VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Lithium Corp. (“American Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSX-V:LI | OTCQX:AMLIF | Frankfurt:5LA1) announces the appointment of Gregory Barbier as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective August 7, 2025, succeeding Paul Charlish. Mr. Barbier has more than fifteen years of experience in financial reporting, budgeting, financial planning, and cost analysis in multiple industries and countries. Prior to joining American Lithium Corp. in October ...

Group 1 - The article discusses Lithium Americas (NYSE: LAC) and highlights the commencement of construction at Thacker Pass, which is significant for lithium supply [1] - It emphasizes the growing demand for lithium, particularly in relation to data centers, indicating a robust market outlook for lithium producers [1] - The article mentions the importance of water rights in the context of lithium mining, which could impact operational capabilities and regulatory compliance [1] Group 2 - The article references President Trump's executive orders that may influence the AI and data sectors, potentially affecting the broader technology landscape and its intersection with lithium demand [1] - It stresses the importance of understanding management, financials, sector dynamics, and global macroeconomic factors before making investment decisions, rather than focusing solely on stock prices [1] - The article encourages investors to continuously review their positions and adapt to fundamental changes in the market to protect their capital and optimize returns [1]

Core Viewpoint - The lithium market is experiencing a shift from oversupply to potential supply constraints due to recent regulatory actions in China, which may support price recovery as demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy increases [1][6][12] Industry Developments - China's authorities ordered Zangge Mining's subsidiary to halt production for environmental compliance, impacting one of the largest lithium producers in the country [2][3] - The facility at Qarhan Salt Lake has a capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate, crucial for battery production [3] - Following the production halt, lithium carbonate futures prices rose by over 5%, indicating market sensitivity to supply disruptions [4] Market Reactions - Despite the recent price drop of over 80% from last year's highs, the market is reacting positively to the potential for tighter supply due to enhanced government oversight [6][12] - North American lithium explorers are positioning their projects as solutions to anticipated supply gaps, reflecting a shift in market sentiment [6][12] Company Insights - Q2 Metals Corp announced a significant exploration target for its Cisco lithium project, which is among the largest spodumene lithium projects globally, and recently secured $21 million in financing [7][8] - Surge Battery Metals Inc claims to be advancing a strategic lithium reserve in Nevada, with a net present value of $9.21 billion and a 22.8% internal rate of return [9] - Surface Metals emphasizes the importance of domestic lithium supply in light of China's regulatory actions, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign sources [11]

Core Viewpoint - Century Lithium Corp.'s Angel Island lithium project has been added to the Federal Permitting Dashboard for FAST-41 transparency status, enhancing its visibility and permitting process efficiency [1][2]. Company Overview - Century Lithium Corp. is focused on developing the Angel Island project in Esmeralda County, Nevada, which contains one of the largest sedimentary lithium deposits in the United States [6][7]. - The company employs a patent-pending chloride leaching process combined with direct lithium extraction to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate [6][7]. Project Highlights - Angel Island is recognized as one of the few advanced lithium projects in the U.S. capable of providing an end-to-end process for producing battery-grade lithium carbonate [7]. - The project is currently in the permitting stage for a three-phase feasibility-level production plan [7]. - The feasibility study estimates an operational cost of $2,833 per tonne, which is among the lowest in North America, due to its unique process and by-product sales [7]. - The project is expected to yield an average of 34,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year over a 40-year mine life [8]. Regulatory Context - The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council oversees the FAST-41 initiative, which aims to streamline the permitting process for critical infrastructure projects [3][4]. - Projects on the Federal Permitting Dashboard benefit from a coordinated permitting timetable and active project management [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. has announced the results of an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its Bonnie Claire lithium project, indicating strong economic potential and significant production capabilities over a long mine life [1][4]. Group 1: PEA Overview - The PEA indicates that Bonnie Claire could produce over 62,300 tonnes of lithium carbonate and 129,500 tonnes of boric acid annually over a 61-year mine life [4][11]. - The project shows a 32.3% after-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and a capital payback period of 2.8 years, with a capital intensity of $34,080 per tonne of lithium carbonate [4][11]. - The after-tax Net Present Value (NPV) is estimated at $6.829 billion at an 8% discount rate [11][12]. Group 2: Production and Cost Metrics - The initial capital costs are projected at $2.125 billion, including $354 million in contingency [11][12]. - The operating cost is estimated at $6,800 per tonne of lithium carbonate, with an all-in sustaining cost of $7,936 per tonne [11][12]. - The break-even price for the project is calculated at $8,560 per tonne of lithium carbonate [11][12]. Group 3: Mineral Resource Estimate - The PEA incorporates a new Mineral Resource Estimate effective March 31, 2025, with significant mineralization remaining open to the northwest, northeast, and southeast [2][26]. - The Lower Zone is characterized by high lithium and boron grades, while the Upper Zone has moderate lithium and low boron grades [8][48]. - The estimated mineral resources for the Lower Zone include 275.85 million tonnes at an average grade of 3,519 ppm lithium and 1,561.06 million tonnes at 3,085 ppm lithium for the Inferred category [28][29]. Group 4: Mining and Processing Methodology - The PEA contemplates an underground operation using a Hydraulic Borehole Mining (HBHM) method, targeting a production rate of 8,000 tonnes per day [9][44]. - The processing method involves whole-ore agitated tank leaching using sulfuric acid, achieving leach extractions exceeding 95% for lithium and boron [50][51]. - Overall recoveries are estimated at 85% for lithium and 48% for boron [51]. Group 5: Future Development and Optimization - The company is evaluating multiple areas for optimization, including ore beneficiation, additional critical mineral production, and the impact of new tax provisions from the US HR1 "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" [7][4]. - The potential for higher grades and volumes could positively impact the PEA economics already demonstrated [4][7].

