Surge Announces Positive Pre-Feasibility Study at Nevada North: After-Tax NPV8% of US$9.81 Billion, After-Tax IRR of 23.6% and Operating Cost of US$4,719/tonne Lithium Carbonate
Original announcement by orestocks on
- Company
- Surge Battery Metals Inc.
- Ticker
- NILI.V
- Exchange
- Unavailable
- Region
- Nevada
- Primary commodity
- Lithium
- Secondary commodities
- None reported
- Document categories
- Other, Resource update, Metallurgy
- Extracted
- 2026-10-02 21:32:27 UTC
Analysis by Minestarters Atlas
Atlas analysis published:
Minestarters Atlas analysis
Summary
Surge Battery Metals announced positive results from a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for its Nevada North Lithium Project, reporting an after-tax NPV8% of US$9.81 billion and an IRR of 23.6% over a 42-year mine life. The PFS, which supersedes a 2025 PEA, outlines a two-phase open-pit operation producing battery-grade lithium carbonate with an average annual production of 92,250 tonnes and an overall lithium recovery of 84.9%. The study is based on Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 4.56 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, with initial capital costs for Phase 1 estimated at US$2.77 billion.
Reasoning: The Pre-Feasibility Study for the Nevada North Lithium Project demonstrates robust economics with a high after-tax NPV and IRR, improved operating costs and recovery compared to the prior PEA, and a confirmed ability to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves. This significantly de-risks the project and provides a strong foundation for future development.
Positive factors
- High After-Tax NPV8% of US$9.81 billion
- Strong After-Tax IRR of 23.6%
- Fast After-Tax Payback of 4.2 years
- Significant LOM average production of ~92,250 tpa lithium carbonate
- Low LOM average cash operating cost of US$4,719/tonne lithium carbonate
- Overall lithium recovery improved to 84.9%
- Battery-grade product (99.95% Li2CO3) demonstrated from project claystone
- Mine plan based solely on Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves (4.56 Mt LCE)
- PFS improves on prior PEA with lower capital, lower operating cost, and higher recovery
- PFS prepared to AACE Class 4 estimate (±25%) by Fluor Corporation
Negative factors
- Project value is most sensitive to lithium carbonate price
- Phase 2 expansion capital is partly funded from Phase 1 cash flow, introducing funding risk
- Water demand refinement needed for FEL 3, with Phase 2 requiring additional water rights
- Accelerated execution schedule assumes expedited permitting and final investment decision, posing timeline risks
Facts used in scoring: 10
Classification and evidence
PFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.
Why it applies: The document is a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the Nevada North Lithium Project.
Evidence · text
“Surge Announces Positive Pre-Feasibility Study at Nevada North”
Tonnage Growthpositive
Significant tonnage increase (≥15%) vs prior estimate with grade maintained or improved.
Why it applies: Total lithium carbonate produced increased by 6.8% from 3.63 Mt in the PEA to 3.87 Mt in the PFS.
Evidence · table
“3.87”
Context: 3.63
Category Upgradepositive
Resource confidence improved — Inferred upgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Measured. De-risking signal.
Why it applies: The PFS mine plan is based solely on Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, whereas the PEA included Inferred Mineral Resources, indicating an upgrade in resource confidence for the mine plan.
Evidence · text
“The PEA included Inferred Mineral Resources; the PFS is based on Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves only, with no Inferred Mineral Resources in the mine plan.”
Contained Metal Growthpositive
True scale improvement — contained metal ounces/tonnes increased vs prior, accounting for both tonnage and grade changes.
Why it applies: Total lithium carbonate produced increased by 6.8% from 3.63 Mt in the PEA to 3.87 Mt in the PFS.
Evidence · table
“3.87”
Context: 3.63
QP/CP Signedpositive
Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.
Why it applies: The PFS was prepared under the supervision of multiple independent Qualified Persons (P.Eng., P.E., C.P.G.) who reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information.
Evidence · text
“The PFS was prepared by or under the supervision of the following independent Qualified Persons, as defined by NI 43-101, each of whom has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release relating to the portions of the PFS for which they are responsible: Kevin Martina, P.Eng., Fluor - process, capital and operating costs, metallurgical testing, recovery methods, infrastructure; Kirk Hanson, P.E., KH Mining LLC - economic analysis; John Marek, P.E., IMC - Mineral Reserves and mining methods; Nathan Forsythe, C.P.G., RESPEC - geology, Mineral Resources, sample preparation and data verification; Paul Axelrod, P.E., Axelrod, Inc. - tailings; Robert Pratt, P.E., Call & Nicholas, Inc. - waste rock and pit slope stability; Bill van Breugel, P.Eng., SGS - market studies; Kyle Brangers, CPG, GSI - environmental studies, permitting and closure.”
