Core Insights - American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has completed all required baseline studies and submitted reports to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Tonopah Flats Lithium Project (TFLP), marking a significant milestone in the federal permitting process [1][4][10] Project Overview - The TFLP is one of the largest lithium projects in the United States, located in Big Smoky Valley, Nevada, covering over 10,340 acres and containing 21.15 million tons of accessible lithium hydroxide monohydrate [7][10] - The project is supported by ABTC's proprietary selective leach extraction (SLE) process, which is a cost-effective alternative to conventional extraction methods [8] Permitting Process - The project underwent a federal permitting process in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), requiring extensive environmental analyses and baseline resource inventories [2][3] - A Baseline Needs Assessment meeting was held in March 2023 with over 40 regulatory agencies and stakeholders to identify necessary studies for the permitting process [2] Studies and Reports - A total of 21 studies across 14 categories were identified as necessary for the NEPA review process, covering biological, ecological, hydrological, geological, cultural, and socio-economic aspects [3][4] - The completion of these studies represents over two years of dedicated efforts and collaboration with third-party expert firms [3][4] Future Development - ABTC has submitted a comprehensive Mine Plan of Operations (MPO) for the TFLP, which is currently under review by the BLM [5] - The company is preparing for the next phases, including the release of a Pre-Feasibility Study to analyze the technical and economic viability of the project [5][10] Government Support - The TFLP was designated as a Transparency Priority Project by the FAST-41 Permitting Council and the National Energy Dominance Council, aligning with initiatives to expedite domestic mineral production [5][10] - In 2025, the project received a $900 million Letter of Interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a low-interest loan to support its expansion [10] Community Engagement - ABTC is committed to fostering strong relationships with local communities, tribal organizations, and stakeholders, focusing on project updates and stakeholder feedback [6]
American Battery Technology Company Completes All Required NEPA Baseline Studies for its Tonopah Flats Lithium Project, One of the Largest Critical Mineral Lithium Projects in the U.S.