CleanTech Lithium PLC Announces Interim Results
CleanTech Lithium PLC has released its unaudited interim results for the six-month period ending June 30, 2024. Key developments include significant progress on the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) at the flagship Laguna Verde project and promising results from the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) pilot plant in Chile. The company aims to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate for potential strategic partners by Q4 2024. They are also pursuing a dual listing on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) by the end of 2024.
Operational highlights include a zero-harm safety culture, the commencement of a five-well drilling program at Laguna Verde, and the production of high-quality lithium chloride eluate from the DLE pilot plant. The company also took full ownership of certain Laguna Verde licenses and submitted expressions of interest for five lithium projects to the Chilean Government. Post-period, the company plans pump tests and a reinjection well at Laguna Verde in Q4 2024 and has completed a plant location study.
Corporate updates include the resignation of CEO Aldo Boitano, with Executive Chairman Steve Kesler assuming interim CEO duties. The company’s cash position at the end of the period was £2.1 million. The ASX listing process continues despite procedural delays, with an associated capital raise planned. The Chilean Government has streamlined the CEOL process, prioritizing Laguna Verde for lithium development.
CleanTech Lithium PLC ha pubblicato i risultati intermedi non verificati per il periodo di sei mesi conclusosi il 30 giugno 2024. Tra i principali sviluppi ci sono stati progressi significativi nello Studio di Prefattibilità (PFS) del progetto di punta Laguna Verde e risultati promettenti dalla pianta pilota per l'Estrazione Diretta di Litio (DLE) in Cile. L'azienda punta a produrre carbonato di litio di qualità per batterie per potenziali partner strategici entro il Q4 2024. Stanno anche perseguendo un doppio quotazione sulla Borsa Australiana (ASX) entro la fine del 2024.
I punti salienti operativi includono una cultura della sicurezza a zero incidenti, l'avvio di un programma di perforazione di cinque pozzi a Laguna Verde e la produzione di eluato di cloruro di litio di alta qualità dalla pianta pilota DLE. L'azienda ha anche acquisito la piena proprietà di alcune licenze di Laguna Verde e ha presentato espressioni di interesse per cinque progetti di litio al governo cileno. Dopo il periodo, l'azienda prevede test di pompaggio e un pozzo di reiniezione a Laguna Verde nel Q4 2024 e ha completato uno studio sulla localizzazione della pianta.
A livello aziendale, ci sono stati aggiornamenti incluse le dimissioni del CEO Aldo Boitano, con il Presidente Esecutivo Steve Kesler che assume i compiti di CEO ad interim. La posizione di cassa dell'azienda alla fine del periodo era di 2,1 milioni di sterline. Il processo di quotazione ASX continua nonostante i ritardi procedurali, con un aumento di capitale associato previsto. Il governo cileno ha semplificato il processo CEOL, dando priorità a Laguna Verde per lo sviluppo del litio.
CleanTech Lithium PLC ha publicado sus resultados interinos no auditados para el período de seis meses que finalizó el 30 de junio de 2024. Los desarrollos clave incluyen avances significativos en el Estudio de Prefactibilidad (PFS) en el proyecto insignia Laguna Verde y resultados prometedores de la planta piloto de Extracción Directa de Litio (DLE) en Chile. La compañía tiene como objetivo producir carbonato de litio de grado para baterías para posibles socios estratégicos para el cuarto trimestre de 2024. También buscan una doble cotización en la Bolsa Australiana (ASX) para finales de 2024.
Los aspectos operativos destacados incluyen una cultura de seguridad sin accidentes, el inicio de un programa de perforación de cinco pozos en Laguna Verde y la producción de eluato de cloruro de litio de alta calidad de la planta piloto DLE. La empresa también ha tomado la plena propiedad de ciertas licencias de Laguna Verde y ha presentado manifestaciones de interés para cinco proyectos de litio al gobierno chileno. Después del período, la empresa planea pruebas de bombeo y un pozo de reinyección en Laguna Verde en el cuarto trimestre de 2024 y ha completado un estudio sobre la ubicación de la planta.
Entre las actualizaciones corporativas se incluye la renuncia del CEO Aldo Boitano, con el Presidente Ejecutivo Steve Kesler asumiendo funciones de CEO interino. La posición de caja de la compañía al final del período era de 2.1 millones de libras esterlinas. El proceso de cotización en ASX continúa a pesar de los retrasos procedimentales, con un aumento de capital asociado previsto. El gobierno chileno ha simplificado el proceso CEOL, priorizando a Laguna Verde para el desarrollo de litio.
CleanTech Lithium PLC는 2024년 6월 30일 종료된 6개월간의 감사되지 않은 중간 결과를 발표했습니다. 주요 발전 사항으로는 대표 프로젝트인 라구나 베르데에서의 예비 타당성 조사(PFS)의 중요한 진전과 칠레에서의 직접 리튬 추출(DLE) 파일럿 플랜트의 유망한 결과가 있습니다. 회사는 2024년 4분기까지 잠재적인 전략적 파트너를 위한 배터리 등급의 리튬 탄산염을 생산할 계획입니다. 또한 2024년 말까지 호주 증권거래소(ASX)에 이중 상장을 추진하고 있습니다.
운영 하이라이트에는 제로 해를 추구하는 안전 문화, 라구나 베르데에서의 5개 우물 시추 프로그램 시작, DLE 파일럿 플랜트에서의 고급 리튬 클로라이드 엘루에이트 생산이 포함됩니다. 회사는 또한 특정 라구나 베르데 라이선스의 전적인 소유권을 인수했으며, 칠레 정부에 5개의 리튬 프로젝트에 대한 관심 표현서를 제출했습니다. 기간 후, 회사는 2024년 4분기에 라구나 베르데에서 펌프 테스트 및 재주입 우물을 계획하고 있으며, 공장 위치 연구를 완료했습니다.
기업 업데이트에는 CEO 알도 보이타노의 사임이 포함되며, 스티브 케슬러 의장이 임시 CEO 역할을 맡고 있습니다. 해당 기간 종료 시 회사의 현금 위치는 210만 파운드였습니다. ASX 상장 절차는 절차적 지연에도 불구하고 계속 진행 중이며 관련 자본 조달이 계획되어 있습니다. 칠레 정부는 CEOL 프로세스를 간소화하여 리튬 개발을 위한 라구나 베르데를 우선시하고 있습니다.
CleanTech Lithium PLC a publié ses résultats intermédiaires non audités pour la période de six mois se terminant le 30 juin 2024. Les avancées clés comprennent des progrès significatifs dans l'Étude de Pré-Faisabilité (PFS) du projet phare Laguna Verde et des résultats prometteurs de l'usine pilote d'Extraction Directe de Lithium (DLE) au Chili. La société vise à produire du carbonate de lithium de qualité batterie pour d'éventuels partenaires stratégiques d'ici le 4ème trimestre 2024. Elle recherche également une cotation double à la Bourse Australienne (ASX) d'ici la fin de 2024.
