SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 27, 2026 / Elektros Inc. (OTC PINK:ELEK), a developer of hard-rock lithium mining operations in Sierra Leone, today announced the commencement of full-scale extraction activity at its mining site as the Company accelerates production readiness and long-term supply initiatives. With operations now underway, Elektros has deployed its on-site team to begin extracting and gathering hard-rock lithium material. ...

MONTRÉAL, QC / ACCESS Newswire / January 26, 2026 / Critical Elements Lithium Corporation (TSX- V:CRE)(US OTCQX:CRECF)(FSE:F12) ("Critical Elements" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce it has strengthened its investor relations strategy and capital markets program through the engagement of Adelaide Capital ("Adelaide"), Oak Hill Financial Inc. ("Oak Hill"), and 6ix, in support of the continued advancement of the Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project and the Corporation's development. Adelaide is a full-ser ...

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 26, 2026 / Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (TSXV:LIT)(FSE:OAY3)(OTCQB:LILIF) ("Argentina Lithium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") to act as lead agent and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of agents (the "Agents") in connection with a "best efforts" private placement (the "Market ...

Core Viewpoint - ILC Critical Minerals Ltd. has extended its option to acquire 100% of Lepidico (Mauritius) Ltd. until February 27, 2026, amid ongoing legal complexities and the need for regulatory approvals [1][3]. Company Developments - The company has agreed to provide additional working capital payments of CAD$145,000 to Lepidico in exchange for the option extension, which will be added to the secured loan if the option is not exercised [3]. - ILC's exploration activities are focused on lithium, rubidium, and copper in Canada and Southern Africa, with significant projects at various stages of development [4][7]. Market Context - There is a growing demand for critical minerals like lithium and rubidium, driven by the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, positioning ILC strategically within this market [5][12]. - The company aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for high-tech rechargeable batteries, which are essential for a sustainable economy [12]. Project Highlights - The Raleigh Lake Project in Ontario is ILC's most significant asset, covering 32,900 hectares, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment indicating a post-tax NPV of CAD$342.9 million and an IRR of 44.3% based on a spodumene price of US$2,350 per tonne [10]. - The Karibib project in Namibia is also a priority, containing lithium, rubidium, and cesium, and is part of ILC's strategic focus for future development [4][10]. Strategic Goals - The company aims to optimize the value of its existing projects while exploring new opportunities, particularly in Southern Africa, and plans to make further announcements regarding portfolio developments [6][7].

Summary of Conference Call on Lithium Industry and Companies Industry Overview - The lithium price has reached a new high, driven by improved automotive sales and high growth in energy storage demand, with expectations that lithium carbonate prices may exceed 200,000 yuan and approach 300,000 yuan [1][3]. - Supply constraints are present due to delays in the resumption of underground mica mines and regulatory issues at Yichun mines, alongside overseas supply disruptions [1][3]. Key Points and Arguments - The recent strong performance of lithium carbonate prices, which have surpassed 180,000 yuan, is attributed to seasonal effects, ongoing inventory depletion, and robust supply-demand fundamentals [3]. - The long-term outlook for lithium carbonate prices indicates a significant turning point in supply, with average prices expected to be revised upwards to a range of 150,000 to 200,000 yuan for 2026-2027 [4][5]. - Investment risks have increased due to uncertainties in overseas resources and international conditions, leading to a lower willingness for new capital expenditures in the industry [4]. Companies to Watch - Companies with high resource self-supply ratios and flexibility, such as Tianhua New Energy, Dazhong Mining, and Zhongmin Resources, are recommended for investment [1][6]. - Leading companies with attractive valuations, such as Ganfeng Lithium and Tianqi Lithium, are also highlighted as having good investment opportunities in the context of strong metal prices [1][6]. Midstream Lithium Battery Segment - The midstream lithium battery segment is expected to benefit from supply-demand tightness, with a favorable fundamental outlook [7]. - Key price increase windows are anticipated around March, with lithium hexafluorophosphate prices expected to rise, and materials like copper foil and separators likely to see new pricing negotiations post-Chinese New Year [7]. Impact of Raw Material Price Increases - The cost increase in power batteries is primarily driven by lithium carbonate, with approximately 5-6 cents of the 8 cents increase attributable to lithium costs, most of which can be absorbed through supply chain adjustments [8]. - In the energy storage segment, prepayments from downstream integrators can lock in future cost risks, mitigating profitability pressures from raw material price increases [9]. New Technology Directions - The development of solid-state batteries is progressing steadily, with ongoing trials and equipment/material advancements [10]. - Sodium-ion battery applications in commercial vehicles by companies like CATL are showing significant positive impacts on related stocks, indicating that new technology directions are less affected by raw material price increases and are worth considering for investment [10].