NI 43-101 Compliantpositive
Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.
Why it applies: The technical report supporting the PFS will be filed in accordance with National Instrument 43-101.
Evidence · text
“A technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") supporting the PFS will be filed on SEDAR+”
Cut-off Disclosedpositive
Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.
Why it applies: The Mineral Reserve estimate is reported at a cut-off grade of 1,250 ppm Li.
Evidence · text
“Mineral Reserves are reported in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards (2014) at a cut-off grade of 1,250 ppm Li (diluted)”
High Recoverypositive
Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route.
Why it applies: Overall process lithium recovery of 84.9% is strong for a lithium claystone project.
Evidence · text
“Overall process lithium recovery of 84.9%”
Recovery Improvingpositive
Recovery improved versus a like-for-like prior test program on the same domain and route.
Why it applies: Overall lithium recovery improved from 82.8% in the 2025 PEA to 84.9% in the PFS, a gain of 2.1 percentage points.
Evidence · table
“84.9%”
Context: 82.8%
Pilot Scale Completepositive
Pilot or demonstration plant testing completed under continuous operation.
Why it applies: Metallurgical test work included pilot-scale testing of gravity beneficiation and a continuous pilot program is planned for FEL 3.
Evidence · text
“Sepro completed beneficiation test work on the PFS Master Composite (4,352 ppm Li), including batch testing of approximately 1.9 tonnes in a pilot-scale Falcon C400 centrifugal gravity concentrator”
Mill Routeneutral
Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).
Why it applies: The process flowsheet includes sulfuric acid leaching, solution purification, and lithium carbonate precipitation and refining, which are typical mill processes.
Evidence · text
“Sulfuric acid leaching, followed by solid-liquid separation and residue filtration; Solution purification, including magnesium sulfate crystallization, followed by lithium carbonate precipitation and refining to battery-grade product”
Gravity Routeneutral
Gravity separation forms a material part of the flowsheet.
Why it applies: The process flowsheet includes gravity beneficiation using centrifugal concentrators and hydro-classifiers.
Evidence · text
“Gravity beneficiation using centrifugal concentrators and hydro-classifiers to reject coarse, low-grade gangue ahead of leaching”
Single Domain Onlynegative
Testing limited to one composite or domain — representativeness not established.
Why it applies: only one composite was tested
Extracted facts
Stored fact records: 9. Some facts used in scoring do not have a stored record.
Resource Estimates (5)
provenNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumTonnes: 81600000Grade: 4013Grade Unit: ppm LiContained Metal: 1740000Contained Unit: tView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI.V
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- reserve
- Reporting standards
- ni_43_101
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- John Marek
- Resource group id
- resource:5240596ad0a5b1e4bb1d
- Mining method
- open_pit
Resource Data
- Category
- proven
- Tonnes
- 81600000
- Grade
- 4013
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 1740000
- Contained Unit
- t
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-07-28
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The Proven Mineral Reserve provides a high-confidence base for the project's economic study, contributing significantly to the overall contained lithium.
Positive factors
- Proven Reserve category
- High grade (4,013 ppm Li)
- Significant contained LCE (1.74 Mt)
- NI 43-101 compliant and QP signed
Evidence · table
“4,013”
Context: 81.6
Tags used in scoring
Proven Reservepositive
Measured Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors.
Why it applies: category is "proven"
Cut-off Disclosedpositive
Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated
QP/CP Signedpositive
Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.
Why it applies: qp_signed is true
NI 43-101 Compliantpositive
Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.
Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101
Resource Updateneutral
Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress.
Why it applies: the release compares against a previous estimate
PEA-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
PFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
DFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
probableNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumTonnes: 136700000Grade: 3877Grade Unit: ppm LiContained Metal: 2820000Contained Unit: tView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI.V
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- reserve
- Reporting standards
- ni_43_101
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- John Marek
- Resource group id
- resource:e9816b40c11df0e71757
- Mining method
- open_pit
Resource Data
- Category
- probable
- Tonnes
- 136700000
- Grade
- 3877
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 2820000
- Contained Unit
- t
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-07-28
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The Probable Mineral Reserve adds substantial tonnage and contained lithium to the project's economic viability, supporting the long mine life.
Positive factors
- Probable Reserve category
- High grade (3,877 ppm Li)
- Significant contained LCE (2.82 Mt)
- NI 43-101 compliant and QP signed
Evidence · table
“3,877”
Context: 136.7
Tags used in scoring
Probable Reservepositive
Indicated Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors.
Why it applies: category is "probable"
Cut-off Disclosedpositive
Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated
QP/CP Signedpositive
Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.