Core Viewpoint - Li-FT Power Ltd. has announced the commencement of a drilling program at the Yellowknife Lithium Project, scheduled for August 25, 2025, focusing on high-grade spodumene intercepts [1][27]. Drilling Program Details - The 2025 drilling program will consist of 10 holes totaling 3,445 meters, targeting the Shorty (2,655 m) and Nite (790 m) dykes [2][5]. - Drilling will be conducted at inferred spacing of 100 meters to a true vertical depth of 300-350 meters from the surface [2][5]. - The Shorty pegmatite corridor is at least 1.4 km long and up to 100 m wide, with individual dykes varying from 2 to 40 m in width [6][19]. Targeted Areas and Historical Results - The Shorty dyke will have eight new holes drilled, focusing on extending previously identified spodumene intercepts, including notable results of 1.24% Li2O over 53 m and 0.97% Li2O over 33 m from earlier campaigns [7][8]. - The Nite pegmatite complex will have two new deep holes drilled, targeting areas with previous intercepts of 1.38% Li2O over 11 m and 0.63% Li2O over 23 m [19][25]. Current Mineral Resource Estimate - The current mineral resource estimate for the Yellowknife Lithium Project includes 50.4 million tonnes grading 1.00% Li2O, equating to 506,000 tonnes of Li2O, positioning it as one of the largest spodumene projects in North America [25][27]. - The project ranks among the top 10 largest spodumene projects in the Americas based on the estimated resource and grade [27]. Company Overview - Li-FT Power Ltd. is focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of lithium pegmatite projects in Canada, with the Yellowknife Lithium Project being its flagship [29].

Summary of Liontown Resources (LINR.F) 2025 Conference Company Overview - **Company**: Liontown Resources - **CEO**: Tony Ataviano, who has experience with BHP and Rio Tinto, joined Liontown in 2021 and has overseen significant developments including the DFS for the Kathleen Valley Lithium Project and foundational offtake agreements [2][4] Industry Insights - **Market Dynamics**: The company is observing government interventions in China aimed at controlling overcapacity, which could impact the lithium market [5] - **Global Demand**: There is a notable growth in lithium demand from regions outside North America, particularly Brazil and Mexico, with an annual growth rate exceeding 20% [6][7] - **Energy Storage**: By 2029, it is predicted that one in every four lithium units will be directed towards energy storage, indicating underestimated demand from this sector [8] Operational Highlights - **Production Achievements**: - First shipment to LG in September 2024 - Production commenced on schedule in April 2025 - Achieved 321,000 tons of spodumene production in eleven months, with 280,000 tons sold [9][14] - Operating costs were reported at AUD 8.00 per ton, with a cash balance of AUD 156 million at year-end [16] - **Processing Plant Performance**: - The processing plant achieved over 89% availability during ramp-up, with some quarters reaching 90-93% [15] - The plant has demonstrated adaptability to varying mill feed quality, producing saleable product with contamination levels above the design limit [23][24] Financial Metrics - **Revenue**: The company reported AUD 300 million in revenue for its first operational year [16] - **Cost Management**: Implemented a business optimization program that resulted in AUD 112 million in savings and deferred costs [9] Future Plans - **Production Goals**: Aiming to ramp up production to 1.5 million tons per annum, with a transition to 100% underground mill feed by Q1 FY27 [22][29] - **Expansion Potential**: The company has low capital intensity for future expansions and maintains a flexible debt structure aligned with customer interests [31][32] Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiatives - **Renewable Energy**: The company operates Australia's largest hybrid renewable power station, significantly reducing carbon emissions and enhancing operational efficiency [11][12] - **Community Engagement**: Strong relationships with local communities, including significant contracts awarded to Aboriginal groups [13] Strategic Partnerships - **Key Partnerships**: Collaborations with LG Energy Solution and Sumitomo are highlighted as strategic advantages for future growth [34] Conclusion - **Market Position**: Liontown Resources is well-positioned for a recovery in lithium prices, with a high-quality deposit at Kathleen Valley and a robust operational framework to support future growth [33]

