E3 Lithium receives approval for Clearwater demo plant

Executive Summary

• E3 Lithium received all required Alberta Energy Regulator permits (Directive 065 and Directive 056) to commence Phase 2 of its Clearwater demonstration facility.
• Phase 2 will involve drilling production and injection wells to validate aquifer flow rates and reservoir characteristics, enabling design of the commercial well scheme and integration with the existing DLE system.
• Drilling is slated to start in early‑to‑mid October 2026, moving the project toward a fully integrated brine‑to‑battery‑grade lithium carbonate process.

Key Details

• Permits Granted:
• Directive 065 – approval for a mineral scheme including subsurface injection of produced fluids.
• Directive 056 (two approvals) – for mineral wells and mineral facility, covering technical and licensing requirements.
• These permits are the first issued under Alberta’s brine‑hosted mineral resources regulations and are also required for commercial operation.
• Phase 2 Scope:
• Drill a production well and an injection well to confirm Leduc aquifer flow rates and reservoir characteristics.
• Data will support design of the commercial well scheme, gathering system, and treatment equipment for the eventual commercial facility.
• Integration Plan:
• Upon completion, wells will be tied into the existing 30‑column DLE (direct lithium extraction) system and purification units commissioned in Phase 1.
• Goal: create a fully integrated brine‑to‑battery‑grade lithium carbonate process.
• Timeline:
• Phase 1 commissioning announced on Sept. 2, 2025; now complete.
• Drilling program expected to commence early‑to‑mid October 2026.
• Next Regulatory Step:
• E3 is completing the Directive 056 application for the commercial facility, which will be accompanied by an Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) application.

Notable Quotes

“We are thrilled to see the permits granted for phase 2 of our demonstration facility, including the recently approved Directive 065, and look forward to launching the drill program to kick off the next phase of technology demonstration,” – Chris Doornbos, President & CEO.

All forward‑looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties; see Safe Harbor disclaimer.