) for 1.25Mt of contained graphite... Updated Ore Reserve is based on the 73,000tpa stage 1 Epanko development, with significant potential to expand production, given the Ore Reserve represents 2.3km of the total 3.5km Mineral Resource estimate strike length, and approximately only 20% of the vertical extent. Initial 18-year Life of Mine (LOM) for stage 1, with additional Mineral Resources providing for a phased expansion up to 300,000tpa (refer ASX announcement on 28 April 2023). New mine design that delivers the Oxide Ore first strategy... New mine design follows recent site due diligence visits by KfW IPEX-Bank, Euler Hermes and independent technical engineers and environmental & social consultants. Low-grade material of ~3.1Mt at 5.1% TGC will be stockpiled and the processing deferred to the end of the current mining schedule, extending the initial stage 1 operating period by a further 5 years, to 23 years." Lomiko Metals Inc. [TSXV:LMR](LMRMF) Lomiko has two projects in Canada - La Loutre graphite Project (flagship) (100% interest) and the Bourier lithium Project (70% earn in interest). On July 15, Lomiko Metals Inc. announced: Lomiko Metals provides an update on closing of the flow-through unit offering and closing of the first tranche of the hard dollar private placement...the Company will issue 1,463,415 flow-through units (the "FT Units") at a price of $0.41 per FT Unit for a total of $600,000. On July 22, Lomiko Metals Inc. announced: Lomiko Metals provides update on community engagement at La Loutre...Belinda Labatte, Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chair of the Board of Directors, said: "Perspectives from various groups were provided. Our role is to respond to all questions and keep the channels of discussion open. The feedback we have received is relevant and will guide our next steps..." Metals Australia [ASX:MLS] No graphite related news for the month. NGX Limited (100% owned subsidiary of Sovereign Metals [ASX:SVM] [GR:SVM][LSE:SVML]) (OTCQX:SVMLF) On July 3, Sovereign Metals Limited announced: "Rio Tinto to invest additional a$18.5 million via option exercise." Highlights include: "Rio Tinto to invest A$18.5 million via the exercise of options, to increase its shareholding in Sovereign to 19.76%. Investment proceeds to be used to continue advancing the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi. Rio Tinto's further investment represents another significant step towards unlocking a major new supply of low-CO2-footprint natural rutile and flake graphite. Under the Investment Agreement between Sovereign and Rio Tinto, Rio Tinto continues to provide assistance and advice on technical and marketing aspects of Kasiya." On July 8, Sovereign Metals Limited announced: "Sovereign commences trading on OTCQX Market...under the ticker symbol SVMLF." On July 22, NGX Limited announced: "Acquisition of uranium exploration projects in Namibia..." On July 25, Sovereign Metals Limited announced: "Dry mining trial successfully completed at pilot phase test pit." Highlights include: "Pilot Phase dry mining trial confirms Kasiya can be efficiently mined using standard mobile excavators and trucks... Test pit mined as planned and on schedule to a depth of 20 metres, excavating approximately 170,000 bench cubic metres... Ore extracted with zero strip ratio successfully stockpiled with no requirement to crush or grind prior to use as processing plant feed. Hydraulic mining trials to begin in coming weeks with six million litre water storage pond currently filled to 80% capacity. Pilot Phase continues to progress as part of ongoing PFS Optimisation Study with oversight from Sovereign-Rio Tinto Technical Committee." Sarytogan Graphite [ASX:SGA] Sarytogan Graphite has an Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource of 229Mt @ 28.9% TGC in Central Kazakhstan. On July 1, Sarytogan Graphite announced: "Mining licence notification." Highlights include: "The Kazakh Competent Authority has provided notice that the Sarytogan Mining Licence will be granted, subject to obtaining the Environmental Permit in the next one year. The Environmental Permit process is well advanced with a draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submitted and a successful public hearing held on Friday 28th June 2024. The Pre-Feasibility Study [PFS] on the Sarytogan Graphite Project is on track for publication no later than 30th September 2024." On July 17, Sarytogan Graphite announced: "Quarterly activities report, quarter ending 30 June 2024." Albany Graphite Corp. (100% owned subsidiary of Zentek Ltd. [TSXV:ZEN] (ZTEK) On July 17, Zentek Ltd. announced: "Zentek subsidiary Albany Graphite Corp. achieves five nines purity for Albany Graphite." Highlights include: "Ultra-high purity "five nines" 99.99915 weight % graphite by Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS) analysis on a 100-gram sample... Material to be immediately tested for suitability as anode component for lithium-ion batteries. Purified samples will be evaluated for suitability for the nuclear market. Exploring both production and processing of graphite to create battery ready anode material." On July 23, Zentek Ltd. announced: "Zentek announces non-brokered private placement of units for up to $3 million." On July 24, Zentek Ltd. announced: "Zentek launches National Sampling Program for ZenGUARD™ Antimicrobial Surgical Masks..." Other graphite juniors Armadale Capital [AIM:ACP], Castle Minerals [ASX:CDT], DNI Metals [CSE:DNI] (OTC:DMNKF), Eagle Graphite [TSXV:EGA] [GR:NJGP] (OTC:APMFF), Elcora Advanced Materials Corp. [TSXV:ERA] (OTCPK:ECORF), Electric Royalties [TSXV:ELEC], E-Power Resources [CSE:EPR], Evolution Energy Minerals [ASX:EV1] (OTCPK:EVMIF), Focus Graphite [TSXV:FMS][GR:FKC] (OTCQB:FCSMF), Graphite One Resources Inc. [TSXV:GPH] [GR:2JC] (OTCQX:GPHOF), Green Battery Minerals Inc. [TSXV:GEM] (OTCQB:GBMIF), Infinity Stone Ventures [CSE:GEMS] (OTCPK:GEMSF), International Graphite [ASX:IG6], Lithium Energy Limited [ASX:LEL], New Energy Metals Corp. [ASX:NXE], Volt Carbon Technologies [TSXV:VCT] (OTCQB:TORVF), Volt Resources [ASX:VRC] [GR:R8L], Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. [CSE:RFLX] (OTCQB:RFLXF), Walkabout Resources Ltd [ASX:WKT]. Spherical Graphite companies Aoyu Graphite Group Battery Minerals Ltd [ASX:BAT] Graphex Group [HKG: 6128] (GRFX) Imerys Graphite & Carbon [FR:NK](OTCPK:IMYSF) (OTCPK:IMYSY) Jixi BTR graphite Industrial Park Qingdao Black Dragon Graphite Group Qingdao Yanxin Graphite Products Co. Syrah Resources Limited [ASX:SYR] (OTCPK:SYAAF) Yingkou Botian Material Technology Limited Comp. Synthetic Graphite companies GrafTech International (EAF) Resonac Holdings [TYO:4004) BTR New Material Group [BJSE:835185] Lianyungang Jinli Carbon Shanshan Technology (SHA:600884) SGL Carbon [ETR:SGL] (OTCPK:SGLFF) Novonix Ltd [ASX:NVX](NVX). Graphene companies Archer Materials [ASX:AXE] Black Swan Graphene Inc. [TSXV:SWAN] Elcora Advanced Materials Corp. [TSXV:ERA](OTCPK:ECORF) First Graphene [ASX:FGR] (OTCQB:FGPHF) Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd [TSXV:GMG] NanoXplore Inc. [TSXV:GRA] (OTCQX:NNXPF) Strategic Elements Ltd [ASX:SOR] Zentek Ltd. [TSXV:ZEN] (ZTEK). Conclusion July saw China flake graphite prices flat to slightly higher. Highlights for the month were: The US administration is supporting North American anode production by implementing a 25% tariff on Chinese anodes. Synthetic anode material average prices tip below natural graphite for the first time in over three years. S&P Global: US outpaced by most other countries in mine development times. Markets largely adjusted to China's germanium, gallium, graphite export controls one year on. Syrah Resources June Quarter -- Balama campaign production of 24 kt at 78% recovery with strong cost and ESG performance. Operations at the 11.25ktpa AAM Vidalia facility ramping up with solid capacity utilization. MRC agrees terms to settle dispute and become 100% owner of Munglinup Graphite Project. NextSource plans to construct, in stages, multiple Battery Anode Facilities globally. Gratomic has taken steps to significantly reduced expenses in Namibia, Canada, and Brazil by a total of $115,000 per month. Evion Group: Supply agreement secured for Expandable Graphite JV in India. South Star Battery Metals announces successful metallurgical results for its BamaStar Graphite Project. Recoveries ranging between 87.5% and 91.5%. Renascor Resources awarded $5m Government Grant. Grant to co-fund purified spherical graphite demonstration facility. Westwater Resources announces off-take sales agreement with Stellantis for sale of graphite from its Kellyton Plant. BlackRock Mining has executed full form offtake agreements for large flake graphite concentrate with Muhui International Trade (Dalian) Co. Ltd (Muhui) and Qingdao Yujinxi New Material Co. Ltd (Qinqdao). Triton agrees to divest 70% of Mozambique graphite assets for A$17 million cash. Falcon Energy Materials plc (formerly SRG Mining Inc.) redomiciliation to the United Arab Emirates completed. EcoGraf product qualification facility successfully commissioned. 110% increase in Epanko proven ore reserve. Sovereign Metals: Rio Tinto to invest additional A$18.5 million via option exercise. Sarytogan Graphite receives Mining license "notification." Zentek subsidiary Albany Graphite Corp. achieves five nines purity for Albany Graphite. As usual, all comments are welcome. Editor's Note: This article discusses one or more securities that do not trade on a major U.S. exchange. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks. Trend Investing - Full Tier subscribers benefit from early access to articles and exclusive articles on investing ideas and the latest trends (especially in the EV and EV metals sector). Plus CEO interviews, chat room access with other professional investors. Read "The Trend Investing Difference", or sign up here. Or join Trend Investing - Basic tier for a cheaper slimmed down service here. Trend Investing articles Exclusive: The Latest Electric Vehicle, Battery & EV Metal Miner Trends - July 2024 BYD Co Has Just Had A Massive Price Target Increase From JP MorganiShares UK ETF Looks Appealing On A PE Of 14.2, New Prime Minister The Trend Investing group includes qualified financial personnel with a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment and well over 20 years of professional experience in financial markets. They search the globe for great investments with a focus on trending and emerging themes. The current focus is on electric vehicles, the EV metals supply chain, stationary energy storage and AI. They lead the investing group of the same brand name, Trend Investing. Features of the service include: Access to the Trend Investing portfolio, 7 monthly news updates, a monthly macro trends update, stock watchlist, CEO interviews, and direct access to the community and group leaders in chat. Analyst's Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of SYRAH RESOURCES [ASX:SYR], AMG ADVANCED METALLURGICAL GROUP NV [AMS:AMG], MAGNIS ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES [ASX:MNS], ZENTEK LTD [TSXV:ZEN] either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. This article is for 'information purposes only' and should not be considered as any type of advice or recommendation. Readers should "Do Your Own Research" ("DYOR") and all decisions are your own. See also Seeking Alpha Terms of Use of which all site users have agreed to follow. https://about.seekingalpha.com/terms Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Lithium Junior Miners News For The Month Of July 2024

