LONDON, March 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
The electric car revolution is driving a lithium-ion battery boom that could be worth $67 billion
by 2022 - as long as a supply crunch doesn't choke it to death. Included in today's commentary: Newmont Mining Corp (NYSE:NEM),
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (NYSE:AEM), Pengrowth Energy Corp. (NYSE:PGH), Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV), Celestica Inc.
(NYSE:CLS).
Thankfully, International Battery Metals Ltd. (IBAT : RHHNF) is seeking
to revolutionize the economics of Lithium extraction.
Traditional solar evaporation technology takes up to 24 months to extract lithium from metal heavy brine. IBAT's incoming CEO
John Burba says he can do it in 24 hours.
Not only that - traditional methods only recover 40 percent of the resource. With their new tech, IBAT can achieve lithium
extraction rates of over 90 percent.
Elon Musk even offered $325 million to acquire the CEO's previous company - which was based on an earlier
version of the advanced technology that IBAT's will use.
A major New York Global Investment Bank valued the same company at 7X that number at $2.5
billion. Fortunately for investors now, the deal was never completed.
That's why we're so interested in the International Battery Metals story.
Here are 5 reasons why you should be paying attention:
- The Coming Lithium Megaboom.
- Game Changing Extraction Tech
- An $84 Billion partnership Opportunity
- Massive Interest From Tesla Motors
- A Veteran Team Of Lithium Pioneers
The Lithium Megaboom
We're witnessing an explosion in global demand for Lithium, and supply isn't even close to keeping up. That's why Lithium spot
prices have nearly tripled since 2015.
The price per metric ton in Chinese spot markets is up from $6,500 to over $20,000.
Lithium's wild ride is just beginning. Demand for the metal is set to soar in coming years, and we believe that represents a
massive investor opportunity.
The global battery market is set to hit $120 billion in less than two years.
Electric car production is expected to increase more than thirtyfold by 2030, hitting 24.4 million in annual vehicle sales -
up from under 1 million today.
The Tesla 70kWh Model S battery pack contains 63Kg of lithium, equivalent to the amount of lithium in 10,000 cellphones.
The problem? Production capacity is now at a critical juncture. Unfortunately, recovery of Lithium from brine deposits is a
painfully slow process.
Traditional solar evaporation technology is an extremely time-intensive process, with a lengthy production cycle that can exceed
18 months.
It takes a minimum of 4 years for an average Lithium brine mine to come online-- and another 3-4 years to reach full
capacity.
The total investment in new mines will likely range from $350 billion to $750 billion, according to analysts at researcher Sanford C. Bernstein &
Co.
Even that won't bring enough capacity online.
Game Changing Lithium Extraction Technology
International Battery Metals (IBAT: RHHNF) will soon have the solution.
The technology that International Battery Metals has contracted to acquire could be a significant key to unlocking
$84 billion in lithium brine resources-by making it faster and cheaper to produce.
Lithium is currently produced through a grueling 18-24-month solar evaporation process that entails slowly extracting all
other elements from the brine until only lithium remains. The biggest problem with this reality is that the expansion of plants
to produce more lithium will be painfully slow and require construction of thousands of acres of new evaporation ponds.
IBAT's soon-to-be-acquired technology is designed to do the opposite, removing evaporation ponds from the equation.
The proven method will reduce extraction times to as little as 24 hours. Better still - it will improve recovery from roughly
40 percent to over 90 percent of all lithium.
As inventor and incoming CEO John Burba puts it: "Our tech has such a high specificity for lithium
that it can directly take the lithium out. Selective Absorption, the core of our process is the only commercially proven
technology that can make this claim".
Instead of going the traditional route of trying to isolate lithium by removing all of those complex ions, the tech removes
the Lithium directly.
According to incoming IBAT CEO John Burba, the mastermind of this technology, the process takes
the lithium out on a continuous basis.
As the brine goes by, it collects lithium and lets the other impurities continue on and go straight back into the ground. The
end-product is a diluted stream of lithium chloride and water that comes out as the brine goes by.
The whole extraction process takes 24 hours, so it would mean the end of 18-24- month residencies. That's a game changer for
lithium. Burba says: "Once we have proved our patent pending fourth-generation technology, we will be able to expand production
in a fraction of the time it will take for solar evaporation. This ability will be critical to being able to keep up with
the expected demand curve for battery grade lithium products".