Why it applies: qp_signed is true
NI 43-101 Compliantpositive
Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.
Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101
Resource Updateneutral
Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress.
Why it applies: the release compares against a previous estimate
PEA-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
PFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
DFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
measuredNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumTonnes: 210800000Grade: 3150Grade Unit: ppm LiContained Metal: 3530000Contained Unit: tView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI.V
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- resource
- Reporting standards
- ni_43_101
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- Nathan Forsythe
- Resource group id
- resource:db6a60a9578b76cd85bf
- Mining method
- open_pit
Resource Data
- Category
- measured
- Tonnes
- 210800000
- Grade
- 3150
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 3530000
- Contained Unit
- t
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-05-01
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The Measured Mineral Resource provides a high-confidence foundation for the project, with a substantial amount of contained lithium.
Positive factors
- Measured Resource category indicates high geological confidence
- Significant tonnage (210.8 Mt) and contained LCE (3.53 Mt)
- NI 43-101 compliant and QP signed
Evidence · table
“3,150”
Context: 210.8
Tags used in scoring
Measured Resourcepositive
Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves.
Why it applies: category is "measured"
Cut-off Disclosedpositive
Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated
QP/CP Signedpositive
Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.
Why it applies: qp_signed is true
NI 43-101 Compliantpositive
Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.
Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101
Resource Updateneutral
Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress.
Why it applies: the release compares against a previous estimate
PEA-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
PFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
DFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
indicatedNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumTonnes: 446700000Grade: 2940Grade Unit: ppm LiContained Metal: 6980000Contained Unit: tView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI.V
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- resource
- Reporting standards
- ni_43_101
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- Nathan Forsythe
- Resource group id
- resource:3d8612878a7c42a089d2
- Mining method
- open_pit
Resource Data
- Category
- indicated
- Tonnes
- 446700000
- Grade
- 2940
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 6980000
- Contained Unit
- t
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-05-01
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The Indicated Mineral Resource significantly expands the project's potential, adding a large volume of lithium with good confidence.
Positive factors
- Indicated Resource category provides reasonable geological confidence
- Very large tonnage (446.7 Mt) and contained LCE (6.98 Mt)
- NI 43-101 compliant and QP signed
Evidence · table
“2,940”
Context: 446.7
Tags used in scoring
Indicated Resourcepositive
Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves.
Why it applies: category is "indicated"
Cut-off Disclosedpositive
Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated
QP/CP Signedpositive
Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.
Why it applies: qp_signed is true
NI 43-101 Compliantpositive
Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.
Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101
Resource Updateneutral
Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress.
Why it applies: the release compares against a previous estimate
PEA-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
PFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
DFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
inferredNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumTonnes: 271300000Grade: 2160Grade Unit: ppm LiContained Metal: 3120000Contained Unit: tView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI.V
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- resource
- Reporting standards
- ni_43_101
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- Nathan Forsythe
- Resource group id
- resource:7f1ebab80f1466732713
- Mining method
- open_pit
Resource Data
- Category
- inferred
- Tonnes
- 271300000
- Grade
- 2160
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 3120000
- Contained Unit
- t
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-05-01
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The Inferred Mineral Resource indicates substantial exploration potential, though it requires further drilling to upgrade confidence for economic studies.
Positive factors
- Significant tonnage (271.3 Mt) and contained LCE (3.12 Mt) in Inferred category
- NI 43-101 compliant and QP signed
Negative factors
- Inferred Resource category has lower geological confidence and cannot support economic studies alone
Evidence · table
“2,160”
Context: 271.3
Tags used in scoring
Inferred Resourcenegative
Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone.
Why it applies: category is "inferred"
Cut-off Disclosedpositive
Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.
Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated
QP/CP Signedpositive
Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.
Why it applies: qp_signed is true
NI 43-101 Compliantpositive
Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.
Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101
Resource Updateneutral
Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress.
Why it applies: the release compares against a previous estimate
PEA-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
PFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
DFS-Supportingneutral
Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.
Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports
Metallurgical Results (4)
pilot plantNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumRecovery: 84.9 %View all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI.V
Test Work
- Program Status
- detailed
- Test Type
- pilot plant
- Processing Route
- Ore preparation and attrition scrubbing, Gravity beneficiation, Sulfuric acid leaching, Solid-liquid separation and residue filtration, Solution purification, Lithium carbonate precipitation and refining
Recovery
- Recovery
- 84.9 %
- Recovery Basis
- actual_test
Lab
- Laboratory
- Sepro Laboratories and Kemetco Research Inc.
- Consultant
- Chemshift Technologies Inc.
