Core Viewpoint - Lithium Ionic Corp. has made significant progress in 2025, positioning itself for a successful transition into construction of its Bandeira Lithium Project in 2026, with a focus on permitting, engineering, and financing [2][3][20] Group 1: 2025 Highlights - The year 2025 saw substantial mineral resource growth, establishing Lithium Ionic as a leading hard-rock lithium developer in Brazil's Lithium Valley [4] - The company reported consolidated global mineral resources of 36.76 million tonnes grading 1.31% Li₂O in the Measured & Indicated category and an additional 31.87 million tonnes grading 1.19% Li₂O in the Inferred category [5] - The Bandeira Project's updated mineral resource estimate showed 27.27 million tonnes Measured & Indicated at 1.34% Li₂O and 18.55 million tonnes Inferred at 1.34% Li₂O, marking a 30% increase in Measured & Indicated tonnage compared to the previous year [6][7] Group 2: Project Development and Feasibility - An optimized Feasibility Study delivered in September 2025 highlighted Bandeira as one of the lowest-cost hard-rock spodumene projects globally, with a post-tax NPV(8%) of US$1.45 billion and a post-tax IRR of 61% [12][18] - Initial CAPEX was reduced to US$191 million, down approximately 28% from the prior study, and site operating costs are projected at US$378 per tonne of spodumene concentrate [18] - The company engaged RTEK International DMCC as a strategic advisor to enhance construction readiness and operational execution at Bandeira [11] Group 3: ESG and Permitting - The appointment of Flávia Veronese as Director of ESG strengthened the company's leadership in environmental, social, and governance initiatives, particularly in the permitting process for the Bandeira Project [14] - The company views recent environmental permitting discussions as constructive, enhancing clarity and confidence in the permitting framework for Bandeira and other assets [15] Group 4: Financial Position and Strategic Moves - In late 2025, Lithium Ionic closed an oversubscribed private placement totaling $18.3 million, significantly strengthening its balance sheet and supporting ongoing development activities [16] - The company terminated the K2 Option Agreement to focus on its most advanced and value-accretive assets, including the Bandeira Project [21][23] Group 5: 2026 Outlook - The company aims to complete the final steps required to transition the Bandeira Project into construction, with key priorities including advancing the permitting process and finalizing project financing [19][20]

Core Insights - Lithium Ionic Corp. has made significant progress in 2025, focusing on advancing its flagship Bandeira Lithium Project towards construction in 2026 [2][3][20] Group 1: 2025 Highlights - The company achieved meaningful mineral resource growth, establishing itself as one of the largest hard-rock lithium developers in Brazil's Lithium Valley [4] - Consolidated global mineral resources now total 36.76 million tonnes grading 1.31% Li₂O in the Measured & Indicated category, and an additional 31.87 million tonnes grading 1.19% Li₂O in the Inferred category [5] - The Bandeira Project's updated mineral resource estimate includes 27.27 million tonnes Measured & Indicated at 1.34% Li₂O and 18.55 million tonnes Inferred at 1.34% Li₂O, representing a 30% increase in Measured & Indicated tonnage compared to the previous feasibility study [6][7] Group 2: Technical Advancements - The optimized feasibility study delivered in September 2025 extended the mine life to 18.5 years and improved project economics, with a post-tax NPV(8%) of US$1.45 billion and a post-tax IRR of 61% [18] - The company engaged RTEK International DMCC as a strategic advisor to enhance construction readiness and operational execution at the Bandeira Project [11] - By year-end 2025, approximately 38% of all engineering activities were completed, further strengthening execution readiness [12] Group 3: ESG and Permitting - The appointment of Flávia Veronese as Director of ESG aims to strengthen the company's environmental, social, and governance initiatives, particularly in the permitting process for the Bandeira Project [14] - The company views recent environmental permitting discussions as constructive, enhancing clarity and confidence in the permitting framework [15] Group 4: Financial Position - In late 2025, Lithium Ionic closed an oversubscribed private placement totaling $18.3 million, significantly strengthening its balance sheet for advancing key pre-development activities [16] - The company is focused on finalizing project financing and advancing permitting processes as it prepares for construction readiness [19] Group 5: Strategic Decisions - The company terminated the K2 Option Agreement to prioritize its most advanced and value-accretive assets, including the Bandeira Project [21][23] - A total of 9,800,000 restricted share units were issued to certain directors and officers, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval [24]

Core Viewpoint - Sigma Lithium Corporation is under investigation for potential securities fraud and unlawful business practices, following a downgrade by Bank of America due to unresolved operational and liquidity issues [1][3]. Group 1: Investigation and Legal Actions - Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of Sigma Lithium investors regarding possible securities fraud or other unlawful business practices [1]. - Investors are encouraged to contact Pomerantz LLP for more information about the class action [2]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Analyst Downgrade - On January 8, 2026, Bank of America downgraded Sigma Lithium from Neutral to Underperform, citing unresolved operational and liquidity issues [3]. - Following the downgrade, Sigma Lithium's stock price decreased by $2.36 per share, or 15.07%, closing at $13.30 per share on the same day [3].

