CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL, OTCQX:CTLHF) has appointed a new CEO designate and confirmed progress on lithium project milestones, including battery-grade production and regulatory submissions.
In the update, the Chile-focused mine developer confirmed that Anthony (Tony) Esplin will take the reins. A mining expert with over 30 years of global experience, including in Latin America and Australasia, he will initially serve part-time before transitioning to the full-time CEO role upon the company’s planned listing on the ASX in early 2025.
"Tony's experiences of leading challenging international gold and base metal projects of scale through development into production, especially in Latin America, will be invaluable as the company moves our Laguna Verde project forward towards the commercial production of battery grade lithium from 2027 onwards," said chairman Steve Kesler.
"As a fluent Spanish speaker, he will also be in prime position to engage with the Chilean government, regulatory bodies and especially the local communities whose continuing support for our projects will be critical to their success."
In operational updates, CleanTech Lithium confirmed it is on track to submit the required Special Lithium Operating Contract for its Laguna Verde project by December 31.
Additionally, the company plans to produce "significant quantities" of battery-grade lithium carbonate by year-end, allowing potential strategic partners to begin product qualification.
In the update, CleanTech confirmed the timeline for its Australian float. It said the requirement to update its ASX prospectus and the holiday schedule would see it target an early first-quarter 2025 listing.