Les points forts opérationnels incluent une culture de sécurité sans accident, le début d'un programme de forage de cinq puits à Laguna Verde et la production d'éluate de chlorure de lithium de haute qualité à partir de l'usine pilote DLE. L'entreprise a également acquis la pleine propriété de certaines licences de Laguna Verde et a soumis des manifestations d'intérêt pour cinq projets de lithium au gouvernement chilien. Après la période, l'entreprise prévoit des tests de pompage et un puits de réinjection à Laguna Verde au 4ème trimestre 2024 et a réalisé une étude sur l'emplacement de l'usine.
Les mises à jour d'entreprise comprennent la démission du PDG Aldo Boitano, avec le Président Exécutif Steve Kesler assurant les fonctions de PDG par intérim. La position de liquidités de l'entreprise à la fin de la période était de 2,1 millions de livres sterling. Le processus de cotation ASX se poursuit malgré des retards procéduraux, avec une augmentation de capital associée prévue. Le gouvernement chilien a simplifié le processus CEOL, en donnant la priorité à Laguna Verde pour le développement du lithium.
CleanTech Lithium PLC hat ihre unverifizierten Zwischenberichte für den Zeitraum von sechs Monaten bis zum 30. Juni 2024 veröffentlicht. Zu den wichtigsten Entwicklungen gehören erhebliche Fortschritte bei der Machbarkeitsstudie (PFS) des Leitprojekts Laguna Verde und vielversprechende Ergebnisse aus der Pilotanlage für die direkte Lithiumextraktion (DLE) in Chile. Das Unternehmen zielt darauf ab, bis zum vierten Quartal 2024 lithiumcarbonat in Batteriewarenqualität für potenzielle strategische Partner zu produzieren. Darüber hinaus streben sie bis Ende 2024 eine Doppelnotierung an der Australischen Börse (ASX) an.
Zu den betrieblichen Highlights gehören eine Null-Schaden-Sicherheitskultur, der Beginn eines Bohrprogramms mit fünf Brunnen in Laguna Verde und die Produktion von hochwertigem Lithiumchlorid-Eluat aus der DLE-Pilotanlage. Das Unternehmen hat außerdem die vollständige Eigentümerschaft an bestimmten Lizenzen in Laguna Verde übernommen und Interessenbekundungen für fünf Lithiumprojekte beim chilenischen Staat eingereicht. Nach der Berichtsperiode plant das Unternehmen Pumpentests und einen Reinjektionsbrunnen in Laguna Verde im vierten Quartal 2024 und hat eine Standortstudie für die Anlage abgeschlossen.
Zu den Unternehmensaktualisierungen gehört der Rücktritt des CEO Aldo Boitano, wobei der Executive Chairman Steve Kesler die vorübergehenden CEO-Aufgaben übernimmt. Die Liquiditätsposition des Unternehmens am Ende des Berichtszeitraums betrug 2,1 Millionen Pfund. Der ASX-Listing-Prozess wird trotz verfahrenstechnischer Verzögerungen fortgesetzt, und eine damit verbundene Kapitalerhöhung ist geplant. Die chilenische Regierung hat den CEOL-Prozess vereinfacht und priorisiert Laguna Verde für die Lithium-Entwicklung.
- Significant progress on Laguna Verde PFS, expected completion by end of 2024.
- Encouraging results from DLE pilot plant, producing high-quality lithium chloride eluate.
- Zero-harm safety culture with no LTIs or major incidents in 1H 2024.
- Full ownership of certain Laguna Verde licenses.
- Strong support from local indigenous communities and alignment with Chilean Government's National Lithium Strategy.
- Resignation of CEO Aldo Boitano, with interim CEO duties assumed by Executive Chairman.
- ASX listing process delayed due to procedural matters.
JERSEY / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2024 / Interim Results for six-month period ending 30 June 2024
CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL)(Frankfurt:T2N)(OTCQX:CTLHF), an exploration and development companyadvancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition, is pleased to announce its unaudited Interim Results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2024 ("1H 2024" or "the Period").
The Company has made significant progress with the Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") at the flagship project, Laguna Verde, and seen encouraging results from the Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") pilot plant in Chile and will be producing battery-grade lithium carbonate for potential strategic partners to evaluate. The Company is also pursuing a dual listing on the Australian Stock Exchange ("ASX") and aims to be trading on the ASX in Q4 2024.
Highlights of the Period:
Operational:
Health & Safety:
Zero-harm safety culture focused on continuous improvement to achieve an injury free and healthy work environment - no LTIs, major incidents or near misses recorded in 1H 2024.
Laguna Verde Drilling Programme:
Five-well resource drilling programme commenced. Work designed in collaboration with Montgomery & Associates, a leading hydrogeology and resource evaluation consultancy.
Programme aims to produce a maiden reserves estimate using modifying factors from the Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") which is underway and targeted for completion by the end of 2024.
DLE Pilot Plant:
Operational and producing high quality lithium chloride eluate with low impurities.
Eluate is being converted to produce batches of battery-grade lithium carbonate which will be made available to potential strategic partners in Q4 2024 to start product qualification.
Inauguration event was held in May 2024 where local communities and government officials were in attendance.
Project Licences:
CTL entered into a sale and purchase agreement ("SPA"), now taking full ownership of certain Laguna Verde licences that were previously held by way of an option agreement
The licences held in the Salar de Atacama basin, which we understand are located outside the salar area defined as strategic by the Government and have been re-named the 'Arenas Blancas' project, are a potentially very promising opportunity.
CEOL Contracts:
Expressions of Interest ("RFIs") for a total of five lithium projects have been submitted to the Chilean Government. CTL is very well positioned as the most advanced exploration stage company progressing DLE based projects in Chile.
Francisco Basin project has been renamed Viento Andino, in line with the RFI submission, to highlight the project area is outside a national park of a similar name located in the basin.
Corporate:
Board changes:
Executive Chairman Steve Kesler assumed the duties of CEO on an interim basis, following the resignation of CEO, Aldo Boitano in April.
The search for a new CEO is well underway and the chosen candidate will be announced in due course.
·Cash position:
The Company's cash position at the period end, including proceeds received from Loan Notes shortly after period end, was £2.1 million.
Post-period Highlights:
Operational:
Pump tests and a reinjection well at Laguna Verde, planned to be undertaken in Q4 2024, will help define the brine extraction and reinjection wellfield design and the sustainable production rate required for the PFS.