I do much more than just articles at Trend Investing: Members get access to model portfolios, regular updates, a chat room, and more. Learn More " Welcome to the July 2024 edition of the 'junior' lithium miner news. We have categorized those lithium miners that are not in production as the juniors. Note: Investors are reminded that many of the lithium juniors will most likely not be needed until the mid to late 2020's to supply the potentially booming electric vehicle [EV] and energy storage markets. This means investing in these companies requires a higher risk tolerance and a longer time frame. July saw lithium prices lower, with the China lithium carbonate spot price hitting its lowest point in ~3 years. Lithium price news Asian Metal reported during the past 30 days, the China delivered lithium carbonate (99.5% min.) spot price was down 4.77% and the China lithium hydroxide (56.5% min.) price was down 2.93%. The Lithium Iron Phosphate (3.9% min) price was down 1.72%. The Spodumene (6% min) price was down 4.77% over the past 30 days. Metal.com reported lithium spodumene concentrate Index (Li2O 5.5%-6.2%, excluding tax/insurance/freight) spot price of USD 950, as of July 23, 2024. China lithium carbonate spot price 5 year chart - CNY 85,500 (~USD 11,752) (source) Rio Tinto forecasts lithium emerging supply gap (chart from 2021) - 60 new mines the size of Jadar needed 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 July 2024" article. Highlights include: BMI (unit of Fitch Solutions) forecasts mainland Chinese lithium carbonate 99.5% to average $15,500/tonne in 2024 and $20,000/tonne in 2025. Indonesia launches first EV battery plant to take advantage of rich nickel resources. China's batteries are now cheap enough to power huge shifts. Lithium-ion battery prices have fallen dramatically in the last year with LFP batteries in China at US$75/kWh. BEVs are currently the cheapest drivetrain by average transaction price in China. China's CATL hints at EV batteries that last 16 years or 1.24 million miles (2 million kilometers). ANZ sees lithium at 16k-18k/t by 2025. Growing need for lithium hedging to meet energy transition demand. Reuters Andy Home - "The seeds of the next lithium upswing are already being sown in the current low-price environment." S&P Global: US outpaced by most other countries in mine development times. Albemarle CEO - Lithium's low price does not justify new spending on plants. Junior lithium miners company news Liontown Resources [ASX:LTR] (OTCPK:LINRF) Liontown Resources 100% own the Kathleen Valley Lithium spodumene project in Western Australia. On July 2, Liontown Resources announced: Strategic partnership with LG Energy Solution to deliver long-term funding for Kathleen Valley. Liontown Resources has secured a US$250 million investment and 10-year offtake extension from foundational partner, LG Energy Solution, paving the way for long-term growth from Kathleen Valley and collaboration to explore the feasibility of establishing a lithium refinery. On July 15, Liontown Resources announced: "Liontown executes new short-term Offtake Agreement for initial ramp-up volumes." Highlights include: "Liontown and BSIT have executed a definitive binding full-form offtake agreement (Offtake Agreement). The short-term Offtake Agreement is for the supply of up to 100,000 dry metric tonnes (DMT) over a 10-month period to commence by 30 September 2024. Pricing is determined using a formula-based mechanism referencing market prices for battery-grade lithium carbonate. BSIT is a well-known company operating in the lithium chemicals industry, and is active in both hard-rock lithium mining and refining of spodumene concentrates into battery-grade lithium chemicals." Upcoming catalysts include: Q3, 2024: Commissioning with production set to begin very soon at the Kathleen Valley Project. 2023-25: Study with Sumitomo Corporation to produce lithium hydroxide in Japan. Eramet [FR:ERA] (OTCPK:ERMAY) (OTCPK:ERMAF) Eramet is in a JV 'Eramine Sudamerica' (50.1% Eramet, 49.9% Tsingshan) which owns the Centenario-Ratones Lithium Project in Argentina. Eramet targets to start DLE production by Q2 2024. On July 3, Eramet announced: "Eramet inaugurates its direct lithium extraction plant in Argentina, becoming the first European company to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate at industrial scale." Highlights include: "Start of the commissioning of the Centenario direct lithium extraction plant, located in Salta Province, Argentina; first production planned in November 2024. A key milestone in Eramet's strategic development into producing metals for energy transition. A technological achievement at 4,000 m of altitude, implementing at industrial scale one of the most advanced Direct Lithium Extraction ('DLE') process, developed in-house. Centenario Phase 1 is designed to extract and produce 24,000 t/year[1] of battery-grade lithium carbonate at full capacity, and should be positioned in the 1st quartile of the lithium industry cost-curve..." On July 4, Eramet announced: Information relating to the repurchase by Eramet of all of its outstanding €300,000,000 5.875 per cent. Bonds due 21 May 2025 (ISIN: FR0013461274) (the "Bonds"). Upcoming catalysts include: November 2024 - Start up of lithium production in Argentina, target 5-7kt LCE in 2024. Progress construction pics here. POSCO [KRX:005490] (PKX) POSCO owns the northern Sal de Vida (Hombre Muerto salar, Argentina) tenements. POSCO also has a JV with Pilbara Minerals on a 43ktpa lithium hydroxide facility in S Korea. On July 14, KED Global reported: POSCO seeks restructuring for $1.9 bn injection in battery materials. The restructuring will be done by 2026 while retiring $1.5 billion worth of treasury stocks to raise corporate value. Upcoming catalysts include: Mid 2024 - Target to commence production at Hombre Muerto and ramp to 25ktpa LiOH. Leo Lithium Limited [ASX:LLL] (OTCPK:LLLAF) Leo Lithium agreed to sell its share in the Goulamina Lithium Project in Mali to Ganfeng Lithium, subject to certain conditions. On July 1, Leo Lithium announced: "Goulamina Mineral Resource upgrade to 267.2 Mt..." On July 1, Leo Lithium announced: "Leo Lithium transfers project management to Ganfeng...No resumption in trading of Leo Lithium shares on ASX at this stage." On July 25, Leo Lithium announced: " UPDATE ON PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION OF CONSIDERATION FROM MLBV SALE...A significant portion of the proceeds from the sale will be returned to shareholders. Leo Lithium is now proposing two cash distributions to shareholders with the first one, as previously announced, planned for January 2025 and a second payment in July 2025. Upcoming catalysts include: 2024 - Potential capital return