Surge Files Preliminary Economic Assessment For High-Grade Nevada North Lithium Project; Confirms Strong Economics

Core Viewpoint - Surge Battery Metals Inc. has filed an independent National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for its 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment Study on the Nevada North Lithium Project, indicating strong economic potential for lithium production [1][2]. Project Highlights - The Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) confirms robust economics for a low-cost, large-scale, and long-life conventional open pit and dry-stack tailings operation producing battery-grade lithium carbonate through on-site treatment [3]. - The PEA envisions two phases over an initial 42-year mine life, with Phase 1 processing throughput of 2.58 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) and doubling to 5.15 Mtpa in Phase 2, starting in Year 4 [3]. - The project aims for a peak production of 109,100 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in Year 6, averaging 86,300 tonnes/year LCE for a total of 3.63 million tonnes LCE over the life of mine, with a lithium recovery rate of 82.8% [3][8]. Economic Metrics - The after-tax Net Present Value (NPV) at an 8% discount rate is estimated at US$9.17 billion, with an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 22.8% based on a lithium carbonate equivalent price of US$24,000 per tonne [8]. - Operating costs are projected at US$5,243 per tonne LCE, with a total capital expenditure (CAPEX) of US$5.32 billion for both phases and sustaining capital of US$1.51 billion [8]. - The average annual after-tax cash flow is estimated at US$1.06 billion, with a payback period of 4.6 years [8]. Resource Estimates - The Nevada North Lithium Project has a pit-constrained Inferred Resource containing an estimated 8.65 million tonnes of LCE, grading 2,956 ppm lithium at a 1,250 ppm cutoff [10]. Strategic Development - The company plans to enhance the project through strategic drilling to upgrade resource categories and produce a bulk sample for detailed metallurgical testing [7]. - The project is positioned to support the growing demand for lithium in the domestic battery manufacturing industry as the lithium market rebounds [7]. Location and Infrastructure - The Nevada North Lithium Project is located in Elko County, approximately 73 kilometers north-northeast of Wells, Nevada, with good access via paved highways and county-maintained gravel roads [8][9]. - Northern Nevada is recognized as a major hub for open pit mining operations, providing a skilled labor force and established regulatory frameworks for mine permitting [9]. Company Overview - Surge Battery Metals Inc. is focused on securing domestic lithium supply through its engagement in the Nevada North Lithium Project, contributing to the sustainable future of the electric vehicle industry [16].