Core Viewpoint - Lithium Argentina AG reported continued operational improvements in Q2 2025, with production at Cauchari-Olaroz reaching over 85% of capacity and costs declining towards $6,000 per tonne, despite volatile lithium market conditions [1][2]. Production and Financial Performance - Lithium carbonate production totaled approximately 8,500 tonnes in Q2 2025, an 18% increase compared to Q1 2025, with a total of approximately 15,700 tonnes produced in the first half of 2025, on track to meet the 2025 guidance of 30,000 – 35,000 tonnes [7]. - The cost of sales for Q2 2025 was $63 million, with cash operating costs at $6,098 per tonne, reflecting an 8% decrease from Q1 2025 due to cost-optimization initiatives and higher production volumes [7]. - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $64 million, with an average realized price of approximately $7,400 per tonne of lithium carbonate sold, impacted by a decline in global lithium prices [7]. Regional Growth Strategy - The company advanced its regional growth strategy for the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes basins, with significant progress made during the quarter and further updates expected shortly [2][8]. - A comprehensive feasibility study for the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes basins, evaluating options for up to 150,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent through a hybrid Direct Lithium Extraction process, is expected to be completed by the end of the year [8]. Financial and Corporate Overview - As of June 30, 2025, the company held $68 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total assets of $1,141.1 million and total liabilities of $252.8 million [10]. - The company reported a net loss of $4.1 million for Q2 2025, compared to a net income of $2.2 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to lower gains on financial instruments and higher equity compensation expenses [12]. - Exar, the 44.8% equity investee of Lithium Argentina, had approximately $233 million of net debt at the official foreign exchange rate as of June 30, 2025, and closed on $120 million in bank debt facilities during Q2 2025 [11].

Project Improvements - The DFS Addendum design basis was set at 249 mg/L of lithium concentration, enabling more efficient lithium extraction[11] - Lithium recovery rates increased from approximately 80% to 90% with the transition to Lilac Gen4 Ion Exchange (IX) technology[11] - The number of wells was reduced by approximately 22%, representing a 35% and 44% improvement in well Capex and Opex, respectively[11] Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) - CAPEX was reduced to US$1,157 million, representing an approximate US$220 million improvement from the Original DFS figures[10, 12] - This represents a 19% improvement from the inflation-adjusted baseline or a 16% improvement from the Original DFS[12] - A reduction of approximately US$98 million in savings was achieved due to the reduction in DLE modules, which reduced major equipment, civil works, and installation costs[23] Operating Expenditure (OPEX) and Financials - OPEX meaningfully improved to US$5,895/t LCE, representing a 3% improvement from Original DFS numbers[10, 12] - The estimated pre-tax NPV10 is US$1.5 billion, and the pre-tax IRR is 22.5%[10] - The plant design basis was updated to 249 mg/L to reflect improved lithium concentration[12] Resource and Risk Reduction - The measured resource increased from 3.0 Mt LCE to 4.2 Mt LCE, and the total resource increased from 10.6 Mt LCE to 11.1 Mt LCE[12] - The wellfield development plan represents less than 9% of the Measured & Indicated Mineral Resource[76] - The company expects Exploitation EIA final approval in 2025[12]

Core Viewpoint - LithiumBank Resources Corp. has been awarded CAD $3.9 million in non-dilutive funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta to advance the Boardwalk Lithium Brine Project, which is expected to enhance lithium production capabilities in Alberta [1][2]. Funding and Project Development - The funding will reimburse 50% of eligible expenditures for each completed milestone, up to a total of CAD $3.9 million [1]. - The company aims to complete specific tasks by the end of 2026, which include drilling, DLE testing, and a feasibility study [3][6]. Strategic Positioning - Alberta is recognized for its favorable geology and lithium resources, positioning the Boardwalk project as a leading lithium initiative in Canada with significant scaling potential [2]. - LithiumBank has consolidated strategic Brine Hosted Mineral Licenses, making it the largest holder of lithium brine resources in North America [4]. Project Milestones - Key milestones include: 1. Completing an additional drill hole through the Leduc formation to support an advanced reservoir model and future production [6]. 2. Conducting longer cycle DLE testing and optimization for lithium carbonate conversion [6]. 3. Completing a feasibility study assessing a low Capex, modular approach to lithium production [6]. Company Overview - LithiumBank Resources Corp. focuses on developing its two flagship projects, Boardwalk and Park Place, which host some of the largest lithium brine resources in North America [14]. - The company holds 1,237,487 acres of brown-field brine hosted mineral licenses across Alberta and Saskatchewan [14].

