EMP METALS AND SALTWORKS' PROJECT AURORA AWARDED $1 MILLION IN FUNDING FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA'S INTEGRATED MARKETPLACE

Executive Summary

• EMP Metals and partner Saltworks Technologies received a $1 million grant from British Columbia’s Integrated Marketplace (Innovate BC) to fund the design, fabrication, and operation of a Generation‑II lithium refining demonstration system under Project Aurora.
• The funding supports validation of next‑generation lithium refining technology at EMP Metals’ live lithium brine well in Saskatchewan, advancing the project toward commercial readiness.
• The grant is positioned as a strategic boost for Canada’s critical minerals supply chain, reducing risk and accelerating domestic lithium‑to‑battery‑chemicals capability.

Key Details

• Grant Amount: $1 million from BC’s Integrated Marketplace program (Innovate BC).
• Purpose: Design, fabricate, and operate a Generation‑II lithium refining demonstration system; conduct testing, generate performance data, and perform market assessment.
• Project Scope: Demonstration of end‑to‑end lithium refining technology that promises lower costs, higher purity, and higher recovery versus conventional methods.
• Location & Partners: EMP Metals (project proponent) in Saskatchewan; Saltworks Technologies Inc., BC‑based solutions provider, responsible for design and fabrication at its Richmond facility.
• Government Involvement: Announcement made during a visit by Honourable Minister Ravi Kahlon and Innovate BC representatives on 27 Feb 2026.
• Strategic Impact: Aims to validate advanced processing under real operating conditions, support pathways toward commercial deployment, and strengthen Canada’s clean‑energy supply chain.
• Quotes:
• Karl Kottmeier (EMP Metals CEO) highlighted the grant as “significant validation and financial assistance” accelerating lithium brine development.
• Ben Sparrow (Saltworks CEO) emphasized the role of the IM program in positioning Canada as a leader in sustainable lithium chemicals production.

Notable Quotes

• Karl Kottmeier, EMP Metals CEO: “Support from the Government of British Columbia's Integrated Marketplace program provides significant validation and financial assistance as EMP Metals accelerates the development of our lithium brine resource… moving our Saskatchewan lithium project to commercial readiness.”
• Ben Sparrow, Saltworks Technologies CEO: “By supporting the commercialization of lithium refining technology, BC's IM is also strengthening the clean‑technology innovation and manufacturing capabilities of British Columbia–based companies like Saltworks.”