Surge Announces Addition of Cesium-Rubidium To Nevada North Following Averages Of Up To 291ppm Rb And 125ppm Cs In Primary Horizons
Surge Battery confirms cesium-rubidium correlation and integrates results into the preliminary feasibility study for its project, though no economic resource has been defined.
Surge Battery Metals Inc. (NILI) released final analytical reruns on July 8, 2026, covering all 2022 and 2023 drill-hole pulps for cesium (Cs) and rubidium (Rb) at the Nevada North Lithium Project. The analysis utilized ALS Global’s ME-MS41 method. At a 2,000-ppm lithium cut-off, the primary mine horizons, specifically the Cu2 and Cu3 clay layers, averaged 125 ppm Cs and 291 ppm Rb. At a 1,250-ppm lithium cut-off, the averages were 120 ppm Cs and 277 ppm Rb.
The company stated that Cs and Rb are tightly bound to high-grade lithium zones. RESPEC is incorporating the data into geological models for the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). Kemetco Research has expanded its test work to map deportment and extraction pathways for Cs and Rb, though no recovery or economic data were provided.
Surge Battery Metals Inc. (NILI) has reported trace cesium and rubidium geochemistry results, an update that adds to its existing lithium resource of 10.51 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) measured and indicated, which carries a prefeasibility study net present value of $9.17 billion. The company stated it is integrating the data, without claiming any immediate resource or economic benefit.
Market focus remains on the progress of the lithium prefeasibility study and financing efforts. The share price has declined from $0.85 in early June to $0.70 by July 7, showing no discernible reaction to the by-product news. Prior cesium and rubidium results released in 2025 similarly did not move the stock. This release does not alter the resource base, project timeline, or financing outlook, serving as an incremental technical update that may marginally improve project attractiveness for offtake discussions.
Surge Battery Metals Inc., through its 70.54%-owned joint venture Nevada North Lithium LLC (with Evolution Mining holding 29.46%), is advancing the Nevada North Lithium Project in Nevada, USA. The project features a large, near-surface lithium-clay deposit that hosts a pit-constrained Measured & Indicated Resource of 10.51 Mt LCE grading 3,007 ppm Li (at a 1,250 ppm cut-off) and an Inferred Resource of 3.11 Mt LCE at 2,160 ppm Li.
A May 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) outlined a 42-year mine life producing 3.6 Mt LCE, resulting in an after-tax NPV8% of US$9.17 billion and an IRR of 22.8%, based on an LCE price of US$24,000/t. The company also holds the San Emidio project and maintains a strong cash position of approximately $75 million following a $36 million financing in June 2026, which is intended to fund the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) expected in Q4 2026.