A plant location study was completed by Worley for the Laguna Verde project and concluded that the DLE and eluate concentration should be undertaken at project site and the purification and carbonation close to Copiapo which is at a lower elevation with good technical support locally available. This latter plant would be expanded in the future to also process concentrated eluate from the Viento Andino project.
Completion of the first stage of production of concentrated eluate from the Company´s DLE pilot plant which has been shipped for conversion to battery-grade lithium carbonate by process partners in North America.
Corporate:
ASX Listing:
The Company is seeking to dual-list on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX"). Although the Company announced an extension to the ASX IPO timetable on 20 September 2024, to allow it to address some procedural matters raised by ASX, the intention remains to complete the IPO before the year end. An associated capital raise is planned to enable completion of the PFS and continuance of other work programmes. Notwithstanding, the Company continues to consider its funding options on an ongoing basis as a part of its normal practice.
·CEOL Process:
The Government has streamlined the CEOL process, announcing an update at the end of Septemberprioritising six salt flats for lithium development including Laguna Verde, the Company's flagship project, as having the most favourable conditions to advance lithium exploration and extraction. CEOL applications to be submitted by 31st December 2024.
Local stakeholders:
CTL attended a seminar organised by CESCO alongside local indigenous communities. The President of the Colla Pai-Ote community publicly endorsed CTL's Laguna Verde project as the way forward for the lithium industry in Chile, which was widely reported in the Chilean media.
CTL's DLE carousel equipment is now installed at the University of Atacama as part of an ongoing partnership. The DLE equipment will be available for research programmes. The long-term collaboration between the University and CTL will help nurture the skills required for fostering the lithium industry in the Atacama region.
Steve Kesler, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, CleanTech Lithium said:
"The first half of 2024 has seen significant operational and strategic progress on our lithium projects in Chile. This includes the production of high quality lithium chloride eluate with low impurities from our DLE pilot plant, which has a capacity to produce one tonne per month of lithium carbonate equivalent. A drilling, pump testing and reinjection programme was started at Laguna Verde aimed at updating the JORC resource estimate, providing data for the PFS and developing of a maiden reserve estimate.
"The Company is also in the process of listing on the ASX exchange, which will support its future development, as it enters potential strategic partner discussions and progresses towards production. Whilst this process has been delayed, the ASX market is well versed in the lithium sector and a meaningful number of the Company's existing shareholders have Australian links.
"With the PFS well underway and project development ongoing, backed by the strong support from local indigenous communities and aligned with the objectives of Government's National Lithium Strategy, we look forward to the future with confidence."
CHAIRMAN AND INTERIM CEO REVIEW
The following review is a look back at the highlights from the first half of 2024:
Business Strategy
CleanTech Lithium continues to make great strides in meeting the objective of becoming a leading supplier of battery-grade lithium carbonate to support the world's transition to clean energy. The progress made towards building sustainable lithium projects in Chile where the Company is planning to use Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") powered by renewable energy directly addresses the Chilean Government's ambition to drive positive change in sustainability and social and economic development.
The 'National Lithium Strategy', proposed by the President of Chile in late April 2023, aims to ensure Chile remains a top producer and supplier of lithium - a critical component for batteries in Electric Vehicles and energy storage systems ("ESS"). The established mining jurisdiction is currently the largest supplier of copper in the world and one of the largest suppliers of battery grade lithium. To move to a world run on clean energy, new lithium projects are needed, and Chile has the established infrastructure, industry expertise and workforce to bring projects like CleanTech Lithium's into production in the next few years.
New projects must be built in the right way and the Government has prescribed the use of DLE (or similar sustainable technologies) for all new lithium development projects going forward. CleanTech Lithium's strategy is to play a significant role in assisting the Chilean government to achieve this ambition. The Company believes it is most the advanced development stage DLE company operating in Chile and the achievements made in the first half of 2024 is evidence of this. It is very encouraging to see the Company's DLE Pilot Plant producing samples of battery-grade lithium carbonate which will soon be tested by potential strategic partners.
The Company's business strategy is focused on delivering long-term sustainable growth and returns for all stakeholders, built on four pillars:
develop the Company's advanced lithium projects (Laguna Verde, Viento Andino) and progress the early-stage exploration projects (Arenas Blancas and Llamara) in Chile;
utilise innovative technologies, including DLE and, where possible, renewable energy to sustainably produce lithium carbonate;
produce commercial battery-grade lithium carbonate with high lithium recoveries and short production time; and
supply directly into the EV and battery storage market via strategic partners and offtake agreements.
To this end, the Company's immediate objectives are as follows:
update the JORC resource estimate for Laguna Verde on completion of the 2024 drilling campaigns and declare a maiden reserves estimate;
complete planned hydrogeological studies and metallurgical tests at Laguna Verde, including completing a new reinjection well and pump tests to provide the data required to further advance modelling of the sub-surface aquifer and design the extraction and reinjection wellfields;
deliver a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") at the Laguna Verde Project and commence the Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") soon afterwards;
complete the process test work at the DLE Pilot Plant and make battery grade lithium carbonate available for supply to potential offtake and strategic partners to start product qualification;
continue the required work to complete the environmental baseline studies that commenced in 2022 and undertake the studies required to enable submission of the EIA in 1H 2025;
enter into a Special Lithium Operation Contract (CEOL) with the Chilean State in relation to the Laguna Verde and Viento Andino Projects to commercially sell lithium;
continue to collaborate with the local indigenous communities, universities and other local stakeholders to ensure long-term support for the projects, and
enter into substantive discussions with potential offtake and strategic partners with a view to reaching agreement on a future business relationship, including establishing a funding package for the construction phases of the Laguna Verde Project, including equity participation, debt and other structures, to bring the project on stream and start selling lithium carbonate at the earliest possible opportunity.
Summary of Company Activity
In the first six months of the year, CleanTech Lithium made further progress toward delivering its PFS. This included commencing a five-well drilling programme at Laguna Verde, the commissioning of its DLE pilot plant and first production of highly concentrated eluate for further processing to make battery-grade lithium carbonate. The PFS is instrumental to support discussions with potential strategic partners. The Company is also seeking to dual-list on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX"). Although the Company announced an extension to the ASX IPO timetable on 20 September 2024, to allow it to address some procedural matters raised by ASX, the intention remains to complete the IPO before the year end. Notwithstanding, the Company continues to consider its funding options on an ongoing basis as a part of its normal practice.
Operations
Health and Safety
The Company maintains a zero-harm safety culture focused on continuous improvement to achieve an injury free and healthy work environment, with no lost time incidents ("LTIs"), major incidents, or near misses reported in the first half of 2024.
Five-Well Drilling Programme at Laguna Verde
The Company commenced a five well drilling programme at Laguna Verde largely aimed at converting Inferred resource to additional Measured & Indicated resource which will then have technical and economic modifying factors applied from the PFS to determine a maiden reserve. The programme was designed in collaboration with Montgomery & Associates, a leading international hydrogeology and resource evaluation consultancy.