Core Insights - Stardust Power Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ohio University to collaborate on advanced lithium extraction and refining technologies, particularly focusing on Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) [1][2][3] - The partnership aims to enhance research on domestic lithium processing innovations, with Stardust Power providing industry expertise and support [2][3] - This collaboration is expected to secure lithium brine feedstock for Stardust Power's lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma, which is projected to produce up to 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium annually [3][5] Company Overview - Stardust Power is an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, committed to building resilient supply chains to bolster America's energy leadership [5] - The company is focused on sustainability throughout its processes and is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "SDST" [5] Strategic Goals - The partnership reflects a commitment to workforce development and educational excellence, aiming to cultivate the next generation of engineers and scientists in lithium extraction and advanced battery technologies [4] - The collaboration is positioned to support U.S. energy independence and meet the growing demand for domestic battery materials [4]

Core Viewpoint - Standard Lithium has successfully developed a new low-temperature method for producing battery-quality lithium sulfide in collaboration with Telescope Innovations, which is essential for next-generation solid-state batteries [1][2][3]. Group 1: Company Developments - The new conversion process transforms lithium hydroxide from Standard Lithium's Arkansas Demonstration Plant into lithium sulfide, with samples sent to solid-state battery companies for testing [2]. - The partnership with Telescope Innovations is aimed at technological evolution, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the lithium industry [3]. - Standard Lithium is focused on building its first Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) project in North America while also pursuing innovative technologies [3]. Group 2: Product Significance - Lithium sulfide is a critical raw material for many next-generation solid-state battery chemistries, yet it is produced in limited quantities and at high costs [3]. - The patented low-temperature process offers several advantages, including feedstock flexibility, impurity tolerance, lower processing temperatures, and enhanced safety in manufacturing [7]. Group 3: Company Overview - Standard Lithium is a near-commercial lithium development company with a focus on sustainable development of high-grade lithium-brine properties in the U.S., particularly in Arkansas and Texas [4]. - The company aims for commercial-scale lithium production through a scalable and integrated DLE and purification process [4].

