Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, the company reported a net loss of approximately $4 million compared to a net gain of $128.3 million during the same quarter in 2024, primarily due to a one-time gain from the sale of a 45% interest in two project areas in 2024 [11][12] - General and administrative expenses decreased by $4.5 million, reflecting cost-sharing with joint ventures and strong corporate cost management [12] - The company ended the quarter with strong cash and working capital positions of $33.8 million and £30.6 million respectively [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed all planned fieldwork for the first phase of the Southwest Arkansas project, achieving a lithium concentration of 660 mg/L from the Leicester well, the highest recorded to date [9] - Phase one of the Southwest Arkansas project plans for 22,500 tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate, with first production expected in 2028 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Southwest Arkansas project was selected as one of the first critical mineral production projects under Executive Order 14,241, which aims to increase American mineral production [5] - The company received a $225 million grant from the DOE's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, reinforcing its project development timeline [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing lithium development projects in partnership with Equinor, with a final investment decision targeted by the end of 2025 [4][16] - The company is also exploring next-generation battery materials, having developed a new process for producing battery-quality lithium sulfide [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the critical milestones achieved in the second quarter and the support from local and federal governments for securing critical minerals production in the U.S. [16] - The company believes it is well-positioned to deliver significant value to shareholders and communities as it progresses towards a final investment decision [16] Other Important Information - The company strengthened its senior management team with two new VP hires, enhancing its capabilities and execution of growth strategy [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding DOE funding opportunities - Management indicated ongoing support from the DOE and the White House for direct lithium extraction projects, but it is premature to comment on specific funding avenues [19][20] Question: Details on remaining milestone payments - The milestone payments from Equinor are $40 million for Southwest Arkansas and $30 million for East Texas, which will be used to fund the company's share of the projects [21][23] Question: Future expenditures related to Southwest Arkansas - Management expects to be fully funded for commitments prior to FID at Southwest Arkansas through existing cash, Equinor funding, and prudent use of the ATM program [24] Question: Offtake agreements and pricing discussions - The company is in discussions with multiple parties regarding offtake agreements, focusing on both structure and pricing mechanisms, with confidence in concluding discussions by Q4 [43][44] Question: Updates on geological modeling and resource mapping - Management stated that drilling work has refined their understanding of the resource position, with a maiden resource report expected to provide further insights [46][49] Question: Debt financing discussions - Discussions with export credit agencies and commercial banks are progressing well, with confidence in achieving the previously indicated debt financing range [53][54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue increase despite softer market prices, attributed to higher production volumes [5] - Average realized price for lithium carbonate was $7,400 per tonne, an 8% decrease compared to the previous quarter [6] - Operating costs decreased approximately 8% quarter on quarter, reaching $6,100 per tonne [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - At Qachari Olaroz, production volumes reached 8,500 tonnes of lithium carbonate for the second quarter, with a total of 15,700 tonnes in the first half [6] - The company is confident in reaching its full-year production guidance of 30,000 to 35,000 tonnes [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lithium prices have shown increased volatility, currently just over $10,000 per tonne, but the company believes lower prices are not sustainable due to strong global growth and the need for new supply [8][9] - The pricing discount received was approximately $2,000 per tonne, similar to Q1, reflecting taxes and reprocessing costs [26][47] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The growth strategy targets over 200,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent capacity, leveraging expansion at existing operations and regional growth projects [10] - The company aims to consolidate projects in the Pizuelos and Patos Grande Basins, positioning itself for one of the largest lithium operations globally [10][11] - Focus remains on operational efficiency, financial flexibility, and maximizing shareholder value while advancing growth