Unlocking $84 Billion Worth Of Lithium
Lithium brine deposits are estimated to contain 66 percent of the world's 14 million metric tonnes (MT) of Lithium. That's
Lithium worth $84 billion at current prices.
With their soon-to-be acquired extraction breakthrough, International Battery Metals (IBAT : RHHNF) could be the fastest-producing lithium company in the
world.
Faster means more efficient and cost effective.
While new entrants are struggling with costs, IBAT's technology could put it on cost par with the Big 3 lithium producers-the
lowest-cost producers right now.
That includes Albemarle Corp, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile) and FMC.
But, there's a bigger opportunity than just production.
If proved up this technology could be highly disruptive, offering one of the fastest-to- production Lithium brine extraction
solutions out there.
That's an enormous opportunity, and the industry is taking notice.
How This Play Was Almost Taken Off The Market
Investors came very close to missing out John Burba's genius entirely when his previous company
was nearly acquired in 2014.
Tesla Motors will use up the entire world's supply of battery-grade lithium when it hits annual production of 500K Model 3s in its Nevada Gigafactory later in 2018.
Elon Musk offered $325 million for Burba's earlier start-up - the
lithium extraction company Simbol Materials, in an effort to bolster his supply.
Musk wrote, "this is a compelling opportunity to combine two innovative companies on a mission to advance clean and
sustainable energy technologies worldwide."
A New York Global Investment Bank valued Simbol at $2.5 billion.
Fortunately - the deal never closed.
A Veteran Team o f Lithium Pioneers
Inventor John Burba-a veteran in lithium extraction-is the incoming IBAT (IBAT: RHHNF) Chairman
and CEO. He's an extraction tech pioneer, and he is bringing a Dream Team of engineering experts to further enhance the new
extraction technology that IBAT is acquiring.
IBAT's new to-be-acquired technology is actually based on tech that Burba co-invented and sold in the 1990s when he was a
leading technologist at lithium giant FMC.
Burba has since made dramatic advancements on the core technology. This has yielded significant improvements in terms of
extraction efficiency, cost and purity.
He's also founder of one gold-mining company Crystallex.
CONCLUSION
Globally, demand for lithium is skyrocketing. With battery demand forecast to rise 7.7 percent to $120
billion already in 2019, this is a market on the move.
What the world needs right now is plentiful supply of high-grade lithium to power that growth, and it won't wait 12-24 months
for evaporating ponds.
With electric vehicles rapidly soaring in popularity, the lithium battery market could be at $46
billion by 2022.
The technology to be acquired by International Battery Metals (IBAT : RHHNF) could be
a game changer. It could allow extraction of over 90 percent of the metal from lithium brine continuously with a very small
environmental foot print.
This could be the solution the industry has been waiting for.
Other top plays in energy technology and mining:
Newmont Mining Corp (NYSE: NEM) Founded over 100 years ago, Newmont Mining Corporation is one of the leading mining
companies in the world. The company holds assets in Peru, Australia, Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, and around the United States.
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (NYSE:AEM) Canadian based gold producer, Agnico Eagle Mines, is an especially noteworthy company
for investors. Why? Between 1991-2010, the company paid out dividends every year. With operations in Quebec, Mexico, and Finland, the company
also is taking place in exploration activities in Europe, Latin
America, and the United States.
Pengrowth Energy Corp. (NYSE:PGH): Another company that looks to have halted its falling stock price and is now preparing
to ride the bullish sentiment in oil markets. Having shed a lot of excess weight this year in massive asset selloffs, investors
can expect a much leaner and meaner Pengrowth in 2018.
Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV) specializes in securing precious-metal streams, but the company also works in the oil
and gas industry. With key assets in some of North America's most desirable oil and gas plays,
including Texas, Oklahoma and Alberta, it is clear that the company has amazing potential in the coming years.
Celestica Inc. (NYSE:CLS) is a manufacturer of electrical devices used in IT, telecommunications, healthcare, defense
and aerospace industries. The company has seen strong growth YoY which we expect to continue as the sales expectations are almost
3% better than last year's.
