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RENO, 20 August 2023: American Battery Technology Company (ABTC), a leading American battery materials firm, is driving forward its Tonopah Flats Lithium Project with its third drill program. ABTC focuses on both primary battery minerals manufacturing and secondary minerals lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. This project is a cornerstone of the company’s effort to establish a domestic source of critical lithium materials within the United States.
Key Developments:
- Significant Lithium Resource: ABTC’s Tonopah Flats Lithium Project, located in Tonopah, Nevada, holds immense potential as one of the largest lithium resources in the United States. This project has garnered attention and recognition, being referred to as the ‘fifth largest lithium clay and hard rock project in the world’ by Mining.com.
- Drilling Program Commences: The third drill program is underway, marking a crucial step in advancing the development of the Tonopah Flats Lithium Project. This program includes core infill and step-out drilling, aimed at upgrading the resource’s classification to ‘measured and indicated.’
- Collaboration with KB Drilling: ABTC has partnered with KB Drilling, based in Mound House, Nevada, for sample collection during the drill program. This collaboration underscores the company’s commitment to rigorous exploration and accurate data collection.
In-Depth Analysis: ABTC’s Approach and Vision
ABTC is dedicated to creating a robust supply chain of critical battery materials. The company’s CEO, Ryan Melsert, emphasized the significance of the Tonopah Flats Lithium Project in this endeavor. The exploration has already yielded promising results, with samples suggesting deeper lithium-bearing Siebert Formation layers than initially anticipated.
Project Scope and Progress
The Tonopah Flats Lithium Project encompasses a substantial area, covering 10,340 acres through 517 unpatented lode claims. ABTC has conducted surface sampling and multiple subsurface drilling initiatives, collectively spanning over 12,000 feet of exploration. These efforts resulted in a Qualified Person (QP) audited Inferred Resource Report in February 2023, identifying approximately 15.8 million tons of economically accessible lithium.
Current Drill Program and Expansion Goals
The ongoing drill program seeks to expand the lithium mineralization zone. Through step-out and infill drilling, ABTC aims to confirm the presence of mineralization between step-out holes, while expanding the project’s footprint to the south significantly.
Sustainable Approach and Key Partnerships
ABTC is not only focused on resource development but also emphasizes sustainability and innovation. The company has devised selective leach extraction processes that provide a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution compared to conventional methods.
Lithium Hydroxide Refinery and Integration
One of ABTC’s distinctive strengths lies in its integration of resource development with refining processes. The company is concurrently constructing a co-located lithium hydroxide refinery facility. This approach reduces environmental impact, material movement, and supply security challenges.
Government Recognition and Funding
ABTC’s efforts have garnered recognition from the US Department of Energy (DOE). In collaboration with DuPont and the University of Nevada, Reno, ABTC secured a USD 4.5m grant in 2021. This grant supports the advancement of critical battery-grade lithium manufacturing technology. Building on this success, ABTC was selected for a USD 115m project funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, reinforcing the company’s pivotal role in shaping the domestic lithium supply chain.
Conclusion
American Battery Technology Company’s dedication to establishing a robust lithium supply chain is evident through its ongoing Tonopah Flats Lithium Project. The current drill program, sustainable practices, strategic partnerships, and government recognition collectively position ABTC at the forefront of lithium resource development and refining technologies. The project’s continued success is poised to reshape the United States’ critical battery materials landscape.
