Surge Battery Metals 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 jmn on
- Company
- Surge Battery Metals Inc.
- Ticker
- NILI
- Exchange
- TSXV
- Region
- Nevada
- Primary commodity
- Lithium
- Secondary commodities
- None reported
- Document categories
- Other, Resource update, Metallurgy
- Extracted
- 2026-10-02 22:21:26 UTC
Analysis by Minestarters Atlas
Atlas analysis published:
Minestarters Atlas analysis
Summary
Surge Battery Metals announced a positive Pre-Feasibility Study for its Nevada North Lithium Project, reporting an after-tax NPV8% of US$9.81 billion and an after-tax IRR of 23.6%. The study outlines a 42-year mine life with an average annual production of approximately 92,250 tpa lithium carbonate and a low operating cost of US$4,719/tonne. The PFS incorporates a Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 218.3 million tonnes at 3,928 ppm Li, and demonstrates the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate.
Reasoning: The Pre-Feasibility Study for the Nevada North Lithium Project demonstrates robust economics with a high after-tax NPV8% of US$9.81 billion and an IRR of 23.6%, supported by a significant Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve and improved metallurgical recoveries. The study confirms the project's potential to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate with a low operating cost and rapid payback.
Positive factors
- High after-tax NPV8% of US$9.81 billion
- Strong after-tax IRR of 23.6%
- Low operating cost of US$4,719/tonne LCE
- Improved overall lithium recovery of 84.9% compared to prior PEA
- Faster after-tax payback period of 4.2 years
- Significant Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 4.56 Mt LCE
- No Inferred Mineral Resources included in the PFS mine plan
- Demonstrated production of 99.95% battery-grade lithium carbonate
- Project maintains positive after-tax NPV8% across full ±30% sensitivity range
- Lower Phase 1 initial capital compared to prior PEA
Negative factors
- Phase 2 capital costs estimated at a lower level of definition than Phase 1
- Preliminary process water balance indicates plant raw water demand may be higher than PFS design basis
- Accelerated execution schedule assumes expedited permitting and final investment decision
Low confidence — this extraction should be reviewed alongside the original source.
Facts used in scoring: 14
Classification and evidence
Heap Leach Routeneutral
Processing via heap leach — lower CAPEX and OPEX, lower recovery expected.
Why it applies: the document describes a heap_leach route ("column leach")
Mill Routeneutral
Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).
Why it applies: the document describes a mill_cil route ("concentrator")
Gravity Routeneutral
Gravity separation forms a material part of the flowsheet.
Why it applies: the document describes a gravity route ("gravity")
Multi-Domain Testedpositive
Variability across ore domains (oxide, transition, fresh) has been addressed.
Why it applies: 5 distinct composites were tested
Extracted facts
Stored fact records: 12. Some facts used in scoring do not have a stored record.
Resource Estimates (7)
provenNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumTonnes: 81600000Grade: 4013Grade Unit: ppm LiContained Metal: 1.74Contained Unit: mt lceView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- reserve
- Reporting standards
- jorc
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- John Marek, P.E.
- Resource group id
- resource:5240596ad0a5b1e4bb1d
- Mining method
- open_pit
Resource Data
- Category
- proven
- Tonnes
- 81600000
- Grade
- 4013
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 1.74
- Contained Unit
- mt lce
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-07-28
Metal Equivalent
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The Proven Mineral Reserve represents a high-confidence estimate, contributing significantly to the project's economic viability.
Positive factors
- Proven Reserve category
- Significant contained metal
- QP/CP Signed
- Cut-off Disclosed
- JORC Compliant
Evidence · table
“Proven”
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
JORC Compliantpositive
Resource estimate prepared in compliance with JORC Code (Australia) — high reporting standard.
Why it applies: reporting_standards includes jorc
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: 2.82Contained Unit: mt lceView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- reserve
- Reporting standards
- jorc
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- John Marek, P.E.
- Resource group id
- resource:e9816b40c11df0e71757
- Mining method
- open_pit
Resource Data
- Category
- probable
- Tonnes
- 136700000
- Grade
- 3877
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 2.82
- Contained Unit
- mt lce
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-07-28
Metal Equivalent
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The Probable Mineral Reserve adds substantial confidence and scale to the project's economic potential.
Positive factors
- Probable Reserve category
- Significant contained metal
- QP/CP Signed
- Cut-off Disclosed
- JORC Compliant
Evidence · table
“Probable”
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
JORC Compliantpositive
Resource estimate prepared in compliance with JORC Code (Australia) — high reporting standard.
Why it applies: reporting_standards includes jorc
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: 218300000Grade: 3928Grade Unit: ppm LiContained Metal: 4.56Contained Unit: mt lceView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- reserve
- Reporting standards
- jorc
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- John Marek, P.E.
