Century Lithium Corp. (TSX-V:LCE, OTCQX:CYDVF) earlier this week provided an operational update on its lithium project in central Nevada, as CEO Bill Willoughby discussed the company’s permitting progress and pilot production milestones.
The company said it is nearing completion of its baseline studies and plans to submit its plan of operations shortly. This submission will allow the project to enter the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process, a key requirement for federal mine permitting. Willoughby noted that the NEPA timeline likely extends into 2026 but said Century Lithium is "checking all the boxes" to stay on track.
The company told investors that it had met with the new state director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Reno and received consistent cooperation from local offices in Tonopah and Battle Mountain. It highlighted that government communication around domestic lithium production remains positive, aligning with the project’s long-term objectives.
Century Lithium’s project, situated between Reno and Las Vegas near the town of Tonopah, has been in development since 2017. The company said it has successfully run a pilot plant for three years and completed a feasibility study. It emphasized that the pilot plant has produced battery-grade lithium carbonate, confirming the effectiveness of its process.
A standout feature of the project is its fully contained production model. The company stated that lithium is processed from claystone to battery-ready material on-site, eliminating the need for evaporation ponds or offshore refining. Willoughby said, “We’re going from the clay stone all the way to a battery product at the end of the road.”
According to the company, the project is expected to produce 34,000 tons of lithium carbonate per year, with a projected mine life of 40 years. It said this vertically integrated model positions it well to support growing U.S. demand for domestically sourced lithium.
Investors tracking the critical minerals space may view Century Lithium’s advancing permitting status and proven pilot output as key catalysts. The company said it is not expecting fast-tracked government approvals but remains confident in its timeline and process compliance.