to shareholders from some or all of the net after-tax proceeds of the Goulamina sale. Note: The pre-tax value is approximately equivalent to A$0.43 per LLL share, according to Leo Lithium (stated on page 1). A more recent update here. Atlas Lithium Corp. (ATLX) No news for the month. Upcoming catalysts include: Q4, 2024/Q1, 2025 - Production targeted to begin at the Neves Lithium Project (a part of the Minas Gerais Lithium Project) in Brazil. Rio Tinto [ASX:RIO] [LN:RIO] (RIO) On July 16, Mining.com reported: Rio Tinto hails another step closer to develop Serbian lithium mine. Mining group Rio Tinto welcomed on Tuesday the Serbian government's reinstatement of its licence to develop Europe's biggest lithium mine... Rio said that the project will be subject to stringent environmental requirements including an "extended phase" of legal, environmental and permitting procedures and public consultations before it is implemented. On July 18, Bloomberg reported: Mercedes, Stellantis in talks to back Serbia's lithium plans. Carmakers may invest in processing, EV battery production. Rio Tinto is set to develop $2.4 billion mine after setback. Upcoming catalysts include: Late 2024 - Plans to begin production of 3,000tpa at their Rincon Lithium Project in Argentina. Plan to develop the large Jadar Lithium Project in Serbia. Atlantic Lithium Limited [LSE:ALL] [ASX:A11] (OTCQX:ALLIF) Atlantic Lithium is progressing its Ewoyaa JV Project in Ghana towards production. Piedmont Lithium has an effective 40.5% project earn-in share. On July 12, Atlantic Lithium Limited announced: Ewoyaa Lithium Project update...The Company is pleased to confirm that the application for the grant of the Mining Lease in respect of the Project has been submitted to the Ghanaian parliament. The necessary parliamentary process is now underway for parliament to ratify the Mining Lease. Galan Lithium [ASX:GLN] Galan is developing their flagship Hombre Muerto West ("HMW") Lithium Project located on the west side edge of the high grade, low impurity Hombre Muerto Salar in Argentina. On July 12, Galan Lithium announced: "HMW Project update." Highlights include: "In situ lithium mining inventory continues to build with over 2,800t LCE accumulating in ponds. Overall project completion is close to 40%. Project construction continues to advance at a pace commensurate with preserving cash. First production from HMW is now targeted for H2 2025. Average brine flow rate, well lithium grade and evaporation rates are in line with or better than those utilised in the Phase 1 Feasibility Study. Pond inventory management system in place to protect inventory and optimise evaporation process. Offtake partners shortlisted with Galan progressing towards a definitive sales agreement and associated funding package." On July 15, Galan Lithium announced: At-the-market raise. Galan Lithium Limited (ASX:GLN) ("Galan" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has utilised its At-the-Market Subscription Agreement ("ATM") with Acuity Capital (see announcements on 12 April 2024 and 14 May 2024) to raise $1,100,000 (inclusive of costs) by agreeing to issue 7,050,000 fully paid ordinary GLN.ASX shares to Acuity Capital at an issue price of $0.156 per share... Upcoming catalysts include: H2, 2025 - Target to ramp to 5.4ktpa LCE of lithium chloride production. Phase 2 to follow and ramp to 21Ktpa LCE. Vulcan Energy Resources [ASX: VUL] (OTCPK: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 June 30, Vulcan Energy Resources announced: Vulcan welcomes Germany's Geothermal Acceleration Draft Law...The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has taken a significant step towards advancing geothermal renewable energy projects in Germany with the publication of a draft law for geothermal acceleration. The Geothermal Acceleration Law aims to benefit geothermal operators, federal states, and local authorities by removing obstacles to the development of geothermal energy, supporting Germany's goal of generating 10 TWh of geothermal energy by 2030... On July 19, Vulcan Energy Resources announced: Vulcan secures first lithium and geothermal energy licences in France. Upcoming catalysts include: End 2026 - Target to commence commercial production at the Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project in Germany, then ramp to 40,000tpa. Latin Resources Ltd [ASX:LRS] (LAXXF) LRS' flagship is the 100% owned Salinas Lithium Project in the pro-mining district of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Salinas Lithium Project has a Mineral Resource Estimate of 70.3Mt @ 1.27% of Li2O at the Colina and Fog's Block Deposits. No news for the month. Upcoming catalysts include: Q3 2024 - DFS due for the Salinas Lithium Project. Standard Lithium [TSXV:SLI] (SLI) No news for the month. Upcoming catalysts include: 2026 - Production targeted to begin at the LANXESS South Plant. ioneer Ltd [ASX:INR] [GR:4G1] (OTCPK:GSCCF) ioneer Ltd. owns 50% (JV with Sibanye Stillwater) of its flagship Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, USA. On July 18 ioneer Ltd announced: "Newly identified Shelf Zone delivers standout drill results ahead of Ore Reserve update." Upcoming catalysts include: 2024+ - Possible permitting approval. Commencement of construction of the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project. Targets to commence operations in 2027. Lithium Americas [TSX:LAC] (LAC) Lithium Americas owns the North American assets (Thacker Pass, ~5.2% equity in GT1) from the LAC split. No news for the month. Upcoming catalysts: 2024 - Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction to progress. 