The drill programme began in Q1 2024, with the commencement of wells LV07 and LV11 and suspended in May on the onset of the winter shut-down period, with the plan to recommence in October. The programme will also include additional pump testing and reinjection testing in Q4 2024 with results helping to calibrate the hydrogeological model of the basin. This model will help further define the brine extraction and reinjection wellfield design and the sustainable production rate from Laguna Verde. Montgomery & Associates have been engaged to manage the drill programme, JORC resource and reserves reporting and design of the extraction and reinjection wellfields.
Laguna Verde is the Company's most advanced project and has a total JORC resource of 1.8 million tonnes LCE, of which 1.1 million is in the Measured and Indicated category. Laguna Verde's Scoping Study, announced in January 2023, highlighted robust economics, with an NPV8 of US
Drilling programmes at Laguna Verde since 2022
DLE Pilot Plant Commissioning and Production
The Company´s one-tonne per month DLE pilot plant (supplied by Sunresin) is located in Copiapó, Chile, approximately 250km from Laguna Verde, and finished commissioning in late March. At the R&D centre where the pilot plant is located, brine from the Laguna Verde project is stored in a large 243,000 litre vessel outside the pilot plant and then fed into an indoor tank having passed through filtration to remove suspended solids. It is then fed into the DLE columns shown in the image below, which are filled with adsorbent designed to be selective for lithium molecules. Lithium, as lithium chloride, is adsorbed from the brine, before desorption with water to create a purified lithium chloride eluate.
DLE Pilot Plant at R&D Centre in Copiapó, Chile (30 x approx. 3m columns to produce up to 1 tonne per month of LCE)
Testing of a wide range of commercially available adsorbents identified that the adsorbent supplied by Lanshen performed the best on the Laguna Verde brine resulting in the selection of this adsorbent. The DLE Pilot Plant commenced operation in Q2 2024, producing high quality concentrated eluate. In May, the Company reported the key DLE performance metrics for the first batch of 24m3 of concentrated eluate produced at the pilot plant. The recovery of lithium from the brine was
For the first stage of production, a total volume of 1,196m3 of brine from the Laguna Verde Project was processed at the DLE pilot plant with a total of 14 cycles completed. Each cycle represents a volume of brine being fed first through filtration to remove suspended solids, then into DLE columns which are filled with adsorbent designed to be selective for lithium molecules. Lithium, as lithium chloride, is adsorbed from the brine, before desorption with water to create a purified lithium eluate.
Averaged across the 14 cycles, the recovery rate achieved by adsorption of lithium from the brine was
Pilot Plant Total Recovery Rate
The eluate production rate was relatively stable after the initial ramp up period achieving an average of 2.8 kg LCE per hour demonstrating that the design capacity of the pilot plant of 1 tonne LCE per month was comfortably achieved. Selectivity of the adsorbent is another key performance parameter for a DLE operation. DLE primarily acts as a purification stage, recovering lithium chloride from the brine whilst rejecting other impurities. For all the major ions in the brine, apart from boron, the rejection rate was very high, exceeding
DLE Performance - Rejection of Major Impurities
The downstream conversion of lithium chloride solution to battery grade lithium carbonate is well established in the lithium industry. Rather than spending capital on constructing a lithium carbonate conversion plant, the Company decided to partner with Conductive Energy, an Alberta, Canada company to undertake this conversion at its existing facility in Chicago.
An initial 200L batch of concentrated eluate, was shipped to Conductive Energy in May. This batch was used as a trial before setting up the conversion process that would be used for processing larger volumes of eluate produced by our DLE pilot plant into battery grade lithium carbonate. Conductive Energy completed the set-up test-work producing lithium carbonate of
On completion of this trial, the Company subsequently shipped batches of concentrated eluate from the pilot plant, with a total of 88m3 shipped by late July, which is equivalent to approximately one tonne of lithium carbonate.
The downstream plant is being commissioned with lithium carbonate production expected in October 2024. This will provide the Company with the capacity to supply significant quantities of battery-grade lithium carbonate samples to potential strategic partners and offtakers to commence product qualification.
Pilot Plant Inauguration
In May, the DLE pilot plant was officially inaugurated in Copiapó with a ceremony attended by various regional authorities, indigenous community leaders, academics, and business representatives. Attendees at the ceremony included the Presidential Delegate of the Atacama Region, Luis Pino, Regional Councillor Javier Castillo; CORFO Director Rosa Roman, CORPROA President Andres Rubilar; miners' union president Joel Carrizo; indigenous community representatives Christian Milla and Ercillia Araya.
DLE Pilot Plant Inauguration May 2024
DLE inauguration event May 2024 with Steve Kesler, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO and Ercilia Araya, President of the Colla-Ote community
Pre-Feasibility Study at Laguna Verde
The PFS will define the optimal configuration for the Laguna Verde project, paving the way for a DFS and discussions with strategic partners. Data from the DLE pilot plant and the drilling and field programmes are being incorporated into the PFS which is being led by Worley, an international engineering services company, from their Santiago office.
As part of that process, in July, Worley completed a plant location study, and CTL has engaged various consultants to conduct studies on port access, water supply, power access and lithium market dynamics. The plant location study identified the ideal configuration for a production facility capable of generating 20,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate per annum. This provided a trade-off analysis between locating the entire plant at Laguna Verde versus splitting plant facilities between Laguna Verde and the nearby mining centre of Copiapó. The option of locating the DLE plant and eluate concentration stages at the Laguna Verde site, and the carbonation plant at Copiapó was highly favourable, resulting in the decision to proceed with this option. A concentrated eluate with
The carbonation plant in Copiapó would eventually be expanded to also treat concentrated eluate from the Viento Andino project.
Corporate Developments
Special Lithium Operating Contracts (CEOLs)
Following the declaration of the National Lithium Strategy in April 2023, the Government clarified that it would seek majority control of strategic lithium assets in the Salar de Atacama and Salar de Maricunga but that non-strategic salars could be developed by private sector interests without the need for state company participation. As a result, the Chilean Government requested that the Company withdraw its initial application for CEOLs for Laguna Verde and Viento Andino (formerly Francisco Basin) and apply through the new formal process. CTL´s project areas were defined as non-strategic and the Company entered the process in June 2024 on a
The Government provided a further update to the CEOL application process at the end of September, prioritising six salt flats for lithium development including Laguna Verde, the Company's flagship project, as having the most favourable conditions to advance lithium exploration and extraction. The Government is expected to announce a further update later this year on additional salt flats for lithium development. The Ministry of Mining will award one CEOL per salt flat with companies only considered if they meet certain criteria. CTL´s Expressions of Interest ("RFI") application directly addressed each of these key criteria and as the Company has a dominant licence position in the Laguna Verde basin it is the only Company that meets the mining concession area requirement. The criteria set out by the Government recognises the status of the Company´s progress at the Laguna Verde project and puts in place a clear path to award a CEOL and the project's development into production, which is targeted for 2027.