initiatives [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to manage price volatility and maintain low production costs [17][18] - The company anticipates that the second half of the year will see larger volume production compared to the first half [44] - There is a strong demand from Ganfeng, indicating a well-sold order book for the company's products [40] Other Important Information - The company secured $120 million in new bank facilities to support working capital as operations advance [4] - A feasibility study for regional growth projects is expected to be completed by the end of the year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of CATL shutting down mines in China on lithium market - Management is monitoring developments related to China's anti-involution policies and believes current pricing is unsustainable in the long term [16][18] Question: Pricing discounts and expectations for the rest of the year - The pricing discount was approximately $2,000, similar to Q1, and operational stability is expected to improve through Q3 and Q4 [26][28] Question: Visibility into Q3 and Q4 order book and pricing - The majority of the product is under offtake agreements, primarily with Ganfeng, ensuring strong demand [40] Question: Financial health of Ganfeng as a partner - Ganfeng is seen as a strong partner with access to capital and a focus on low-cost projects, prioritizing Argentina for investment [56][58]

Core Viewpoint - Century Lithium Corp. has successfully collaborated with Alpha-En Corporation to convert its lithium carbonate into battery-grade lithium-metal anodes, showcasing the quality of its lithium material and technical capabilities [1][2][3] Company Overview - Century Lithium Corp. is focused on developing its Angel Island project in Esmeralda County, Nevada, which contains one of the largest sedimentary lithium deposits in the U.S. [5][6] - The company utilizes a patent-pending process for chloride leaching and direct lithium extraction to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate [5] Collaboration with Alpha-En Corporation - Alpha-En Corporation has successfully converted a sample of 99.8% pure lithium carbonate from Century Lithium into lithium metal using a patented room-temperature conversion process [2][3] - The lithium metal produced from Century Lithium's material demonstrated high purity and consistency, leading to high-quality lithium-metal anodes [3] Technical Development and Future Outlook - Century Lithium is advancing the Angel Island project through ongoing permitting, engineering, and technical development at its Demonstration Plant [3][6] - The project is expected to yield an estimated life-of-mine average of 34,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate over a 40-year mine life [6] - The company maintains a positive long-term outlook on lithium-based batteries, anticipating their critical role in the growth of the electric vehicle and stationary energy storage markets [3]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the battery materials industry, but it indicates a positive sentiment towards the sector based on production increases and market conditions. Core Insights - The battery production pipeline is estimated to increase by 1% month-over-month (MoM) and 39% year-over-year (YoY) in July 2025, with electric vehicle (EV) battery production remaining flat MoM, while energy storage system (ESS) battery demand is expected to grow by 4% MoM [1] - Lithium carbonate is projected to rise by 4% MoM, contrasting with the largely flat trends observed in other battery materials [1] - Market sentiment has been buoyed by positive discussions regarding potential supply-side reforms in China, despite ongoing increases in production output [1] Summary by Sections Battery Production Trends - Battery production is estimated to be up by 1% MoM [3] - Cathode production is expected to remain flattish MoM [5] - Anode production is projected to increase by 1% MoM [7] - Separator production is also estimated to rise by 1% MoM [9] - Electrolyte production is expected to be flattish MoM [11] Market Sentiment and Demand - The market sentiment is influenced by positive discussions and hopes for supply-side reforms in China, which have led to increased interest in equities and futures related to battery materials [1] - The demand for ESS batteries is forecasted to continue its upward trend, with a 4% MoM increase expected [1]