2027 - Phase 1 (40,000tpa LCE) lithium clay production from Thacker Pass Nevada (full ramp to 80,000tpa by ?2029). Critical Elements Lithium Corp. [TSXV:CRE] [GR:F12] (OTCQX:CRECF) No news for the month. Upcoming catalysts include: 2024 - Possible off-take or project financing announcements. Global Lithium Resources [ASX:GL1] (OTCPK:GBLRF) On July 4, Global Lithium Resources announced: Manna ore sorting trial confirms excellent results across range of ore grades. Ore sorting shows higher spodumene recoveries from the Manna Lithium Project verified by QEMSCAN mineralogical analysis. On July 12, Global Lithium Resources announced: "Cancellation of incentive performance rights." On July 23, Global Lithium Resources announced: "Quarterly report for the period ending 30 June 2024." Highlights include: "The Manna Lithium Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) increases by 43% to 51.6Mt @ 1.0% Li2O positioning the project as the 2nd largest lithium resource in the Kalgoorlie Lithium Province. 26% increase in total contained Li 2O from 406,000 tonnes to 515,000 tonnes Li2O. Contained Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) of 1,276 Kt. 63% increase in Indicated JORC classification to 32.9Mt @ 1.04% Li2O. New MRE model to be utilised in the Manna Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), expected to be released in H2 CY24. Continued engagement with Kakarra Part B Native Title Group to finalise Native Title Mining Agreement. 6,000m Reverse Circulation [RC] drilling program commenced at the Manna Lithium Project. RC drill rig is targeting pegmatite extensions southwest along strike from the Manna Resource following up on the 21m @ 0.99% Li2O from 91m intersected in MRC0312. Exploration Incentive Scheme [EIS] grant awarded by WA Government for gold-silver-copper drilling at the Marble Bar Lithium Project." Upcoming catalysts: H2, 2024 - DFS for the Manna Lithium Project (to include an updated MRE). European Lithium Ltd [ASX:EUR] (OTCQB:EULIF) On July 1, European Lithium announced: CRML joins Russell Indexes. Critical Metals Corp. selected for inclusion in the Russell 2000® Index, Russell 3000® Index, and the Russell Microcap® Index On July 4, European Lithium announced: "Obeikan Group executes Shareholder Agreement for hydroxide plant in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Highlights include: "Obeikan Group has agreed to a Deed of Assignment and entered into the Shareholder Agreement for the development and operation of the plant. Work is progressing with incorporation of the joint venture company, Arabian New Energy. Arabian New Energy shall be incorporated after successful registration and approval by the KSA Regulatory Authorities." Savannah Resources [LSE:SAV] [GR:SAV] (OTCPK:SAVNF) On July 11, Savannah Resources announced: "Further results from DFS Phase 1 drilling confirm resource expansion potential." Highlights include: "Savannah reports significant lithium assays which it has received from a further 8 diamond drill holes... Significant lithium mineralisation intersections at the Western pegmatite at Pinheiro include: 36.5m @ 1.24% Li2O from 33.5m in 24PNRDD003. 16.48m @ 1.22% Li2O from 41.02m in 24PNRDD004. 14.08m @ 1.04% Li2O from 9.32m in 24PNRDD007. 16.43m @ 1.57% Li2O from 18.57m and 11m @ 0.79% Li2O from 61m in 24PNRDD008 (vertical hole not true widths)... Significant lithium mineralisation intersections at NOA include: 9.86m @ 1.3% Li2O from 49.14m in 24NOADD011 (twinned holes). 5.45m @ 1.25% Li2O from 0.35m in 24NOADD010 (twinned holes) and 21m @ 1.26% Li2O from 31m. At Reservatório a diamond hole drilled for geotechnical purposes intersected 53.1m of pegmatite and aplite and shows that the Reservatório pegmatite continues to be mineralised at depth. Significant lithium mineralised intersections at Reservatório include: 7m @ 1.16% Li2O from 143m, 5.7m @ 0.81% Li2O from 172m and 6.5m @ 1.22% Li2O from 180.5m in 24RESDD013..." Upcoming catalysts include: Late 2024 - DFS due to complete at the Barroso Lithium Project. Patriot Battery Metals [TSX:PMET][ASX:PMT] (OTCQX:PMETF) Patriot Battery Metals own the Corvette Lithium Project in James Bay, Quebec. Corvette has a Maiden resource of 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O. On June 24, Patriot Battery Metals announced: Patriot drills 124.9 m at 1.72% Li2O and 35.6 m at 3.78% Li2O in final batch of CV5 assays ahead of Q3 Resource Update...Results for 4,538 m (16 holes) remain to be reported from the 2024 winter drill program - all from CV13 and including multiple step-out drill holes targeting the recently discovered/announced high-grade Vega Zone. On June 26, Patriot Battery Metals announced: Patriot maintains exploration & development momentum at Corvette with extensive summer-fall workplan... On July 7, Patriot Battery Metals announced: Patriot extends Vega Zone with standout intercepts including 9.7 m at 5.16% Li2O and 35.3 m at 2.40% Li2O...Patriot remains on schedule for a Mineral Resource Estimate update for the Corvette Project in August 2024, including both the CV5 and CV13 spodumene pegmatites. On July 11, Patriot Battery Metals announced: Patriot Files Preliminary Base Shelf Prospectus...Patriot President, Managing Director & CEO Ken Brinsden said: "Given Patriot supports both a TSX and ASX listing, the filing of a Base Shelf Prospectus better aligns the share issue process on TSX with ASX outcomes. Following the C$75 million flow-through financing completed in May, Patriot remains extremely well-funded through the current cycle. This strong balance sheet position supports our multi-pronged exploration and development strategy, including the delivery of the 2024 Summer-Fall work program, the impending resource update in August, the completion of a PEA in September and the delivery of the Feasibility Study by the September quarter of 2025." Upcoming catalysts: August 2024 - Updated Resource estimate for CV5 and CV13 at the Corvette Project. September 2024 - PEA. September quarter 2025 - FS. Frontier Lithium [TSXV:FL] (OTCQX: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). JV with Mitsubishi Corporation to advance the Project signed in 2024. No news for the month. Delta Lithium [ASX:DLI](formerly Red Dirt Metals) No significant news for the month. Winsome Resources Limited [ASX:WR1] [FSE:4XJ] (OTCQB:WRSLF) On July 2, Winsome Resources announced: Winsome receives MCS grant from Government of Québec. Winsome's subsidiary Lithium Winsome Adina Inc has been granted circa C$130,000 (A$146,000) by the Quebec Government. Upcoming catalysts: H2, 2024 - Adina Project studies and a decision regarding