Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (Century Lithium) is pleased to announce it signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Orica Specialty Mining Chemicals (Orica) on January 16, 2025. The non-binding MOU outlines the intent of Century Lithium and Orica to formalize a multiyear offtake agreement for Orica to purchase sodium hydroxide (NaOH) from Century Lithium's wholly owned Angel Island project near Silver Peak, Nevada. Orica is one of the world's leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers, and a major US manufacturer and supplier of specialty mining chemicals to Nevada's mining industry.
Credit: Shutterstock/Maksim Safaniuk
"The non-binding MOU with Orica marks a key milestone for Angel Island," said Century Lithium President and CEO, Bill Willoughby. "The MOU outlines the first expected agreement of its kind for the project and involves a large portion of the surplus sodium hydroxide anticipated during the early years of operation. We are excited to work with Orica and have their support at this stage of development at Angel Island."
Orica President Specialty Mining Chemicals Andrew Stewart said: "This collaboration signifies our commitment to strengthening and unlocking Nevada's manufacturing and mining sectors. By securing a reliable source of sodium hydroxide from Angel Island, we strengthen the local supply chain and reinforce our dedication to innovative US manufacturing solutions for our customers in North America."
Century Lithium patent-pending process for extracting lithium from the claystone at Angel Island combines chloride leaching with direct lithium extraction and uses salt, in the form of solid sodium chloride or saline brine, to make the reagents for leaching and pH control. In addition to lithium, the process produces surplus sodium hydroxide, the sales of which are anticipated to underpin low operating costs for Angel Island's primary product, lithium carbonate.
Highlights of MOU
- Century Lithium to intends to provide Orica membrane-grade sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
- Initial 5-year term, right of first offer for an additional 5 years
- Pricing to be determined by definitive agreement
- Orica – Century Lithium relationship will strengthen the U.S. supply chain, reducing reliance on imports of NaOH to the western U.S. and supporting Nevada's mining industry