Core Viewpoint - Sigma Lithium Corporation has successfully sold 100,000 tonnes of high purity lithium fines and is advancing its mining remobilization activities, including securing working capital for future operations [1][3][10]. Sales of High Purity Lithium Fines - The first sale of high purity lithium fines was completed at a price of U$ 125 per tonne, generating net revenues of approximately USD 11 million [3]. - An additional 850,000 tonnes of high-purity lithium fines are available for sale, produced using environmentally sustainable technology [4]. Mining Remobilization - Sigma Lithium is implementing a remobilization plan at its Mine 1, aiming to enhance mining safety and operational efficiency while maintaining over 100 million tonnes of mining reserves [5]. - The restructuring involves leasing large mining equipment and subcontracting personnel, which is expected to nearly triple mining capacity [6][8]. - Financial support from global clients is facilitating the remobilization process, reducing reliance on third-party contractors [7][9]. Working Capital Agreement - A working capital agreement has been signed with a major client, providing capital against monthly sales totaling 70,500 tonnes by the end of 2026, with the first tranche of USD 5 million already closed [10]. Appointment of New Board Member - Katia Abreu, a prominent agribusiness leader and former Minister of Agriculture, has been appointed as an independent board member, replacing Eugenio de Zagottis [2][11]. - Abreu's extensive experience in agribusiness and public policy is expected to be valuable during Sigma Lithium's transformational period, including the construction of a second Greentech Industrial Plant [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - Sienna Resources Inc. is planning to recommence operations in Nevada on its lithium projects due to a significant increase in lithium prices, which have risen over 150% since June 2025, creating a favorable environment for project activity [1][2]. Company Operations - The company will focus on two lithium projects: the Cave Creek Lithium Project, located within Surge Battery Metals Inc.'s project area, and the Clayton Valley Deep Basin Lithium Brine Project, which lies within SLB Limited's lithium brine project area [1]. - Sienna Resources Inc. has approximately $1.5 million in cash, positioning the company strongly to advance its Nevada lithium assets [2]. Market Conditions - The rapid increase in lithium prices is noted to be similar to trends observed in other commodities, indicating a broader market movement [2]. - The company anticipates being active on its lithium projects throughout 2026, leveraging the current market conditions [2].

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corp's stock has reached a new 52-week high due to changes in Chinese export tax policies on battery products, which are expected to impact lithium prices positively [1][2]. Group 1: Market Impact - China will reduce value-added tax rebates on battery-related exports from 9% to 6% in part of 2026, with a complete removal by early 2027, increasing the tax burden on Chinese producers and potentially raising global battery prices [2]. - Following the announcement, benchmark lithium carbonate contracts in China surged approximately 9%, reaching their highest level since late 2023, as traders anticipated increased shipments before the policy takes effect [3]. Group 2: Company Performance - Albemarle is a leading producer of lithium chemicals for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems, and higher lithium prices typically enhance the company's revenue and margins over time [4]. - The reduced tax support for Chinese exporters may improve the competitiveness of non-Chinese suppliers, contributing to a rally in Albemarle's stock as investors reassess the company's earnings potential in a tighter lithium market [5]. Group 3: Stock Analysis - Albemarle's stock is currently trading 18% above its 20-day simple moving average and 61.1% above its 100-day simple moving average, indicating strong momentum [6]. - Over the past year, the stock has increased by approximately 85.04%, positioning it closer to its 52-week highs [6]. - The stock's Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 72.35, suggesting it is in overbought territory, while the MACD indicates a bullish outlook [7]. Group 4: Earnings Outlook - Investors are optimistic ahead of the next earnings report scheduled for February 11, with estimates showing a loss of 56 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of $1.09 year-over-year, and revenue estimates of $1.35 billion, up from $1.23 billion year-over-year [10]. Group 5: Analyst Consensus - The stock carries a Buy rating with an average price target of $125.53, with recent analyst upgrades reflecting positive sentiment [9]. - Analysts have raised targets significantly, with Mizuho at $156, Scotiabank at $200, and Baird at $210, indicating strong confidence in the company's future performance [10]. Group 6: ETF Exposure - Albemarle's significant weight in various ETFs means that any substantial inflows or outflows will likely lead to automatic buying or selling of the stock [12].