the Renard Project option. Lithium Ionic Corp. [TSXV:LTH] (OTCQX:LTHCF) On June 28, Lithium Ionic Corp. announced: Lithium Ionic executes definitive agreement for US$20 million royalty financing with Appian Capital...A 2.25% Life-of-Mine gross revenue royalty on the Bandeira Project... On July 3, Lithium Ionic Corp. announced: "Lithium Ionic enters option agreement to acquire up to 90% interest in new Itinga properties totaling 2,983 ha in the Lithium Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil." On July 5, Lithium Ionic Corp. announced: Lithium Ionic initiates drilling at four properties surrounding Bandeira Development Project and expands Salinas Drilling Program to 30,000m in the Lithium Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil... On July 18, Lithium Ionic Corp. announced: "Lithium Ionic completes US$20 million royalty agreement with Appian Capital." Wildcat Resources [ASX:WC8] On July 11, Wildcat Resources announced: "Quarterly activities report - June 2024." Highlights include: "New high-grade Luke discovery at Tabba Tabba returns: 43.0m at 1.4% Li2O from 316m and 43.4m at 1.1% Li2O from 412m (TARC248D)... Tabba Tabba's 2.2km-long Leia pegmatite, outcropping at surface, returns wide and high-grade zones including: 105.3m at 1.1% Li2O from 213.7m (TARC259AD) (est. true width). 84.8m at 1.3% Li2O from 251.4m (TADD020) (est. true width). 71.7m @ 1.0% Li2O from 220.0m (TARC230D) (54.9m est. true width). 70.0m @ 1.1% Li2O from 265.0m (TADD021) (est. true width). Board strengthened with appointment of Fiona Van Maanen as Non-Executive Director. Wildcat successful in the ballot for five of 13 exploration licences at Bolt Cutter for 62km2 brings total 100% owned Pilbara land package to over 1000km2. Cash at bank of $77.2 M at 30 June 2024." On July 16, Wildcat Resources announced: "Excellent metallurgical results from Leia recoveries of ~79-84% Li2O for a 5.5% Li2O concentrate." European Metals Holdings [ASX:EMH] [AIM:EMH] [GR:E861] (OTCQX:EMHLF)(OTCQX:EMHXY) No news for the month. Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV:LCE) (OTCQX:CYDVF)(Formerly Cypress Development Corp.) Century Lithium Corp. is focused on developing its Angel Island Mine (formerly called Clayton Valley Lithium Project) in west-central Nevada. On July 23, Century Lithium Corp. announced: Century Lithium changes project name to Angel Island Mine. Century Lithium (or the Company) announces it has changed the name of its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada, USA to the Angel Island Mine (the Project). In April 2024, the Company announced a positive Feasibility Study for the Project, making it one of the few advanced lithium projects being developed in the United States. As the Company now continues to work towards permitting the Project, regulators encouraged a name change for clarity in the permitting process. The Angel Island name distinguishes it from other mining and energy projects in the area by using the name of a topographical feature from the Project. Lake Resources NL [ASX:LKE] [GR:LK1] (OTCQB:LLKKF) Lake Resources own 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 1, Lake Resources NL announced: "Lake Resources provides operational update." Highlights include: "Goldman Sachs led strategic partnering process for Kachi Project continues. Company actively marketing the sale of non-core assets. Company implements proactive plan to significantly reduce costs." On July 19, Lake Resources NL announced: "Lilac Solutions Technology efficiencies prompt review of Kachi Project costs." Highlights include: "Lake technology and Kachi Project partner identifies cost savings of up to 50% for Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") equipment construction cost. Lilac Solutions confirms improved long-term lithium recovery rates at more than 90% for most brines. Lake to review Kachi Project cost estimates in light of new data." AVZ Minerals AVZ Minerals owns 75% of its Manono Lithium & Tin Project in the DRC. The Project ownership is currently in dispute. No longer ASX listed. On June 25, AVZ Minerals announced: "Response to opportunistic and inadequate share purchase offer and company update..." On July 2, AVZ Minerals announced: "Further unsolicited offer communications...The company advises shareholders to take NO ACTION with respect to the IG communications." American Lithium Corp. [TSXV: LI] (AMLI) On June 27, American Lithium Corp. announced: "American Lithium announces strong progress on falchani flow sheet optimization and intent to commence pilot work during H2 2024." On July 16, American Lithium Corp. announced: "American Lithium announces financial and operating highlights for first quarter ended May 31, 2024." Highlights include: "Strengthens Team in Peru - appointment of former Deputy Minister of Mines, Mr. Augusto Cauti as a Strategic Corporate Advisor in relation to its Peruvian Operations. Social Initiative - launched the "Solar Electrification" program together with the Peruvian Armed Forces involving the installation of solar panels in remote home which lack electricity. Strong Progress on Falchani Flow Sheet Optimization -At $5,092/t of lithium carbonate ("LC"), current projected operating costs for Falchani (February 2024 PEA) are already amongst the lowest globally... Current intent to commence Falchani Pilot work during H2, 2024." 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. No news for the month. E3 Lithium Ltd. [TSXV:ETL] [FSE:OW3] (OTCQX: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 a M&I Resource of 16.0Mt. On June 26, E3 Lithium Ltd announced: "E3 Lithium outlines Clearwater Project Pre-Feasibility Study and confirms lithium reserves." Highlights include: "Initial production: 32,250 tonnes per annum Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LHM). 