The Chilean Government will now commence indigenous community consultations related to these six salars. Additional to other criteria, CTL has developed a strong relationship with indigenous communities located in the surroundings areas, based on early engagement including a collaborative alliance signed in December 2023 to co-design the project´s EIA. The Company is also working with the regional University to promote local opportunities for future projects. The next stage of the CEOL process is for companies to submit CEOL applications by December 31st 2024.
Acquisition of Laguna Verde LicencesIn April 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of 23 Laguna Verde licences, previously subject to an option agreement. This now gives the Company full ownership and control over all 108 mining licences within Laguna Verde. The Board believes this acquisition enhances potential returns to shareholders and de-risks the project as it advances. Full ownership of these licences has also facilitated the planned ASX listing.
Renaming of Francisco Basin and Salar de Atacama
In June the Company announced it had renamed the Francisco Basin project as Viento Andino. This was to clarify the project is located outside a nearby national park of a similar name. During the period, the Company also announced the Salar de Atacama licences have been renamed the 'Arenas Blancas' project to recognise that these fall outside of the Salar de Atacama area considered by Government as ´strategic´ to be controlled by the State entity Codelco. These Arena Blanca licences are shown here.
Map of licence areas in Arenas Blancas
ESG and Community Engagement:
In January, the Company hosted an international seminar at the Universidad de Atacama titled "Lithium: Global Challenges. Local Issues, Decarbonization, Sustainability and Participation" brought together renowned international academics and industry leaders to explore the crucial role lithium plays in global decarbonization and the transition to a green economy.
The Company has also partnered with the University of Atacama, which has seen the installation of the Company's laboratory DLE carousel on the campus. This initiative allows students to conduct their own testing and research, supporting the development of a workforce for the future and regional economic development.
Post-period end, CTL participated in the Centre for Copper and Mining Studies ("CESCO") seminar in Santiago, a prominent annual seminar for the mining sector in Chile and received public support from the local indigenous community for its Laguna Verde project. Local and national media covered the endorsement made by the President of Colla-Ote Communities, Ercilia Araya, as seen in the press cutting below. At the seminar the Company stated if the Government want to see three to four new lithium projects in construction by 2026, Laguna Verde can be one of these projects. To achieve this, the Company continues it engagement with the Chilean Government as part of the CEOLs applications and in a timely manner for the EIA permitting process.
President of the Colla-Ote Community publicly endorses CleanTech Lithium's Laguna Verde project at CESCO Seminar, August 2024
The Company remained a signatory of the UN Global Compact aligning with the 10 guiding principles. The annual 'Communication of Progress' report was submitted in May 2024.
ASX dual-listing:
On 20 September the Company announced an extension to the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") IPO timetable to allow it to address certain procedural matters raised by ASX. Although it is expected the ASX IPO will complete prior to the year-end, there can be no certainty over the timing. Consequently, as a part of normal practice, the Board continues to consider other available funding options to provide the necessary ongoing working capital and to maintain progress on the Company's various capital programmes as described above.
The ASX is a natural fit as a dual-listing for CTL given the high proportion of its shareholder base designated as Australian domiciled; that base includes Regal Funds as a significant sharesholder which holds approximately
It is clear that an Australian listing will broaden the shareholder base, increase the Company's profile in Australia and expose the Company to a deep pool of capital from investors with a good knowledge of investing in resource, and lithium, companies.
The Company will continue to keep the market informed of progress as appropriate.
Board Changes:
In addition to my duties as Executive Chairman, I assumed the role of Interim CEO in April following Aldo Boitano's resignation. The search for a new CEO is ongoing, and we look forward to announcing the selected candidate in due course.
Lithium Market:
While the international lithium market remains subdued with current oversupply and low prices, there is clear expectation that market conditions will have improved significantly by the time the Company comes into first production in 2027. Some current high-cost production is suspending production, new projects are being deferred whilst demand for lithium for use in batteries, for Electric Vehicles and ESS continues to grow. The expectation is that lithium prices will start to recalibrate to a medium and longer-term price that allows new projects to be financed. Cannacord Genuity forecasts that pricing to be in excess of US
The Company has specific advantages in operating in Chile which has a free trade agreement ("FTA") with the USA and preferential trade arrangements with the EU for critical minerals such as lithium. The ability to supply battery grade lithium carbonate directly into these markets without intermediate processing in China will be important for the Company in those markets. Meanwhile Chinese companies are investing in battery supply chain production in FTA countries to maintain access to the US market and will increasingly seek lithium carbonate from FTA compliant countries for those projects. The Company is well placed to take advantage of this dynamic.
Financials:
The Company's cash position at the period end, including proceeds received from Loan Notes shortly after period end, was £2.1 million.
In the six months to 30 June 2024, CleanTech continued to prioritise expenditure on its capital programmes with the following progress noted:
Laguna Verde: Drilling: five well programme; PFS: engineering and feasibility studies by Worley, Montgomery have been progressed; Hydrogeological modelling: further evolution of both the modelling and as has the planning for pump-test and reinjection programmes; EIA: evaluation of and development of the baseline studies remains continues and remains a key facet of CleanTech's programmes in Chile
DLE: pilot plant construction, testing and commissioning and initial operation costs
Community Relations: programme and other ESG initiatives.
In addition, the acquisition of
Administration cash costs of approximately £1.9 million were incurred during the period (1H 2023: £2.0m million). Those cash costs, largely reflect £0.5 million for staff costs (1H 2023: £0.5 million), £0.4 million for promotion public and investor relations and travel (1H 2023: £0.7 million), £0.8 million for legal and professional support including listing and compliance and insurance costs (1H 2023: £0.7 million), the balance of £0.2 million comprises a variety of other and general administrative costs (1H 2023: £0.1 million).
On 30 June 2024, the Company executed a GBP loan note instrument and an AUD loan note instrument pursuant to which it issued loan notes ("Loan Notes") to subscribers to raise A
To support CleanTech's plans which target initial production from Laguna Verde in 2027 the Board has developed a financial strategy to raise the capital needed. The Company routinely receives approaches from third parties and continues to consider as a part its overall funding strategy. An important tenant of that strategy is the participation and support of strategic partnerships. Although strategic partnership discussions are currently taking pace under non-disclosure agreements, they are expected to progress further once the Laguna Verde PFS is completed and once the initial quantities of battery grade lithium from the DLE pilot plant and downstream processes are available for review.