- Resource group id
- resource:a0c5d690cf627230997b
- Mining method
- open_pit
Resource Data
- Category
- probable
- Tonnes
- 218300000
- Grade
- 3928
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 4.56
- Contained Unit
- mt lce
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-07-28
Metal Equivalent
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The total Proven & Probable Mineral Reserve provides a robust foundation for the project's 42-year mine life.
Positive factors
- Combined Proven & Probable Reserve
- Significant contained metal
- QP/CP Signed
- Cut-off Disclosed
- JORC Compliant
Evidence · table
“Total Proven & Probable”
Context: 218.3
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
JORC Compliantpositive
Resource estimate prepared in compliance with JORC Code (Australia) — high reporting standard.
Why it applies: reporting_standards includes jorc
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: 3.53Contained Unit: mt lceHistorical resultNeeds review: historical_restatementView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- resource
- Reporting standards
- ni_43_101
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- Nathan Forsythe, C.P.G.
- Resource group id
- resource:75abbf8a443beefca837
Resource Data
- Category
- measured
- Tonnes
- 210800000
- Grade
- 3150
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 3.53
- Contained Unit
- mt lce
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-05-01
Metal Equivalent
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Review
- Needs Review
- Yes
- Review Reason
- historical_restatement
- Historical
- Yes
- Historical Source Date
- 2026-05-14T00:00:00.000Z
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: This Measured Mineral Resource was previously announced and is incorporated into the PFS, providing a high-confidence base for the reserve estimate.
Positive factors
- Measured Resource category
- Significant contained metal
- QP/CP Signed
- Cut-off Disclosed
- NI 43-101 Compliant
Evidence · table
“Measured”
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: 6.98Contained Unit: mt lceHistorical resultNeeds review: historical_restatementView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- resource
- Reporting standards
- ni_43_101
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- Nathan Forsythe, C.P.G.
- Resource group id
- resource:3ca47f050a508c083558
Resource Data
- Category
- indicated
- Tonnes
- 446700000
- Grade
- 2940
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 6.98
- Contained Unit
- mt lce
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-05-01
Metal Equivalent
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Review
- Needs Review
- Yes
- Review Reason
- historical_restatement
- Historical
- Yes
- Historical Source Date
- 2026-05-14T00:00:00.000Z
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: This Indicated Mineral Resource was previously announced and is incorporated into the PFS, providing a strong base for the reserve estimate.
Positive factors
- Indicated Resource category
- Significant contained metal
- QP/CP Signed
- Cut-off Disclosed
- NI 43-101 Compliant
Evidence · table
“Indicated”
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
indicatedNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumTonnes: 657500000Grade: 3007Grade Unit: ppm LiContained Metal: 10.51Contained Unit: mt lceHistorical resultNeeds review: historical_restatementView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- resource
- Reporting standards
- ni_43_101
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- Nathan Forsythe, C.P.G.
- Resource group id
- resource:c3f079f9eb7e5eeb1163
Resource Data
- Category
- indicated
- Tonnes
- 657500000
- Grade
- 3007
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 10.51
- Contained Unit
- mt lce
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-05-01
Metal Equivalent
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Review
- Needs Review
- Yes
- Review Reason
- historical_restatement
- Historical
- Yes
- Historical Source Date
- 2026-05-14T00:00:00.000Z
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: This combined Measured & Indicated Mineral Resource was previously announced and is incorporated into the PFS, forming a substantial part of the project's resource base.
Positive factors
- Combined Measured & Indicated Resource
- Significant contained metal
- QP/CP Signed
- Cut-off Disclosed
- NI 43-101 Compliant
Evidence · table
“Measured & Indicated”
Context: 657.5
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: 3.12Contained Unit: mt lceHistorical resultNeeds review: historical_restatementView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI
Resource scope
- Estimate type
- resource
- Reporting standards
- ni_43_101
- QP Signed
- Yes
- Qualified person names
- Nathan Forsythe, C.P.G.
- Resource group id
- resource:3b753f1f663fded3fe5d
Resource Data
- Category
- inferred
- Tonnes
- 271300000
- Grade
- 2160
- Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Contained Metal
- 3.12
- Contained Unit
- mt lce
- Cutoff Grade
- 1250
- Cutoff Unit
- ppm Li
Prior Estimate
- Resource Date
- 2026-05-01
Metal Equivalent
- Assumptions Disclosed
- Yes
Review
- Needs Review
- Yes
- Review Reason
- historical_restatement
- Historical
- Yes
- Historical Source Date
- 2026-05-14T00:00:00.000Z
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: This Inferred Mineral Resource was previously announced and is incorporated into the PFS, but its speculative nature means it cannot be included in the mine plan.