50-year operating life: covers only a portion of the total Bashaw District. Reserves: 1.29 million tonnes [MT] of LHM Proven & Probable lithium mineral reserve (1.13 Mt Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE)) from the total Bashaw District of 18.4 Mt of LHM Measured and Indicated mineral resource (16.2 Mt LCE) located in the Leduc Reservoir. Strong Project Economics: After-tax NPV $3.72 Billion with a 24.6% IRR at an 8% discount rate (pre-tax NPV8 of $5.18 Billion with a 29.2% IRR) using Benchmark Mineral Intelligence's [BMI] LHM price forecast. Initial Capital Expenditure [CAPEX]: $2.47 Billion includes water recycling and contingency. Initial Operating Costs (OPEX): $6,200 per tonne LHM provide for a long life and robust project fundamentals. Sustainably produced lithium: Process water for the operation will be sourced from recycling and make-up water from waste brine stream, smaller surface footprint relative to conventional lithium production4 with potential plant emissions of 1.9 tonnes CO2e/tonne LHM." Nevada Lithium Corp. [CSE:NVLH] (OTCQB:NVLHF) Nevada Lithium has an arrangement to own 100% of the Bonnie Claire Project in Nevada, USA; with an Inferred Resource of 18.68 million tonnes LCE. On July 23, Nevada Lithium Corp. announced: "Nevada Lithium commences 2024 drilling program at Bonnie Claire Lithium Project, Nevada." Lithium South Development Corp. [TSXV:LIS] (LISMF) No news for the month. Avalon Advanced Materials [TSX:AVL] [GR:OU5] (OTCQX:AVLNF) Avalon has three projects in Ontario, Canada, and five in total throughout Canada. Avalon's most advanced project is the Separation Rapids Lithium Project in Ontario with a M& I Petalite Zone Resource of 6.28mt grading 1.37% Li2O, plus an Inferred Resource of 0.94mt at 1.3%. Avalon has a JV with SCR-Sibelco NV ("Sibelco") (60% Sibelco: 40% Avalon) to develop their lithium assets. On July 22, Avalon Advanced Materials announced: Avalon Advanced Materials intersects 1.67% Li2O over 105.6m and 1.68% Li2O over 66.2m at Big Whopper deposit, separation rapids... Snow Lake Lithium (LITM) On July 5, Snow Lake Lithium announced: Snow Lake provides a corporate update...CEO remarks "Having assembled a global portfolio of uranium and lithium projects, we feel we have positioned Snow Lake to benefit from both the clean energy transition and the electric vehicle [EV] transition," commented Frank Wheatley, CEO of Snow Lake. He continued: "With exploration crews either in the field, or preparing to mobilize to the field, on our projects, we have high hopes for this exploration season." Green Technology Metals [ASX: GT1] No news for the month. Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. [TSXV: LIT] (PNXLF) (OTCQX:LILIF) No news for the month. St George Mining Ltd. [ASX:SGQ] [GR:SOG] No news for the month. Battery recycling, lithium processing and new cathode technologies Rock Tech Lithium [CVE:RCK](OTCQX:RCKTF) On June 27, Rock Tech Lithium announced: "Rock Tech to receive up to 100 million EUR in direct grants for its German Lithium refinery. Funding to be provided by the State of Brandenburg and the German Railway Authority. Further applications for federal guarantees ongoing." Highlights include: "Brandenburg's Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy has issued an LOI committing up to 90 million EUR in grants for Rock Tech's Lithium Converter in Guben. Additionally, the Federal German Railway Authority (Eisenbahnbundesamt) has offered the prospect of up to 10 million EUR of public funding to support the construction of train loading and unloading infrastructure. The subsides will be paid out over the construction period as non-dilutive equity grants. Payout is contingent on finalization of full equity and debt financing. In addition, the application process for up to 400 million EUR of federal guarantees to support Rock Tech's debt financing is ongoing." On July 15, Rock Tech Lithium announced: "Rock Tech selects Worley as its EPCM partner for Guben lithium converter." Neometals [ASX:NMT] (OTCQX:NMTAY) (Nasdaq:RDRUY) No significant news for the month. Nano One Materials (TSX: NANO) (OTCPK:NNOMF) No significant news for the month. Other lithium juniors Other juniors include: 5E Advanced Materials Inc [ASX:5EA] (FEAM), ACME Lithium Inc. [CSE:ACME] (OTCQB:ACLHF), American Lithium Minerals Inc. (OTCPK:AMLM), Anson Resources [ASX:ASN] [GR:9MY], Ardiden [ASX:ADV], Arizona Lithium [ASX:AZL] (OTCQB:AZLAF), Azimut Exploration [TSXV:AZM] (OTCQX:AZMTF), Bastion Minerals [ASX:BMO], Battery Age Minerals [ASX:BM8], Bradda Head Lithium Limited [LON:BHL] (OTCPK:BHLIF) (CDCZF), Brunswick Exploration [TSXV:BRW] (OTCQB:BRWXF), Bryah Resources Ltd [ASX:BYH], Carnaby Resources Ltd [ASX:CNB], Champion Electric Metals Inc. [CSE:LTHM] [FSE:1QB0] (OTCQB:CHELF), Charger Metals [ASX:CHR], CleanTech Lithium [AIM:CTL] (OTCQX:CTLHF), Compass Minerals International (CMP), Consolidated Lithium Metals Inc. [TSXV:CLM], Cosmos Exploration [ASX:C1X], Critical Resources [ASX:CRR], Cygnus Metals [ASX:CY5], Dixie Gold [TSXV:DG], Eastern Resources [ASX:EFE], Electric Royalties [TSXV:ELEC], Foremost Lithium Resources & Technology [CSE:FAT] (FRRSF), Future Battery Minerals [ASX:FBM] (AOUMF), Greentech Metals [ASX:GRE], Greenwing Resources Limited [ASX:GW1] (OTCPK:BSSMF), Grounded Lithium [TSXV:GRD] (OTCQB:GRDAF), HeliosX Lithium & Technologies Corp. [TSXV:HX] (formely Dajin Lithium Corp. [TSXV:DJI]), Hannans Ltd [ASX:HNR], Infinity Lithium [ASX:INF], Infinity Stone Ventures (CSE:GEMS)(OTCPK:GEMSF), International Battery Metals [CSE: IBAT] (OTCPK:IBATF), International Lithium Corp. [TSXV:ILC] [FSE: IAH] (OTCQB:ILHMF), Ion Energy [TSXV:ION], Jadar Resources Limited [ASX:JDR], James Bay Minerals Ltd [ASX:JBY], Jindalee Lithium Limited [ASX:JLL] (OTCQX:JNDAF), Kali Metals [ASX:KM1], Kodal Minerals (LSE-AIM:KOD), Larvotto Resources [ASX:LRV], Lepidico [ASX:LPD] (OTCPK:LPDNF), Liberty One Lithium Corp. [TSXV:LBY] (LRTTF), Li-FT Power [TSXV:LIFT] [FSE:WS0](OTCQX:LIFFF), Lithium Australia [ASX:LIT] (OTCPK:LMMFF), Lithium Chile Inc. [TSXV:LITH][GR:KC3] (OTCPK:LTMCF), Lithium Corp. (LTUM), Lithium Energi Exploration Inc. [TSXV:LEXI](OTCQB:LXENF), Lithium Energy Limited [ASX:LEL], Lithium Plus Minerals [ASX:LPM], Lithium Springs Limited [ASX:LS1], Loyal Lithium [ASX:LLI], Megado Minerals [ASX:MEG], Metals Australia [ASX:MLS], MetalsTech [ASX:MTC], Midland Exploration [TSXV:MD] (OTCPK:MIDLF), MinRex Resources [ASX:MRR], MGX Minerals [CSE:XMG] (OTC:MGXMF), New Age Metals [TSXV:NAM] (OTCQB:NMTLF), Noram Lithium Corp. [TSXV:NRM] (OTCQB:NRVTF), Oceana Lithium [ASX:OCN], Omnia Metals Group [ASX:OM1], One World Lithium [CSE:OWLI] (OTC:OWRDF), Pan American Energy Corp. [CSE:PNRG] [FSE: SS60] (OTCQB:PAANF), Patriot Lithium [ASX:PAT], Portofino Resources Inc.