Financial Performance & Production - Liontown produced over 320,000 wmt of spodumene concentrate at 5.2% grade in FY25, or >294,000 dmt allowing for 8% moisture[33, 78] - The company's revenue reached A$301 million with an average realised price of A$1,061 per ~SC5.2 dmt (CIF)[34] - H2 FY25 unit operating cost was A$802 per dmt sold (FOB), and AISC was A$1,081 per dmt sold (FOB)[34] - Liontown maintains a strong cash balance of approximately A$156 million, with ~11,000 dmt of saleable concentrate on hand[34] Mining & Operations - The company is transitioning to 100% underground mining and production by Q3 FY26[61, 78] - The mine plan strategically prioritizes high-margin ore, with an average of ~1.47% Li2O stope grade mined over 5 years[38] - Capital declines are advancing to 405m below surface by the end of FY30, securing access to future material[40] - The long-term underground plan is designed for efficiency, supporting a 2.8Mtpa run rate from Q2 FY27[43] Future Targets & Expansion - Liontown targets 365-450 kdmt concentrate production in FY26 with an expected grade of 5.2% Li2O[61] - The company aims for a 70% recovery target at the plant by Q3 FY26[61, 78] - The company expects low-cost, scalable operations from FY27[61, 78] - The company is positioned for a low-capex intensity expansion pathway from 2.8Mtpa to 4Mtpa[72, 79]

Company Performance & Growth - Pilbara Minerals Limited (PLS) achieved record FY25 production of 755kt[4] - PLS has ~$1 billion self-funded growth cycle complete and $1.6 billion liquidity[5] - Pilgangoora Mineral Resource updated, delivering a 23% increase in contained lithium[24, 50] - Pilgangoora Resource further grown 10% to 446Mt with grade improvement to 1.28%[25] Strategic Positioning & Diversification - PLS is geographically and strategically diversified with exposure to established and ex-China supply chains[6, 7] - PLS acquired the Colina Project in Brazil, diversifying its asset portfolio[23] - PLS has an 18% interest in a lithium hydroxide (LH) facility in Gwangyang, South Korea, with a nameplate capacity of 43ktpa[32] Market & Industry Trends - The lithium industry is evolving, shaped by volatility, emerging maturity, and rising end-use demand[9] - Clean energy investment in 2025 is projected at US$2.2 trillion, with solar investment at US$450 billion[17] - EV sales grew by 26% from 2023 to 2024, and BESS sales grew by 51%[17] Future Priorities - PLS' FY26 priorities include operational excellence, disciplined cost control, and capital efficiency[36]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: The conference call primarily discusses the **China Battery & Materials** industry, particularly in relation to electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems (ESS) [2][4]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Production Growth**: - Production growth in August is expected to slow, but remains above expectations with a year-to-date growth of over **50% year-on-year** from the top six suppliers [4]. - A **4% month-on-month** increase in production was noted in August, following a **3% month-on-month** increase in July, indicating a recovery trend [4]. - **Demand Concerns**: - Initial concerns about a collapse in ESS demand due to regulatory changes and inventory destocking in the US have been alleviated by better-than-expected production plans [4]. - The demand for EVs in China increased by **33% in the first half of 2025**, with significant exports to the EU [4]. - **Battery Exports**: - ESS battery shipments to the US, EU, and other regions increased by approximately **150-210% year-on-year** in the first half of 2025 [4]. - A notable increase in EU residential ESS demand was observed, with a **220% year-on-year** growth in the first half of 2025 [4]. - **Company-Specific Updates**: - **BYD**: Battery production has stabilized after previous cuts due to high inventory levels [4]. - **CATL**: Adjusted its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production plan down by **10%** in July to focus on faster charging applications [4]. - **Lithium Production**: - Expected to increase by **6kt month-on-month** in August, with a projected **8% month-on-month** growth in total lithium output [4]. - The recent price rally in lithium is viewed as speculative rather than based on fundamental changes, maintaining a bearish outlook on lithium prices [4]. - **Battery Prices**: - EV battery prices remained stable in July after a decline in the second quarter of 2025, while ESS battery prices have shown signs of recovery due to strong demand [5]. - LFP cathode prices increased by **8%**, driven by a **19% rise** in lithium carbonate prices [5]. - **Capacity Utilization**: - Industry capacity utilization has improved, reaching over **80%** in the second half of 2024, leading to a new round of capital expenditure (capex) expansion [5]. - New orders for battery equipment are expected to increase by over **45%** in 2025 compared to a decline in 2023-2024 [5]. Additional Important Insights - **Investment Recommendations**: - CATL is rated as "Overweight," while other battery and material companies are rated as "Neutral" or "Underweight" [5]. - **Upcoming Financial Reports**: - CATL is expected to report its second-quarter results on July 30, with anticipated sales volume of **140-150 GWh** and net profit between **Rmb 15.5 billion and 16.0 billion** [5]. - **Sales Trends**: - NEV sales showed mixed results, with a **1% month-on-month** increase in June but a **9% month-on-month** decrease projected for July [8]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, highlighting the current state and future outlook of the battery and materials industry in China.