E3 Lithium Confirms ‘Critical Commercial Milestone’ as Clearwater Project Advances

Calgary-based cleantech innovator E3 Lithium announced this month that it is working with a global manufacturer of Lithium Iron Phosphate-based Cathode Active Materials.

E3 says it has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Germany’s Epsilon Cathode Active Materials.

The MOU, effective immediately, outlines a framework for long-term supply of battery-grade lithium carbonate from E3’s Clearwater Project.

This supply could include up to 5,000 tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate over a five-year term.

The agreement orients around E3’s Clearwater Project in Alberta.

E3 Lithium was approved this year for $36 million in non-repayable federal funding to accelerate development of its Clearwater Project.

Through its work at Clearwater, E3 is positioning its Direct Lithium Extraction technology as a lower-footprint alternative to traditional hard rock or brine evaporation methods, aiming to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate at commercial scale.

“Securing long-term off-take contracts is a critical commercial milestone required to advance the Clearwater Project,” says Chris Doornbos, CEO of E3 Lithium.

“This MOU with Epsilon demonstrates a serious interest and draws a clear path from Alberta brine directly into the battery supply chain,” Doornbos stated. “We look forward to advancing our negotiations and relationship with Epsilon as our Clearwater Project moves toward shovel-ready.”

Epsilon’s strategy is to build a geographically diversified and resilient battery materials supply chain.

“The electric mobility growth requires a battery materials supply chain that is resilient, diversified, and globally connected,” commented managing director Vikram Handa. “Our engagement with E3 Lithium strengthens this approach as we progress towards commercialization in India with a 30,000 tonnes cathode materials facility.”

“This is also a great opportunity to connect upstream lithium resources in Canada with downstream cathode active material production in India,” Handa continued, “for development of a more diversified battery materials & battery value chain.”

Epsilon was established in 2023.