Core Insights - The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission has approved a 2.5% royalty rate for lithium extraction from brine, marking a significant milestone for lithium development in Arkansas [1][2][3] Company Overview - Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on sustainable lithium-brine properties in the U.S., particularly in Arkansas and Texas [4] - The company aims for commercial-scale lithium production using a Direct Lithium Extraction process [4] - Standard Lithium is partnered with Equinor to advance the South West Arkansas project, which is a greenfield initiative [4][6] Project Details - The Reynolds Unit of the South West Arkansas Project is expected to have a production capacity of 22,500 tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate, with full commercial production anticipated by 2028 [3] - The total proposed royalty compensation for brine owners, including the brine fee, is approximately 3% based on current lithium prices [2] Industry Context - The approval of the royalty rate establishes a precedent for other lithium development companies operating in Arkansas, potentially encouraging further investment in the sector [1][3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Rio Tinto Ltd. with a 12-month price target of A$140.80, indicating an upside potential of 18.1% from the current price of A$119.22 [17]. Core Insights - Rio Tinto has entered a joint venture with Codelco to develop the Maricunga lithium project in Chile, which aligns with its growth and value creation strategy [1][4]. - The Maricunga project is expected to enhance Rio Tinto's lithium production significantly, potentially increasing its equity share to over 250ktpa by 2035 [10]. - The company is leveraging its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which offers higher lithium recoveries and lower capital expenditures compared to conventional methods [8][9]. Summary by Sections Joint Venture and Project Development - Rio Tinto will acquire a 49.99% interest in the Maricunga project for a total of US$900 million, with initial funding for studies and construction costs [2]. - The project aims for first production by the end of the decade, with potential additional payments contingent on production milestones [2]. Financial Projections and Valuation - The report forecasts that lithium will contribute approximately 6% of Rio Tinto's EBITDA by 2030, driven by the Rincon lithium project and the Maricunga joint venture [10]. - The company is expected to achieve a free cash flow yield of around 6% in 2025 and 7% in 2026, supported by bullish projections for copper and aluminum prices [16]. Production and Growth Outlook - Rio Tinto's copper equivalent production is projected to grow by approximately 20% and EBITDA by over 30% by 2030, primarily due to the ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine and improved productivity in the Pilbara region [16]. - The Pilbara region is anticipated to contribute significantly to the company's free cash flow improvements from 2025 to 2027 [16]. Market Position and Competitive Advantage - The report highlights Rio Tinto's strong market position, trading at approximately 0.7x NAV, which is competitive compared to peers [16]. - The company is recognized for its high-margin, low-emission aluminum production, which is powered by hydroelectric energy [16].

Core Viewpoint - LithiumBank Resources Corp. successfully held its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders, with all proposed resolutions being approved, indicating strong shareholder support for the company's strategic direction and governance [2]. Company Overview - LithiumBank Resources Corp. is a publicly traded lithium development company focused on lithium-enriched brine projects in Western Canada, specifically advancing its two flagship projects, Boardwalk and Park Place [3]. - The company holds 1,855,915 acres of brown-field lithium brine licenses across three districts in Alberta and Saskatchewan [3]. - LithiumBank is exploring multiple Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies and aims to establish commercial lithium production through a modular approach [3]. Shareholder Meeting Results - A total of 9,827,931 common shares, representing approximately 19.70% of the company's outstanding shares, were voted at the meeting [2]. - The resolutions approved included the reappointment of Davidson & Company LLP as auditors and setting the number of directors at five, with specific nominees elected [7]. - The company expressed gratitude to shareholders for their participation and ongoing support [2].

Core Points - Smackover Lithium's South West Arkansas Project has been designated as a critical mineral production project under Executive Order 14241, highlighting its strategic importance for national security and economic prosperity [1][2] - The SWA Project is one of only three domestic lithium projects and the sole Direct Lithium Extraction initiative included in the initial selected projects list, indicating strong federal support [2][3] - The project aims to enhance domestic lithium production, reduce reliance on China, and create high-quality jobs while ensuring environmentally responsible development [3] Company Overview - Standard Lithium is focused on sustainable development of high-grade lithium-brine properties in the U.S., with a goal of achieving commercial-scale lithium production through Direct Lithium Extraction and purification processes [5] - The company is advancing the SWA Project in partnership with Equinor, which is a significant greenfield project located in southern Arkansas [5] - Standard Lithium also holds interests in lithium brine prospects in East Texas and mineral leases in California's Mojave Desert [5] Industry Context - The SWA Project's inclusion in the Federal Permitting Dashboard ensures increased transparency and accountability in the permitting process, aligning with the U.S. government's efforts to expedite critical mineral projects [2] - The project is expected to contribute to America's leadership in the critical minerals sector, which is essential for advanced energy technologies [3]

ZUG, Switzerland, April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lithium Argentina AG. (“Lithium Argentina” or the “Company”) (TSX: LAR) (NYSE: LAR) is pleased to announce that it has executed a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) with Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. (“Ganfeng”) to advance a plan to jointly develop the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes basins, which includes Ganfeng’s wholly-owned Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project, the jointly-owned Pastos Grandes project (85% owned by Lithium Argentina and 15% owned by Ganfeng) and Sal de la Puna ...