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The overall process lithium recovery of 84.9% is strong and represents an improvement over previous estimates, supported by detailed metallurgical test work demonstrating a complete flowsheet to battery-grade product.
Positive factors
- High Recovery (84.9%) for lithium
- Recovery Improving (+2.1 percentage points) compared to prior PEA
- Pilot Scale Complete (continuous pilot program planned for FEL 3)
- Battery-grade product (99.95% Li2CO3) demonstrated
Evidence · text
“Overall process lithium recovery of 84.9%, up from 82.8% in the 2025 PEA, supported by metallurgical test work completed by Sepro Laboratories ("Sepro") and Kemetco Research Inc. ("Kemetco").”
Tags used in scoring
Gravity Routeneutral
Gravity separation forms a material part of the flowsheet.
Why it applies: processing_route matches the gravity signal
Pilot Scale Completepositive
Pilot or demonstration plant testing completed under continuous operation.
Why it applies: test_type names pilot-scale work
High Recoverypositive
Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route.
Why it applies: 84.9% is at or above the exceptional band (80%)
gravityNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumRecovery: 96.7 %Head Grade: 4352Head Grade Unit: ppm LiView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI.V
Test Work
- Program Status
- detailed
- Test Type
- gravity
- Processing Route
- Gravity beneficiation using centrifugal concentrators and hydro-classifiers
- Sample
- PFS Master Composite
Recovery
- Recovery
- 96.7 %
- Recovery Basis
- to_concentrate
- Head Grade
- 4352
- Head Grade Unit
- ppm Li
Lab
- Laboratory
- Sepro Laboratories
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: Gravity beneficiation test work demonstrated high lithium recovery to the leach feed while effectively rejecting gangue, indicating an efficient pre-concentration step.
Positive factors
- High recovery of lithium (96.7%) to leach feed
- Effective rejection of coarse, low-grade gangue (70% calcium rejected)
- Pilot-scale testing (Falcon C400 centrifugal gravity concentrator)
Evidence · text
“Sepro completed beneficiation test work on the PFS Master Composite (4,352 ppm Li), including batch testing of approximately 1.9 tonnes in a pilot-scale Falcon C400 centrifugal gravity concentrator, recovering 96.7% of the lithium to leach feed at an upgraded grade of 5,079 ppm Li while rejecting approximately 70% of the calcium.”
Tags used in scoring
Gravity Routeneutral
Gravity separation forms a material part of the flowsheet.
Why it applies: processing_route matches the gravity signal
High Recoverypositive
Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route.
Why it applies: 96.7% is at or above the exceptional band (80%)
hydrometallurgical programNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumRecovery: 93 %View all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI.V
Test Work
- Program Status
- detailed
- Test Type
- hydrometallurgical program
- Processing Route
- Sulfuric acid leaching
Recovery
- Recovery
- 93 %
- Recovery Basis
- actual_test
Lab
- Laboratory
- Kemetco Research Inc.
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The hydrometallurgical program showed high lithium extraction rates during sulfuric acid leaching, confirming the efficiency of this key process stage.
Positive factors
- High lithium extraction (>93%) during sulfuric acid leaching
- Demonstrates effectiveness of the core leaching process
Evidence · text
“Sulfuric acid leaching extracted more than 93% of the lithium at the PFS design acid addition.”
Tags used in scoring
High Recoverypositive
Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route.
Why it applies: 93% is at or above the exceptional band (80%)
refiningNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI.V
Test Work
- Program Status
- detailed
- Test Type
- refining
- Processing Route
- Lithium carbonate precipitation and refining
Recovery
- Conc. Grade
- 99.95
- Conc. Grade Unit
- % Li2CO3
Lab
- Laboratory
- Kemetco Research Inc.
- Consultant
- Chemshift Technologies Inc.
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The successful refining of lithium carbonate to 99.95% purity demonstrates the project's ability to produce a battery-grade product, a critical de-risking milestone.
Positive factors
- Battery-grade product achieved (99.95% Li2CO3)
- Demonstrates complete flowsheet from ore to final product
- High purity product meets industry standards for battery applications
Evidence · text
“Kemetco produced a lithium carbonate assaying 99.0% Li₂CO₃, then refined it with Chemshift of Calgary, Alberta to a battery-grade product of 99.95% Li₂CO₃, as announced on September 15, 2026.”
How Atlas produces this analysis
Minestarters Atlas uses automated extraction to summarize mining announcements, identify reported measurements, and classify supporting evidence. Sentiment reflects the extracted narrative and classification rules; it is an interpretation, not a reported measurement. Evidence quotes and context are provided where available. Missing data, low-confidence results, and review flags indicate limitations. Check the original publisher announcement before relying on an interpretation.