Company Overview - Elektros Inc. is focused on developing hardrock lithium mining operations in Sierra Leone, with plans for exploration, development, and eventual export of lithium to refineries in the United States [6]. Shareholder Engagement - The company is conducting a special Free T-Shirt Giveaway for shareholders, allowing them to request up to three complimentary Elektros-branded T-shirts as a gesture of appreciation [2][3]. - The giveaway aims to foster community pride and support for Elektros's mission in the clean energy sector [2][3]. Industry Context - Lithium is identified as a critical material for the future of electrification, essential for electric vehicles, grid storage, and next-generation battery technologies [3]. - Industry leaders, including Elon Musk, emphasize lithium's strategic importance in modern batteries, highlighting its role in scaling technologies for electric mobility and energy storage [4]. - Demand for lithium is expected to rise sharply as electrification accelerates, supported by both electric vehicles and fast-growing grid-scale energy storage [5].

Core Insights - Standard Lithium Ltd. (NYSE:SLI) is recognized as one of the top lithium and battery stocks to invest in currently [1] Group 1: Project Financing and Interest - Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium Ltd. and Equinor, has received interest for over $1 billion in project financing from three significant Export Credit Agencies [2] - Phase 1 of the South West Arkansas Project will be financed through more than $1 billion in senior secured project debt from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and Export Finance Norway [2] Group 2: Recent Achievements and Developments - The latest quarterly results for Standard Lithium Ltd. highlighted the achievement of important milestones, including the release of a Maiden Inferred Resource for the Franklin Project in East Texas, noted for its high lithium-in-brine grades [3] - A Definitive Feasibility Study for the SWA Project confirmed its cost-competitiveness, and a capital raise was completed to advance the Franklin and other East Texas projects, as well as the final investment decision at SWA [3] Group 3: Future Expectations - Standard Lithium Ltd. anticipates finalizing project funding, securing customer offtake agreements, selecting key vendors for SWA, and approving the final investment decision to commence construction in 2026 [4] - As of January 21, 2026, the stock has increased by 3.35% year-to-date [4]

Group 1 - Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ:SGML) is recognized as one of the 7 best lithium and battery stocks to buy currently [1] - Sigma Lithium Corporation's net revenue increased by 69% quarter over quarter and 36% year over year, attributed to commercial partnerships and effective management of lithium price changes [3] - BofA maintained an Underperform rating on Sigma Lithium Corporation, raising the price target from $13 to $14, while noting potential equity raising and an insignificant operational update [2] Group 2 - Canaccord downgraded Sigma Lithium Corporation from Buy to Hold, increasing its price target to C$20.50 from C$14, reflecting a 30% average target price rise due to amended price decks for 2026 and 2027 [2] - The company's challenges include the inability to utilize waste piles and uncertainties regarding the resumption of mining operations [2]

Core Viewpoint - Sigma Lithium Corporation has announced the sale of an additional 100,000 tonnes of high purity lithium fines, emphasizing its commitment to environmentally sustainable lithium production and addressing recent inaccurate media reports regarding operational issues [2][4][9]. Sales and Financials - The sale of 100,000 tonnes of high purity lithium fines was concluded at market prices, with an adjusted net final price of US$140 per tonne for 1% lithium oxide content, compared to the current SMM price of US$195 per tonne for 1.35% [4]. - The proceeds from the sale are highlighted as a "green reward" for shareholders, resulting from the company's investment in advanced environmental technologies at its Greentech plant [5]. Operational Updates - The remobilization of contractors for equipment and personnel at the mine site is proceeding as planned and is expected to conclude in January 2026 [2][9]. - The company maintains that the administrative enquiry initiated by Brazil's Ministry of Labor and Employment does not impact its operational capabilities [12]. Media and Public Relations - Sigma Lithium has faced a series of inaccurate negative media reports, which the company describes as part of a well-orchestrated defamatory campaign [6][7]. - The company has notified appropriate authorities regarding the false claims and the creation of a fake government website as part of this campaign [10][8]. Safety and Compliance - The administrative enquiry by the Ministry of Labor and Employment followed a regular inspection, during which the company demonstrated an impeccable safety record with over two years without labor accidents [12]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to maintaining 19,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Jequitinhonha Valley, aligning with governmental objectives [13]. Environmental Commitment - Sigma Lithium operates one of the largest lithium production sites globally, focusing on environmentally sustainable practices, including zero coal power, zero tailings dams, and zero use of hazardous chemicals [15]. - The company is constructing a second plant to double its production capacity, further enhancing its role in the global lithium supply chain [16].

Core Viewpoint - Elektros Inc. has initiated discussions with international freight and logistics providers to establish shipping solutions for transporting hard-rock lithium from Sierra Leone to the United States [1] Group 1: Company Developments - The company is currently engaging with multiple global shipping and freight-forwarding firms to obtain competitive pricing [1] - Elektros Inc. is evaluating transit timelines to ensure an efficient shipping process [1] - The initial shipment will consist of two containers of raw, hard-rock lithium material [1] Group 2: Industry Context - The move indicates a growing interest in lithium mining operations, particularly in Sierra Leone, as demand for lithium continues to rise globally [1] - Establishing logistics partnerships is crucial for the successful export of lithium, which is essential for various industries, including electric vehicles and renewable energy [1]