Core Insights - Lithium Argentina AG reported its first quarter 2025 results, highlighting a focus on cost discipline and operational optimization at the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium brine operation [1][2][3] Production and Operating Performance - Lithium carbonate production for Q1 2025 totaled 7,200 tonnes, a 15% decrease from Q4 2024, primarily due to planned maintenance [6] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 production guidance of 30,000 to 35,000 tonnes, expecting higher production volumes in the latter half of the year [6] - In April 2025, production capacity returned to over 85% following maintenance activities [6] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $58 million, with an average realized price of approximately $8,085 per tonne of lithium carbonate sold [6] - The company reported a net loss of $7.2 million for Q1 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $10.2 million in the same period last year [8] - Cash operating costs were approximately $6,634 per tonne, maintaining a competitive position as a low-cost producer [2][8] Strategic Initiatives - The company is developing a 5,000 tonnes per annum demonstration plant in China to confirm new processing technology [6] - A letter of intent has been executed with Ganfeng to jointly develop the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes projects, targeting a production capacity of up to 150,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent [6] - Cauchari-Olaroz is advancing a Stage 2 expansion plan, considering an additional production capacity of 40,000 tonnes per annum [6] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $73.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and a $75 million undrawn credit facility with Ganfeng [11] - The company incurred $5 million in costs related to its corporate migration to Switzerland during Q1 2025 [11] - Minera Exar S.A. had approximately $218 million of net debt, with a new $150 million bank facility expected to close in Q2 2025 [11]

Core Insights - Aqua Metals reported financial results for Q1 2025, emphasizing advancements in its AquaRefining™ technology aimed at establishing a resilient battery supply chain in the U.S. [1][2] Financial Performance - Total current assets decreased from $4,644,000 as of December 31, 2024, to $2,219,000 as of March 31, 2025 [15] - Total assets also declined from $26,365,000 to $18,065,000 during the same period [15] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $8,315,000, compared to a net loss of $5,752,000 in Q1 2024 [16] Product and Technology Development - Aqua Metals produced initial samples of nickel carbonate and mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), aligning with customer specifications for battery-grade precursors [12] - The company completed a bench-scale demonstration for lithium recovery from lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which could enhance economic models by doubling lithium carbonate output [12] - Continued refinement of high-purity lithium carbonate production processes positions Aqua Metals as a preferred partner in domestic lithium production [12] Strategic Decisions - Aqua Metals agreed to sell the Sierra ARC property, which will retire all debt and generate significant cash proceeds, reducing holding costs by approximately $100,000 per month [3] - The company is exploring co-location opportunities with strategic partners to lower capital and operational expenditures [3][4] Leadership Changes - Judd Merrill will transition from CFO to a consulting role, with Eric West stepping in as the new CFO effective May 19, 2025 [5][6] - The leadership transition aims to maintain strong collaboration between operations and finance as the company scales [6] Market Positioning - The company is focused on building a flexible, high-performance battery recycling platform to adapt to the evolving lithium battery market [2] - Aqua Metals is committed to constructing its first commercial ARC and is actively engaging with potential supply and funding partners [4]

Core Insights - Aqua Metals, Inc. has made significant advancements in sustainable lithium battery recycling through its proprietary Li AquaRefining™ process, achieving high-purity material production and establishing commercial partnerships [1][2][4] Technology and Innovation - The Li AquaRefining™ process has been validated at scale, demonstrating over 99% recovery rates for lithium, cobalt, and nickel, while achieving 83% lower CO₂ emissions compared to traditional methods [6] - The company has completed a three-week endurance run of the pilot plant, confirming its readiness for commercial scale-up [6] Commercial Developments - Aqua Metals is preparing to install equipment at the Sierra ARC facility, which will process 7,000 tonnes of black mass feedstock annually, contingent on securing additional financing [2][4] - A long-term supply agreement has been signed with 6K Energy to provide up to 30% of recycled content for its domestic cathode manufacturing facility, marking a significant step towards a closed-loop battery material partnership [6] Financial Performance - The company raised approximately $15 million in equity, indicating strong internal confidence, and received a $2.2 million tax abatement from the State of Nevada, linked to a projected $392 million economic impact [6] - As of December 31, 2024, Aqua Metals reported total assets of $26.365 million, down from $33.600 million in 2023, with a net loss of $24.555 million for the year [10][14] Strategic Vision - The company aims to build a resilient, low-capex, and rapidly scalable platform for critical mineral recovery in the U.S., focusing on higher-margin products and deepening strategic partnerships [4][6] - Aqua Metals has been recognized for its leadership in sustainability and clean energy job growth, being named a "Top Project of 2024" by Environment + Energy Leader [6]