Positive factors
- QP/CP Signed
- Cut-off Disclosed
- NI 43-101 Compliant
Negative factors
- Inferred Resource category
Evidence · table
“Inferred”
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 (5)
bench scaleNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumRecovery: 84.9 %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
Test Work
- Program Status
- detailed
- Test Type
- bench scale
- 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.
- Sample
- Project claystone
Recovery
- Recovery
- 84.9 %
- Recovery Basis
- actual_test
- Head Grade
- 4352
- Head Grade Unit
- ppm Li
Lab
- Laboratory
- Sepro Laboratories, Kemetco Research Inc., Chemshift Technologies Inc.
- Consultant
- Fluor, Kemetco, Sepro, Chemshift
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: The overall lithium recovery of 84.9% is high for lithium projects, demonstrating strong metallurgical performance for the integrated flowsheet.
Positive factors
- High Recovery (84.9% for lithium)
- Comprehensive processing route demonstrated
- Actual test results
Negative factors
- Overall process not yet at continuous pilot scale
Evidence · text
“Overall process lithium recovery of 84.9%”
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: 84.9% is at or above the exceptional band (80%)
pilot plantNevada 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
Test Work
- Program Status
- detailed
- Test Type
- pilot plant
- Processing Route
- gravity beneficiation
- Sample
- PFS Master Composite (4,352 ppm Li)
Recovery
- Recovery
- 96.7 %
- Recovery Basis
- to_concentrate
- Head Grade
- 4352
- Head Grade Unit
- ppm Li
- Conc. Grade
- 5079
- Conc. Grade Unit
- ppm Li
Lab
- Laboratory
- Sepro Laboratories, Kemetco Research Inc., Chemshift Technologies Inc.
- Consultant
- Fluor, Kemetco, Sepro, Chemshift
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: Pilot-scale beneficiation test work achieved a high lithium recovery of 96.7% to the leach feed, demonstrating effective pre-concentration.
Positive factors
- Pilot Scale Complete for beneficiation
- High recovery to leach feed
- Upgraded grade in concentrate
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”
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: 96.7% is at or above the exceptional band (80%)
bench scaleNevada 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
Test Work
- Program Status
- detailed
- Test Type
- bench scale
- Processing Route
- sulfuric acid leaching
- Sample
- beneficiated material from the Sepro pilot circuit
Recovery
- Recovery
- 93 %
- Recovery Basis
- actual_test
Lab
- Laboratory
- Sepro Laboratories, Kemetco Research Inc., Chemshift Technologies Inc.
- Consultant
- Fluor, Kemetco, Sepro, Chemshift
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: Sulfuric acid leaching extracted more than 93% of the lithium, indicating efficient recovery in this key hydrometallurgical step.
Positive factors
- High lithium extraction from leaching
- Actual test results
Evidence · text
“Sulfuric acid leaching extracted more than 93% of the lithium”
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%)
bench scaleNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI
Test Work
- Program Status
- detailed
- Test Type
- bench scale
- Processing Route
- lithium carbonate precipitation
- Sample
- lithium carbonate from Kemetco
Recovery
- Conc. Grade
- 99
- Conc. Grade Unit
- % Li2CO3
Lab
- Laboratory
- Sepro Laboratories, Kemetco Research Inc., Chemshift Technologies Inc.
- Consultant
- Fluor, Kemetco, Sepro, Chemshift
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: Kemetco produced lithium carbonate assaying 99.0% Li₂CO₃, demonstrating successful precipitation to a high-purity product.
Positive factors
- High purity lithium carbonate produced
Evidence · text
“Kemetco produced a lithium carbonate assaying 99.0% Li₂CO₃”
refiningNevada North Lithium Project · lithiumView all detailsHide details
Identity
- Project
- Nevada North Lithium Project
- Commodity
- lithium
- Region
- usa_nv
- Reported Region
- Nevada
- Ticker
- NILI
Test Work
- Program Status
- detailed
- Test Type
- refining
- Processing Route
- refining
- Sample
- battery-grade product
Recovery
- Conc. Grade
- 99.95
- Conc. Grade Unit
- % Li2CO3
Lab
- Laboratory
- Sepro Laboratories, Kemetco Research Inc., Chemshift Technologies Inc.
- Consultant
- Fluor, Kemetco, Sepro, Chemshift
Review
- Needs Review
- No
- Historical
- No
Dates
- Event date
- 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
Reasoning: Refining by Chemshift resulted in a 99.95% Li₂CO₃ product, confirming the ability to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from the project's ore.
Positive factors
- Achieved battery-grade product purity
- Demonstrates complete flowsheet to saleable product
Evidence · text
“refined by Chemshift Technologies Inc. (" Chemshift ") to a product of 99.95% Li₂CO₃”
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.