By. Ian Jenkins
**IMPORTANT! BY READING OUR CONTENT YOU EXPLICITLY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY**
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other
factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward
looking statements in this release include that IBAT will complete its announced transaction with North American Lithium and
acquire NAL's technology and IP; the Lithium extraction process will be cost effective and can work much more quickly that other
extraction technologies; that the process can be commercialized for large scale production; that the NAL team which knows the NAL
technology will join IBAT; that the NAL technology can be licensed worldwide; that IBAT plans to set up a pilot extraction
facility in early 2018, and then secure additional licenses for other high-grade lithium brines by this summer; that by 2020,
IBAT anticipates becoming a supplier of various battery metals; that IBAT plans to secure 3 tin properties in 2018; and that it
plans to acquire high value tin and tantilum properties. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and
uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include
that the Company and NAL may not agree on the final agreement terms, aspects or all of the process development may not be
successful, the process may not be cost effective, the Company may not raise sufficient funds to carry out its plans, changing
costs for mining and processing; increased capital costs; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological
interpretations and technological results based on current data that may change with more detailed information or testing;
potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumption based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered
analogous deposits that with further test work may not be comparable; high value mineral properties may not be available for IBAT
to acquire, or IBAT may not be able to afford them; competitors may offer better technology than NAL's lithium extraction
technology; the availability of labour, equipment and markets for the products produced; IBAT may not be able to finance its
business plans; and despite the current expected viability of the project, that the minerals cannot be economically extracted
with the NAL technology, or that the required permits to build and operate the envisaged mines cannot be obtained. The
forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update
or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
DISCLAIMERS
PAID ADVERTISEMENT. This communication is a paid advertisement and is not a recommendation to buy or sell securities.
Oilprice.com, Advanced Media Solutions Ltd, and their owners, managers, employees, and assigns (collectively "the Company") has
been paid by the profiled company or a third party to disseminate this communication. In this case the Company has been paid by
International Battery Metals. In this case the Company has been paid by International Battery Metals one hundred and ninety thousand US dollars for this article and certain banner ads. This compensation is a major conflict with
our ability to be unbiased, more specifically:
This communication is for entertainment purposes only. Never invest purely based on our communication. Gains mentioned in our
newsletter and on our website may be based on end-of- day or intraday data. If we own any shares we will list the information
relevant to the stock and number of shares here. We have been compensated by International Battery Metals to conduct investor
awareness advertising and marketing for [IBAT and RHHNF]. Oilprice.com receives financial compensation to promote public
companies. This compensation is a major conflict of interest in our ability to be unbiased. We have not investigated the
background of the company. The third party, profiled company, or their affiliates may liquidate shares of the profiled company at
or near the time you receive this communication, which has the potential to hurt share prices. Frequently companies profiled in
our alerts experience a large increase in volume and share price during the course of investor awareness marketing, which often
end as soon as the investor awareness marketing ceases.
We do not guarantee the timeliness, accuracy, or completeness of the information on our site or in our newsletters. You should
verify the information, and again are encouraged to never invest based on the information contained in our written
communications.
NOT AN INVESTMENT ADVISOR. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to
give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. ALWAYS DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH and consult with a licensed investment
professional before making an investment. This communication should not be used as a basis for making any investment.
INDEMNIFICATION/RELEASE OF LIABILITY. By reading this communication, you agree to the terms of this disclaimer,
including, but not limited to: releasing The Company, its affiliates, assigns and successors from any and all liability, damages,
and injury from the information contained in this communication. You further warrant that you are solely responsible for any
financial outcome that may come from your investment decisions.
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. Investing is inherently risky. While a potential for rewards
exists, by investing, you are putting yourself at risk. You must be aware of the risks and be willing to accept them in order to
invest in any type of security. Don't trade with money you can't afford to lose. This is neither a solicitation nor an offer to
Buy/Sell securities.
DISCLAIMER: OilPrice.com is Source of all content listed above. FN Media Group, LLC (FNM), is a third party publisher and news
dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT
affiliated in any manner with OilPrice.com or any company mentioned herein. The commentary, views and opinions expressed in this
release by OilPrice.com are solely those of OilPrice.com and are not shared by and do not reflect in any manner the views or
opinions of FNM. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. FNM and its affiliated companies
are a news dissemination and financial marketing solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds
no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM was not compensated by any public
company mentioned herein to disseminate this press release.
FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.
This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future
expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned",
"will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are
subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially
from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual
report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should
consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such
statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to
update such statements.
Contact Information:
Media Contact e-mail:
editor@financialnewsmedia.com
U.S. Phone: +1(954)345-0611
SOURCE OilPrice.com