Trident Royalties PLC (AIM:TRR) said a decision on the final appeal on the Thacker Pass lithium development in Nevada will be made shortly after oral briefings conclude on 11 August.
Environmental groups, Native Americans and local ranchers have jointly objected to the mine development, which is at the base of the Montana Mountains.
Early works construction remains on track to commence in 2022, said the statement, with all permits to commence construction currently in place.
Trident holds a 60% interest in a gross revenue royalty over the entirety of the project, which is being developed by Lithium Americas (LAC).
A project feasibility study is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2022, targeting total production capacity of 40,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate (phase 1) with a second stage expansion targeting total production capacity of 80,000 tonnes per annum (phase 2).
LAC has also opened a 30,000 square-foot Lithium Technical Development Center in Reno, Nevada to replicate the Thacker Pass flowsheet from raw ore to final product.
This has achieved battery-quality specifications with product samples being produced for potential customers and partners.
Trident noted that a formal application was submitted to the US Department of Energy in April 2022 through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing loan programme, which LAC expects to fund the majority of the Thacker Pass capital costs.
Adam Davidson, Trident’s CEO added: "We are delighted to see that Thacker Pass remains on track for construction to commence in 2022 and to note the success that Lithium Americas has had in achieving battery-quality samples in trial processing at the new Lithium Technical Development Center.
“We await the decision of the court regarding the final appeal, expected shortly following final briefings on August 11th.
“The progression of Thacker Pass to construction will be a transformational event for Trident, both in exposure to battery materials and future cashflow generation."