Jindalee Lithium Ltd (ASX:JLL, OTCQX:JNDAF) executive director Lindsay Dudfield joins Proactive’s Tylah Tully to discuss the strategic Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between its US subsidiary, HiTech Minerals, Inc. and Ames National Laboratory.
This agreement has been approved by the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and aligns with the DOE's Critical Materials Innovation (CMI) Hub. The collaboration will focus on developing new extraction methods for the McDermitt Lithium Project, which is the largest lithium resource in the United States, containing 21.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent.
Research led by the Critical Materials Institute, in partnership with several universities and laboratories, will aim to reduce costs, optimise sustainability, and minimise environmental impact. Jindalee will contribute technical expertise and sample materials, while the DOE will fund the research. The project's primary goals include lowering water usage, reducing acid consumption and minimising tailings.
Senator Ron Wyden supports the initiative, emphasising the importance of sustainable mining for a clean energy future. The project is expected to conclude within two years, with quarterly reports and a final summary.
The CRADA represents a significant step for Jindalee’s McDermitt Project, further enhancing its strategic importance to US energy independence.