Core Viewpoint - Elevra Lithium Limited has refined its North American Lithium (NAL) mine expansion program, identifying a pathway to expedite production with lower unit operating costs [1][6]. Group 1: Expansion Plans - The company plans to increase spodumene concentrate production to 315,000 tonnes per annum (ktpa), with construction completion expected by the end of calendar year 2029 (CY29) [2]. - Recent efforts have focused on reducing permitting constraints, which were identified as a critical path in the expansion schedule [3]. - The proposed expansion will involve a series of debottlenecking steps, anticipated to bring forward incremental production by approximately two years compared to previous plans [4]. Group 2: Production and Cost Efficiency - The initial phase aims for a 15-20% increase in annual spodumene concentrate production starting mid-CY27, utilizing existing milling permits [7]. - A subsequent expansion will increase milling capacity to 6,500 tonnes per day (tpd), with production expected to reach 315 ktpa by early CY28 [7]. - The final step will replace existing crushing circuits with a new system designed to meet the production requirements, expected to be completed by early CY29 [7]. Group 3: Financial Metrics - The updated forecast for post-expansion C1 unit cash costs is US$630 per tonne, an increase from the previously reported US$562 [8]. - All-in sustaining costs (AISC) remain unchanged at US$680 per tonne, with a project net present value (NPV) of approximately US$950 million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 26.4% [9].

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in lithium prices is expected to benefit major producers like Albemarle, while smaller producers like Sigma Lithium are also experiencing significant stock price increases due to optimistic market forecasts [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Lithium prices have more than doubled in the last three months, indicating a strong market rally [4]. - Scotiabank analyst Ben Isaacson predicts that lithium carbonate equivalent prices could reach $20,000 per metric ton by 2028, with spodumene concentrate prices at $2,150 per metric ton, driven by supply constraints [4]. - The current supply tightness suggests that even if electric vehicle sales slightly miss expectations, lithium prices will continue to rise significantly [6]. Group 2: Company Performance - Sigma Lithium's stock rose by 15.10% in a single trading session, reflecting investor optimism following positive forecasts for larger competitor Albemarle [1][2]. - Despite the stock price increase, Sigma Lithium has not yet turned a profit, raising questions about its long-term viability compared to established players like Albemarle [7]. - Albemarle's stock price target has been raised by multiple investment banks, indicating strong confidence in its market position and future growth potential [2][3].

Century Lithium ( CYDVF ) has risen lately, but in our opinion, this is just the start of a long-term shift in lithium stocks. In this article we will explore some recent happenings in the geopolitical arena along"Never let formal education get in the way of your learning". - Mark TwainYou are here for one reason. You want "actionable Intelligence". If you wanted a history lesson on a company then Google is your friend. My aim is to provide intelligence that you can read, ponder, and then execute upon to ma ...

Core Insights - Brunswick Exploration Inc. has released its maiden lithium resource on Globex's Lac Escale Royalty claims, which is considered one of the largest undeveloped hard rock lithium resources in the Americas [1] Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) Summary - The MRE indicates an inferred resource of 52.2 million tonnes at a grade of 1.08% Li2O and 131 ppm Ta2O5 at a cut-off grade of 0.5% Li2OEq, totaling over 550,000 tonnes of contained lithia [3][8] - Additional exploration targets suggest a potential of 40 million to 50 million tonnes grading between 0.80% and 1.10% Li2O and 120 ppm to 145 ppm Ta2O5, indicating significant growth opportunities [8] - The resource is confined to a core area measuring approximately 1.5 by 3.0 kilometers, with over 70% of the MRE contained within five dykes above a vertical depth of 150 meters from the surface [8] Exploration and Development Potential - The MRE was estimated after only 23,626 meters of drilling and 62 channel samples, which is significantly less than peer projects, suggesting room for further exploration and resource definition [8] - Metallurgical test work indicates the potential for a dense media separation processing flowsheet, producing high-quality concentrate [8] - Brunswick is planning its next drill campaign for the Mirage Project, focusing on continued exploration efforts in the core area and throughout the property [19]