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]

Core Viewpoint - American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has appointed Lavanya Balakrishnan, a seasoned financial executive in the energy sector, to its Board of Directors effective September 16, 2025, to enhance its strategic leadership and financial expertise in the evolving energy landscape [1][6][12]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Lavanya Balakrishnan brings over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, strategic advisory, mergers and acquisitions, and credit risk management within the energy sector [2][17]. - Balakrishnan currently serves as Vice President of Credit at Constellation Energy, overseeing credit functions and developing credit strategies aligned with the company's objectives [4][5]. - She previously spent 17 years at Morgan Stanley as Managing Director in the Global Power, Utilities, and Renewables Group, advising on M&A, strategic advisory, and complex financings [5][6]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - CEO Ryan Melsert emphasized the critical need for expertise in power generation and energy sectors to support the company's industrial facility buildout and operational expansion [3][4]. - Balakrishnan's appointment is expected to drive ABTC's long-term vision and commercial initiatives, particularly in the domestic battery critical minerals industry [7][9]. - The company is committed to a circular supply chain for battery metals, aiming to meet the growing demand from electric vehicles and other sectors [9]. Group 3: Board Changes - Sherif Marakby, a current board member, will step down effective September 15, 2025, as part of the board's succession plan for independent directors [7][8]. - The board expressed appreciation for Marakby's contributions over the past two years, highlighting his role in advancing the company's commercial scale operations [8][9].