Lithium Energy Ltd has expanded its battery minerals portfolio by picking up the White Plains Lithium Brine Project in Utah, United States, securing a 6,150-hectare landholding with great potential for lithium brine mineralisation.
Large salt pan
Through its US subsidiary, the company has staked 760 mineral claims over a large hypersaline salt pan some 200 kilometres west of Salt Lake City.
The salt pan is surrounded on three sides by mountainous terrain – geological conditions considered favourable for lithium brine accumulation.
The White Plains region sits within an emerging lithium and potash province.
Executive chair William Johnson said: “Following the successful development and sale of Lithium Energy’s Solaroz Lithium Brine Project in Argentina, the company identified White Plains as a project that shows similar potential for value-add by Lithium Energy.
“The experience gained by Lithium Energy in advancing Solaroz is directly applicable to the advancement of White Plains.
“The securing of White Plains (together with the recent acquisition of the Capricorn Gold-Copper Belt Project in Queensland) is an integral part of Lithium Energy’s strategy for the eventual reinstatement of the company’s shares on ASX.”
Intrepid Potash operates at nearby Wendover, while US Magnesium and Waterleaf Resources are advancing direct lithium extraction (DLE) projects in the Great Salt Lake area.
Close to existing infrastructure
Lithium Energy’s new project is strategically located adjacent to US Highway 80 and just 15 kilometres from Wendover, which affords easy access to established infrastructure.
The company has acquired historical exploration data within the project area, which is now under review.
Recent non-ground disturbing survey work has also been completed, with results currently being analysed to guide the next phase of exploration planning.
White Plains is the company’s first lithium asset in North America and marks a strategic entry into the US battery minerals sector.
This complements the company’s broader critical minerals strategy, following the successful development and sale of the Solaroz Lithium Brine Project in Argentina and the recent acquisition of the Capricorn Gold-Copper Belt Project in Queensland.
The company intends to use its operational experience from Solaroz to advance White Plains as it works towards reinstating its shares on the ASX.