Outlook:
The Company remains well placed to demonstrate the efficacy of DLE to produce battery grade lithium carbonate from Laguna Verde brine and to deliver the PFS later this year. This is a critical step for securing strategic partnerships and future project funding. The aim to deliver battery-grade lithium carbonate through sustainable, low environmental impact production, utilising the DLE process and renewable energy, aligns the Company with the Chilean Government's National Lithium Strategy and criteria outlined in the CEOL applications. We are well positioned to be prioritised amongst the private sector potential projects.
Post the period end, the Company filed applications for its admission to the ASX. Alongside the dual-listing, CleanTech Lithium is seeking to raise funds to support the next stage of its development, including the delivery of a strategic partner, as it progresses towards production.
The Board is excited about the opportunities ahead and remain committed to delivering value for our shareholders, partners, and the communities in which we operate.
Steve Kesler, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO
CleanTech Lithium plc
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
|
| Note | Unaudited | Unaudited | |
|
|
| £ | £ | |
|
|
|
|
| |
Income |
|
| - | - | |
Administrative costs |
| 3 | (2,861,194) | (3,263,200) | |
Operating loss |
|
| (2,861,194) | (3,263,200) | |
|
|
|
|
| |
Finance costs |
|
| - | (9,806) | |
Loss before tax |
|
| (2,861,194) | (3,273,006) | |
|
|
|
|
| |
Income tax |
| 5 | - | - | |
Loss for the period after tax |
|
| (2,861,194) | (3,273,006) | |
|
|
|
|
| |
Other comprehensive income/(loss): |
|
|
|
| |
Exchange differences arising on translation of functional currencies |
| (906,194) | 9,128 | ||
Total comprehensive loss for the period |
|
| (3,767,388) | (3,263,878) | |
|
|
|
|
| |
Loss per share basic |
| 6 | (0.020) | (0.031) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
|
| Unaudited 30-Jun-24 | Audited 31-Dec-23 |
| Note | £ | £ |
|
|
|
|
Exploration and evaluation assets | 7 | 32,558,090 | 13,710,413 |
Non-current assets |
| 32,558,090 | 13,710,413 |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from Loan Notes issued | 11 | 2,109,986 | - |
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 35,976 | 6,202,028 |
Trade and other receivables | 8 | 179,989 | 610,898 |
Current assets |
| 2,325,951 | 6,812,926 |
Trade and other payables | 10 | (906,550) | (351,637) |
Provisions and accruals | 10 | (587,646) | (378,713) |
Loans notes | 11 | (2,109,986) | - |
Deferred consideration | 12 | (984,408) | - |
Current liabilities |
| (4,588,590) | (730,350) |
|
|
|
|
Deferred consideration | 12 | (13,565,301) | - |
Non-current liabilities |
| (13,565,301) | - |
|
|
|
|
Net assets |
| 16,730,150 | 19,792,990 |
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
| 26,310,625 | 26,310,625 |
Capital reserve |
| (77,237) | (77,237) |
Share based payment reserve | 9 | 6,417,807 | 5,713,259 |
Foreign exchange reserve |
| (1,611,569) | (705,375) |
Accumulated losses |
| (14,309,476) | (11,448,282) |
|
|
|
|
Equity and reserves |
| 16,730,150 | 19,792,990 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
| Share capital | Capital reserve | Share based payment reserve | Foreign exchange reserve | Accumulated losses | Total |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2023 | 21,076,155 | (77,237) | 1,578,340 | 315,695 | (5,562,683) | 17,330,270 |
Loss for the period | - | - | - | - | (3,273,006) | (3,273,006) |
Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | 9,128 | - | 9,128 |
Total comprehensive loss |
|
|
| 9,128 | (3,273,006) | (3,263,878) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share options and warrants | - | - | 778,935 | - | - | 778,935 |
Shares issued | 396,000 |
|
|
|
| 396,000 |
30 June 2023 | 21,472,155 | (77,237) | 2,357,275 | 324,823 | (8,835,689) | 15,241,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2024 | 26,310,625 | (77,237) | 5,713,259 | (705,375) | (11,448,283) | 19,792,990 |
Loss for the period |
|
|
|
| (2,861,194) | (2,861,194) |
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
| (906,194) | - | (906,194) |
| 26,310,625 | (77,237) | 5,713,259 | (1,611,569) | (14,309,476) | 16,025,602 |
Share options and warrants | - | - | 704,548 | - | - | 704,548 |
30 June 2024 | 26,310,625 | (77,237) | 6,417,807 | (1,611,569) | (14,309,476) | 16,730,150 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows
|
| Unaudited | Unaudited |
| Note | £ | £ |
|
|
|
|
Loss after tax for the period |
| (2,861,194) | (3,273,006) |
|
|
|
|
Non-cash items: |
|
|
|
Fair value of Loan Note warrants |
| 592,633 |
|
Fair value recognition of share options and warrants |
|
| 556,896 |
Equity settled transactions or services |
|
| - |
Movement in trade and other receivables |
| 397,320 | 159,605 |
Movement in payables, provisions and accruals |
| 835,849 | 22,964 |
Finance costs |
|
| (9,806) |
Net cash used in operating activities |
| (1,035,392) | (2,543,347) |
Expenditure on exploration and evaluation assets |
| (4,800,040) | (5,481,243) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
| (4,800,040) | (5,481,243) |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares |
| - | 396,000 |
Finance costs |
| - | (9,806) |
Net cash generated from financing activities |
| - | 386,194 |
|
|
|
|
Net cash flow |
| (3,725,446) | (7,638,396) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward |
| 6,202,028 | 12,368,265 |
Net cash flow |
| (3,725,446) | (7,638,396) |
Effect of exchange rate changes |
| (330,620) | (91,120) |
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward |
| 35,976 | 4,638,749 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
CleanTech Lithium Plc ("CTL Plc", or the "Company")
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of CleanTech Lithium Plc for the first six months ended 30 June 2024 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Board on 29 September 2024.
CleanTech Lithium Plc was incorporated and registered as a private company, initially with the name CleanTech Lithium (Jersey) Ltd, in Jersey on 1 December 2021 with registered number 139640. It was subsequently reregistered as a public limited company on 20 January 2022 and on 2 February 2022 it changed its name to CleanTech Lithium Plc.
On 14 February 2022, a share-for-share exchange between the shareholders of CleanTech Lithium Ltd (CTL Ltd, or the U.K. entity) and CTL Plc completed, resulting in CTL Plc acquiring and becoming the parent company of CTL Ltd and its wholly owned subsidiaries, together "CleanTech Lithium Group" or the "Group".
During the six months to 30 June 2024, there have been no changes to the structure of the CleanTech Lithium Group.
