Northwire Canada EditionWednesday, October 21, 2026
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M&A / Property

Ellis Martin Report: Desert Mountain Energy (DMEHF) and Altech Batteries (ALTHF) Sign LOI for New Mexico SNC Battery Plant and REE Project

DME · Price

Executive Summary

  • Desert Mountain Energy Corp. and Altech Batteries Limited signed a Letter of Intent to develop a sodium‑nickel‑chloride (SNC) battery manufacturing facility and rare‑earth extraction operation in Roswell, New Mexico.
  • The project will combine Desert Mountain’s brine‑derived sodium chloride and REE resources with Altech’s proven SNC battery technology, creating a domestic supply chain for critical minerals and clean‑energy storage.
  • Both companies highlighted state support from New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and positioned the venture as a scalable model for expansion across the Permian and San Juan basins.

Key Details

  • Parties Involved: Desert Mountain Energy Corp. (CVE:DME / OTCMKTS:DMEHF) and Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC / OTCMKTS:ALTHF).
  • Project Scope:
  • Construction of an SNC battery manufacturing facility in Roswell, NM.
  • Integrated rare‑earth element (REE) extraction from Desert Mountain’s New Mexico brine operations.
  • Closed‑loop deionized‑water system for AI data‑center cooling and industrial use.
  • Technology: Altech’s Sodium‑Alumina Solid State (SAS) battery (CERENERGY®), already being deployed in a $170 M plant in Saxony, Germany.
  • Strategic Benefits:
  • Provides a non‑flammable, fully recyclable alternative to lithium‑ion batteries.
  • Supports U.S. domestic critical‑mineral supply chain and clean‑energy initiatives.
  • Enables workforce development and localized supply chains in New Mexico.
  • Scalability: Designed for expansion across the Permian and San Juan basins.
  • State Support: Acknowledged backing from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration.
  • Quotes:
  • Robert Rohlfing, CEO of Desert Mountain Energy: “This LOI represents a major step in aligning our unique New Mexico brine resources with Altech's advanced battery technology…”.
  • Altech Batteries management: “We view New Mexico as a strategically positioned location… this collaboration offers a natural path to expand SNC technology into the U.S. market.”

Notable Quotes

  • Robert Rohlfing, CEO – Desert Mountain Energy:

    “This LOI represents a major step in aligning our unique New Mexico brine resources with Altech's advanced battery technology. The closed-loop water systems, REE recovery potential, and energy advantages make this project a strong fit for the state and for the evolving U.S. clean‑energy landscape.”

  • Altech Batteries Management:

    “We view New Mexico as a strategically positioned location with access to critical inputs, workforce, and infrastructure. This collaboration with Desert Mountain Energy offers a natural path to expand SNC technology into the U.S. market.”

Read the original news release →

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