Jindalee’s McDermitt Project: 63 Years of Lithium at Competitive Costs

McDermitt Project – A Long-Term Lithium Supply

Jindalee Lithium Limited continues to make significant strides with its 100% owned McDermitt Lithium Project, located on the Oregon-Nevada border in the US. Following a November 2024 Pre-Feasibility Study, the project boasts a robust 63-year life, with an expected production of 1.8 million tonnes of lithium carbonate at competitive costs. This positions McDermitt as one of the largest and most strategically important lithium deposits in the United States.

The project’s permitting process is advancing steadily. The Exploration Plan of Operations was deemed complete in mid-2023, and after a thorough Environmental Assessment public consultation period that closed in April 2025, the Bureau of Land Management is reviewing feedback with a Record of Decision anticipated by the end of this year. Approval will unlock increased on-site activities, including infill drilling and further technical studies.

Innovative Refining Partnership with LiChem

In a notable development, Jindalee signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US-based LiChem Operations to explore a patented closed-loop lithium refining process. This technology aims to replace conventional sulphuric acid leaching with a more sustainable reagent system that recycles and reuses chemicals, potentially reducing waste and environmental impact.

Initial test work using McDermitt ore has shown encouraging results, and if commercial readiness is confirmed, Jindalee may license the process. This innovation could lower operating and capital costs and enable recovery of valuable by-products, enhancing the project’s economic and environmental profile without altering the existing development plan.

Strong US Government Support Bolsters Strategic Importance

McDermitt’s strategic value is underscored by its designation as a Transparency Project under the US FAST-41 initiative, reflecting federal prioritization of critical mineral supply chains. Jindalee benefits from ongoing cooperation with US agencies, including a Department of Energy-funded research agreement to develop cost-effective and environmentally responsible extraction methods.

Recent US legislation has injected billions into critical minerals and defense industrial base projects, signaling long-term government commitment. This includes substantial funding and public-private partnerships, such as the Department of Defense’s multibillion-dollar collaboration with MP Materials to boost domestic rare earths processing. McDermitt’s location on federal land and its scale position it well to capitalize on these policy tailwinds.

Corporate and Market Context

Jindalee has strengthened its leadership with Ian Rodger appointed Managing Director and Matt Haas as Vice President – Studies and Development, both bringing extensive mining and operational expertise. The company maintains a cash position of approximately $4.5 million as of June 2025, supporting ongoing development activities.

While lithium prices remain subdued, demand fundamentals remain strong, driven by rising electric vehicle sales and battery energy storage deployments globally. This backdrop, combined with McDermitt’s scale and US government backing, provides a compelling platform for Jindalee’s strategic partnerships and pre-development funding efforts.

Exploration Beyond McDermitt

Jindalee’s Clayton North Project in Nevada and the Sherlock Project in Western Australia also show promising exploration results, with anomalous lithium intersections and ongoing evaluation. These assets complement McDermitt’s development and diversify the company’s lithium portfolio.