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the Group have been prepared in accordance IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' per the U.K.-adopted international accounting standards. They are unaudited and do not include all the information required for the preparation of the annual consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 of CleanTech Lithium Plc, that can be found on the website: https://www.ctlithium.com. The auditor's report on those accounts was unmodified but it did make reference to material uncertainties related to going concern.
The amounts in this document are presented in British Pounds (GBP), unless noted otherwise. Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout these condensed consolidated Interim financial statements may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures
A summary of the significant accounting policies can be found in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023, on pages 50 to 53. The accounting policies used to prepare these condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those. Furthermore, there are no new standards or interpretations applicable from 1 January 2024 which have a significant impact on these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions
In preparing this interim financial report, it has been necessary to make judgments, estimates and assumptions to form the basis of presentation, recognition and measurement of the Group's assets, liabilities, items of income statements, accompanying disclosures and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.
The significant judgments, estimates and assumptions made when applying the Group's accounting policies are the same as those applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. The significant judgment in assessing the exploration and evaluation assets for the existence of indicators of impairment at the reporting date, which are set out in note 7.
Going Concern
The Group is in a pre-revenue phase of development and until its transition to revenue generation and profitability the Group will be required to rely on externally sourced funding to continue as a going concern, the Board recognises this condition may indicate the existence of material uncertainties, which may cast significant doubt regarding the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. Notwithstanding, the Directors have a demonstrated record of successfully raising capital raising for projects and ventures of this nature and are confident in being able to secure the funding needed for the Group to deliver on its commitments and continue as a going concern.
3. ADMINISTRATION EXPENES
Administration expenses in the six months to 30 June 2024 totaled £2.8 million, of which approximately £0.9 million reflects non-cash items (2023: £1.2 million). More specifically, approximately £0.6 million reflects a provision made against VAT in Chile which ought to be recoverable once production starts (Note 8 provides further detail) (2023: £0.6 million). In addition to the non-cash VAT provision, approximately £0.6 million has been recorded as a share-based payment for options historically issued and for warrants issued as a part of the Loan Notes issued in the period (further detail is set out in Note 9) (2023: nil), these two items were off-set by the unrealised gain on translation of the deferred consideration of 0.3 million (2023: nil).
Of the £1.9 million in cash costs, approximately £0.5 million relates to staff costs (2023: £0.5 million), £0.4 million relates to promotion, public and investor relations and travel (2023: £0.7 million), £0.8 million relates to legal and professional (2023: £0.7million ) support including listing and compliance and insurance costs, the balance of £0.2 million comprises a variety of other and general administrative costs (2023: £0.1 million).
4. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION
The Group operates in a single business segment, being the exploration and evaluation of mineral properties, activities which are undertaken in Chile where all the Group's non-current assets are held.
5. INCOME TAX
The accrued income tax expense continues to be £nil as the Group remains in a loss-making position. No deferred tax asset is recognised on these losses due to the uncertainty over the timing of future profits and gains.
6. LOSS PER SHARE
The calculation of basic loss per ordinary share is based on the loss after tax and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
A diluted loss per share assumes conversion of all potentially dilutive Ordinary Shares arising from the share schemes. Potential ordinary shares resulting from the exercise of warrants and options have an anti-dilutive effect due to the Group being in a loss position. As a result, diluted loss per share is disclosed as the same value as basic loss per share.
|
| Unaudited ix months to 30-Jun-2024 | Reviewed six months to 30-Jun-2023 |
Basic and diluted loss per share |
| £ | £ |
Loss after taxation |
| (2,861,194) | (3,273,006) |
|
|
|
|
Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) |
| 145.16 | 105.66 |
Basic loss per share (GBP £) |
| (0.020) | (0.031) |
7. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS
Expenses incurred to date by the Chilean entities on feasibility studies, mineral exploration and delineation were capitalised as "exploration and evaluation assets" within "non-current assets" in accordance with the Group's accounting policy.
Exploration and evaluation assets | Unaudited six months ended 30-Jun-2024 | Audited Year ended 31-Dec-23 |
| £ | £ |
|
|
|
Opening balance | 13,710,413 | 5,317,412 |
Additions | 19,795,670 | 9,383,902 |
Effect of foreign exchange translations | (947,994) | (990,901) |
Closing balance | 32,558,090 | 13,710,413 |
Of the £19.8 million in additions, approximately £15.9 million relates to the fair value of deferred consideration for licences acquired under the LV Purchase Agreement (refer Note 12), of which approximately £1.0 million was paid during the period. A further £0.1 million reflects non-cash share-based payments made to staff and contractors, about which further detail is set out in Note 9. Other additions reflect the additions associated with the capital programmes being undertaken during the period. These additions have been off-set by unrealised foreign exchange gains of £0.9 million.
Impairment assessments
The Directors assess for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an exploration & evaluation asset (E&E) may exceed its recoverable amount. In making this assessment, the Directors have regard to the facts and circumstances noted in IFRS 6 paragraph 20. In performing their assessment of each of these factors, at 30 June 2024, the Directors have:
reviewed the time period that the Group has the right to explore the area and noted no instances of expiration, or licences that are expected to expire in the near future and not be renewed;
determined that further E&E expenditure is either budgeted or planned for all licences;
not decided to discontinue exploration activity due to there being a lack of quantifiable mineral resource; and
not identified any instances where sufficient data exists to indicate that there are licences where the E&E spend is unlikely to be recovered from successful development or sale.
Based on the above assessment, the Directors are not aware of any facts or circumstances that would suggest the carrying amount of the E&E asset may exceed its recoverable amount.
8. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
| Unaudited as at 30-Jun-24 | Audited as at 31-Dec-23 |
| £ | £ |
|
|
|
Prepayments and deposits | 144,586 | 570,936 |
VAT | 17,651 | 13,385 |
Other receivables | 17,752 | 26,557 |
Total | 179,989 | 610,898 |
Prepayments and deposits largely reflect prepaid insurance and other commercial subscriptions which renew variously and annually as well as office rental deposit amounts paid.
Although VAT shows a balance of approximately £18k at 30 June 2024, at that date approximately £2.4 million in Chilean VAT recoverable is not shown in the table above. Although the Chilean VAT is expected to be eligible for refund in future, due to the uncertainty over the timing of future production and revenues, which would trigger the Group's eligibility to recover that VAT, the Directors have made full provision against this same amount. Accordingly, approximately £0.6 million provision has been reflected in the income statement for the period ended 30 June 2024 (refer Note 3).
Other receivables comprise multiple smaller working capital balances in Chile.
9. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
On 30 June 2024, a total of 4,380,181 warrants attaching to Loan Notes issued (refer Note 11) were granted. No other warrants or options were granted, exercised, forfeited or allowed to lapse during the six months to 30 June 2024.
| Unaudited Six months ended | Audited Year ended |
| 30-Jun-24 | 31-Dec-23 |
| # | # |
|
|
|
Outstanding at start of period | 34,362,750 | 10,984,745 |
Share options granted | - | 3,283,000 |
Warrant shares granted | 4,380,181 | 21,876,005 |
Share options exercised | - | (1,100,000) |
Share options revoked or forfeited | - | (681,000) |
Outstanding at end of period | 38,742,931 | 34,362,750 |
All options and warrants are granted in Company's name. Share options granted have a weighted average exercise price of 47 pence and warrant shares granted have a weighted average exercise price of 34 pence.
The fair value of each option granted in the period was estimated on the grant date using the Black Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions have been used:
Fair value of call option per share | £0.12 - 0.38 |
Share price at grant dates | £0.39 - 0.55 |
Exercise price | £0.01 - 0.57 |
Expected volatility | |
Vesting period | 4.7-5.0 years from vesting |
Risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds) |
The total share option fair value charge during the six months to 30 June 2024 is £198k (2023 £779k), of which approximately £86k has been recorded in the income statement as a non-cash employee expense; the balance has been recorded within E&E. The total warrant shares fair value charge during the six months to 30 June 2024 was approximately £506k (2023: £27k).
As noted, these fair value estimates derived thorough Black-Scholes modelling and Monte Carlo simulations are non-cash accounting entries.
10. PAYABLES, PROVISIONS AND ACCRUALS
| Unaudited at | Audited at |
| at 30-Jun-2024 | At 31-Dec-23 |
| £ | £ |
|
|
|
Trade and other payables | (863,526) | (291,369) |
Other taxes and social security | (43,024) | (60,268) |
Provisions | (99,067) | (106,451) |
Accruals | (488,579) | (272,262) |
Total | (1,494,196) | (730,350) |
Trade and other payables include routine trade creditors.
Other taxes and social security balances largely relate to people-related costs and taxes balances at the period end. Accruals include routine accruals for professional services rendered not invoiced at period end.
11. LOAN NOTES
Shortly after the period end, CleanTech received the cash generated from issuing Loan Notes prior to 30 June 2024.
On 30 June 2024 the Company executed a GBP loan note instrument and an AUD loan note instrument pursuant to which it issued loan notes to subscribers to raise A
Although the Loan Notes have a maturity date of 30 June 2025, the Company shall redeem the Loan Notes at par together with the applicable premium on the earlier of the Maturity Date or 10 days following completion of any equity fundraising by the Company of at least AUD
12. DEFERRED CONSIDERATION
Laguna Verde Option buy-out
On 19 April 2024, CleanTech Laguna Verde SpA, a wholly owned Chilean subsidiary of CleanTech Lithium Plc, entered into a sale and purchase agreement (LV Purchase Agreement) to acquire
Pursuant to the LV Purchase Agreement the consideration payable comprises fixed payments totaling US
The carrying value for the LV licences acquired pursuant to the LV Purchase Agreement, has been designated as an asset acquisition in accordance with the Group accounting policy and assigned a fair value in accordance with the principles of the UK IASs. Similarly, the Group has assigned a fair value to the deferred consideration associated with the acquisition which is allocated between current and non-current liabilities.
In assessing the appropriate basis on which to determine the fair value of the non-current component of the deferred consideration, the Directors have used a discount rate of
As described above, the two final payments of the deferred consideration, totaling USD
| Unaudited at 30-Jun-24 |
| £ |
|
|
Deferred consideration, current | 988,784 |
Effect of foreign exchange differences on current deferred consideration | (4,376) |
Deferred consideration, current | 984,408 |
|
|
Deferred consideration, non-current | 13,894,931 |
Effect of foreign exchange differences on non-current deferred consideration | (329,630) |
Deferred consideration, current | 13,565,301 |
|
|
Total | 14,549,709 |
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Matters relating to events occurring since Period end are reported on in the section entitled Chairman and Chief Executive Officer's Statement.
**ENDS**
For further information contact: |
|
CleanTech Lithium PLC |
|
Steve Kesler/Gordon Stein/Nick Baxter | Jersey office: +44 (0) 1534 668 321 Chile office: +562-32239222 |
| Or via Celicourt |
Celicourt Communications | +44 (0) 20 7770 6424 |
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser) | +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 |
Canaccord Genuity (Joint Broker) | +44 (0) 20 7523 4680 |
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Joint Broker) | +44 (0) 20 3884 8450 |
Daniel Fox-Davies |
Notes
About CleanTech Lithium
CleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF) is an exploration and development company advancing lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition. Committed to net-zero, CleanTech Lithium's mission is to become a new supplier of battery grade lithium using Direct Lithium Extraction technology powered by renewable energy.
CleanTech Lithium has two key lithium projects in Chile, Laguna Verde and Viento Andino, and exploration stage projects in Llamara and Arenas Blancas (Salar de Atacama), located in the lithium triangle, a leading centre for battery grade lithium production. The two most advanced projects: Laguna Verde and Viento Andino are situated within basins controlled by the Company, which affords significant potential development and operational advantages. All four projects have good access to existing infrastructure.
CleanTech Lithium is committed to utilising Direct Lithium Extraction with reinjection of spent brine resulting in no aquifer depletion. Direct Lithium Extraction is a transformative technology which removes lithium from brine with higher recoveries, short development lead times and no extensive evaporation pond construction. www.ctlithium.com
Glossary
CLS Pty | Chilean Lithium Salars Pty Limited (Australian overhead company now wound-up and deregistered) |
CLSH | Chilean Lithium Salars Holdings Limited (Australian holding company now wound-up and deregistered) |
CTL Ltd | CleanTech Lithium Ltd; U.K. registered and tax domiciled company |
CTL Plc | CleanTech Lithium Plc; Jersey registered and tax domiciled company |
DLE | Direct lithium extraction |
EIA | Environmental Impact Assessment |
ESG | Environmental, Social and Governance |
Group | CleanTech Lithium statutory group |
IPO | Initial public offering |
JORC | The JORC Code provides a mandatory system for the classification of minerals Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves according to the levels of confidence in geological knowledge and technical and economic considerations in public reports |
LCE | Lithium carbonate equivalent, industry standard terminology used to compare different forms of lithium compounds |
LSE | London Stock Exchange |
MoU | Memorandum of Understanding |
mg/L | micrograms per litre |
Pro forma Group | Non-statutory pro forma group as defined in the notes to the financial statement |
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
SOURCE: CleanTech Lithium plc
View the original press release on accesswire.com
FAQ
What are the key highlights of CleanTech Lithium's interim results for the period ending June 30, 2024?
What operational achievements did CleanTech Lithium report for 1H 2024?
What is the status of CleanTech Lithium's dual listing on the ASX?
What is the financial position of CleanTech Lithium as of June 30, 2024?