[TSXV:POR] [GR:POT], Power Metals Corp. [TSXV:PWM] (OTCQB:PWRMF), Power Minerals [ASX:PNN], Prospect Resources [ASX:PSC], Pure Energy Minerals [TSXV:PE] (OTCQB:PEMIF), Pure Resources Limited [ASX:PR1], Q2 Metals [TSXV:QTWO] (OTCQB:QUEXF) (QTWO), Quantum Minerals Corp. [TSXV:QMC] (OTCPK:QMCQF), Sienna Resources [TSXV:SIE] (OTCPK:SNNAF), Spearmint Resources Inc [CSE:SPMT] (OTCPK:SPMTF), Stelar Metals [ASX:SLB], Solis Minerals [ASX:SLM], Spod Lithium Corp. [CSE:SPOD] (OTCQB:SPODF), Stria Lithium [TSXV:SRA] (OTCQB:SRCAF), Surge Battery Metals Inc. [TSXV:NILI] (OTCQX:NILIF), Tantalex Lithium Resources [CSE:TTX], [FSE:1T0], Tearlach Resources [TSXV:TEA] (OTCQB:TELHF), Tyranna Resources [ASX:TYX], Ultra Lithium Inc. [TSXV:ULI] (OTCQB:ULTXF), United Lithium Corp. [CSE:ULTH] [FWB:0UL] (OTCQX:ULTHF), Vision Lithium Inc. [TSXV:VLI] (OTCQB:ABEPF), X-Terra Resources [TSXV:XTT] (OTCPK:XTRRF), Zinnwald Lithium [LN:ZNWD]. Conclusion July lithium prices were lower with the China lithium carbonate spot price hitting a ~3 year low. Highlights for the month were: LFP batteries in China are now at lows of US$75/kWh, helping to lower EV prices. Liontown Resources has secured a US$250 million investment and 10-year offtake extension from foundational partner, LG Energy Solution. Eramet inaugurates its direct lithium extraction plant in Argentina. POSCO seeks restructuring for $1.9 bn injection in battery materials. Leo Lithium is now proposing two cash distributions to shareholders. Rio Tinto - Serbian government's reinstatement of its licence to develop Europe's biggest lithium mine (Jadar). Mercedes, Stellantis in talks to back Serbia's lithium plans. Galan Lithium HMW Project Phase 1 construction is close to 40% complete. Vulcan Energy Resources secures first lithium and geothermal energy licences in France. European Lithium - Obeikan Group executes Shareholder Agreement for hydroxide plant in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Savannah Resources drills 36.5m @ 1.24% Li2O from 33.5m at the Barroso Lithium Project. Patriot Battery Metals drills 124.9 m at 1.72% Li2O and 35.6 m at 3.78% Li2O at CV5 at the Corvette Lithium Project. Extends Vega Zone with standout intercepts including 9.7 m at 5.16% Li2O. Wildcat Resources new high-grade Luke discovery at Tabba Tabba returns 43.0m at 1.4% Li2O from 316m and 43.4m at 1.1% Li2O from 412m. E3 Lithium Clearwater Project PFS results in an after-tax NPV8% of $3.72B with a 24.6% IRR. Initial CapEx estimate of $2.47B. OpEx $6,200/t LiOH. Avalon Advanced Materials intersects 1.67% Li2O over 105.6m and 1.68% Li2O over 66.2m at Big Whopper deposit at Separation Rapids. Rock Tech Lithium to receive up to 100 million EUR in direct grants for its German Lithium refinery. As usual all comments are welcome. Editor's Note: This article discusses one or more securities that do not trade on a major U.S. exchange. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks. Trend Investing - Full Tier subscribers benefit from early access to articles and exclusive articles on investing ideas and the latest trends (especially in the EV and EV metals sector). Plus CEO interviews, chat room access with other professional investors. Read "The Trend Investing Difference", or sign up here. Or join Trend Investing - Basic tier for a cheaper slimmed down service here. Trend Investing articles Which Lithium Juniors Are Most Likely To Survive If The Lithium Bear Market ContinuesBYD Co Has Just Had A Massive Price Target Increase From JP MorganiShares UK ETF Looks Appealing On A PE Of 14.2, New Prime Minister The Trend Investing group includes qualified financial personnel with a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment and well over 20 years of professional experience in financial markets. They search the globe for great investments with a focus on trending and emerging themes. The current focus is on electric vehicles, the EV metals supply chain, stationary energy storage and AI. They lead the investing group of the same brand name, Trend Investing. Features of the service include: Access to the Trend Investing portfolio, 7 monthly news updates, a monthly macro trends update, stock watchlist, CEO interviews, and direct access to the community and group leaders in chat. Analyst's Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of GLOBAL X LITHIUM ETF (LIT), AMPLIFY LITHIUM & BATTERY TECHNOLOGY ETF (BATT), ALB, JIANGXI GANFENG LITHIUM [SHE: 2460], ARCADIUM LITHIUM (ALTM) & [ASX:LTM], ASX:PLS, ASX:MIN, AMG CRITICAL MATERIALS N.V. [AMS:AMG], ZIJIN MINING GROUP [SHA:601899], TSX:LAC, TSX:LAAC, ASX:LLL, ASX:CXO, ASX:SYA, ASX:PLL, ASX:NMT, GALAN LITHIUM [ASX:GLN], LITHIUM SOUTH DEVELOPMENT CORP. [TSXV:LIS], CRITICAL ELEMENTS LITHIUM [TSXV:CRE], WINSOME RESOURCES [ASX:WR1], GLOBAL LITHIUM RESOURCES [ASX:GL1], EUROPEAN METAL HOLDINGS [ASX:EMH], FRONTIER LITHIUM [TSXV:FL], SNOW LAKE LITHIUM (LITM), PATRIOT BATTERY METALS [TSX:PMET] AND [ASX:PMT], OCEANA LITHIUM [ASX:OCN], MINREX RESOURCES [ASX:MRR], LOYAL LITHIUM [ASX:LLI], PATRIOT LITHIUM [ASX:PAT], ARGENTINA LITHIUM & ENERGY [TSXV:LIT], LITHIUM IONIC CORP. [TSXV:LTH], ATLAS LITHIUM (ATLX), LATIN RESOURCES [ASX:LRS], MIDLAND EXPLORATION [TSXV:MD], BRUNSWICK EXPLORATION [TSXV:BRW], AZIMUT EXPLORATION [TSXV:AZM], COSMOS EXPLORATION [ASX:C1X], MEGADO MINERALS [ASX:MEG], OMNIA METALS GROUP [ASX:OM1], DIXIE GOLD [TSXV:DG], FREY either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. This article is for 'information purposes only' and should not be considered as any type of advice or recommendation. Readers should "Do Your Own Research" ("DYOR") and all decisions are your own. See also Seeking Alpha Terms of Use of which all site users have agreed to follow. https://about.seekingalpha.com/terms Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.