E3 Lithium Finalizes the Contribution Agreement from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund

Rhea-AI Summary

E3 Lithium (EEMMF) has finalized a Contribution Agreement for $4.397 million in non-repayable funding from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF). The company will receive reimbursement for 50% of eligible expenditures up to the total allocation.

The funding will support preconstruction work for the Clearwater Project, including electrical connection studies, transportation assessments, and engagement initiatives. These elements are important for the Demonstration Facility and Feasibility Study development.

This agreement follows a previously announced conditional approval for $4.7 million, with the reduction due to minor scope and cost changes. Since 2017, E3 has secured approximately $41.9 million CAD in Provincial and Federal government funding support.

Positive

• Secured $4.397 million in non-repayable government funding
• 50% cost reimbursement for eligible infrastructure development expenses
• Total government funding support reaches $41.9 million CAD since 2017

Negative

• Reduction in funding from initially announced $4.7 million due to scope changes

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- E3 LITHIUM LTD. (TSXV: ETL) (FSE: OW3) (OTCQX: EEMMF), “E3 Lithium” or the “Company,” a leader in Canadian lithium, is pleased to announce it has executed the Contribution Agreement for $4,397,625 million in non-repayable funding from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF).

Under the Agreement terms, E3 Lithium will receive reimbursement for 50% of eligible expenditures up to the total $4.4 million allocation. The investment will be used to undertake preconstruction work on the necessary transportation and energy infrastructure to develop the Clearwater Project. This includes facilitating electrical connection and substation power studies, transportation assessments, and the associated engagement initiatives, which are key deliverables for supporting the Demonstration Facility and Feasibility Study.

E3 previously announced on March 3, 2025, conditional approval for up to $4.7 million in funding from CMIF. The reduction in the amount under the finalized Contribution Agreement is related to a minor change in scope and costs for a portion of the project. This strategic funding will support the advancement of the Clearwater Project, enhancing our ability to develop critical infrastructure and optimize operations.

The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy aims to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy by advancing critical mineral development through a collaborative and adaptive approach with partners across Canada and internationally. A key initiative under this strategy, CMIF provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until 2030 to address infrastructure gaps, support clean energy, and enable sustainable critical minerals production.

“E3 Lithium is advancing a new industry in the province of Alberta and this funding supports the design and advancement of some of the infrastructure needed to support the Clearwater Project,” commented Chris Doornbos, President and CEO of E3 Lithium. “This investment supports E3’s development and also opens new opportunities for the province and Canada to be a leader in critical minerals.”

Since 2017, E3 has secured approximately $41.9 million CAD in funding support from both the Provincial and Federal governments. We appreciate the support from NRCan and the CMIF as this funding will accelerate project milestones and help the Clearwater Project towards first lithium production in Alberta.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chris Doornbos, President & CEO
E3 Lithium Ltd.

About E3 Lithium

E3 Lithium is a development company with a total of 16.2 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) Measured and Indicated¹ as well as 0.9 million tonnes LCE Inferred mineral resources² in Alberta and 2.5 million tonnes LCE Inferred mineral resources³ in Saskatchewan. The Clearwater Pre-Feasibility Study outlined a 1.13 Mt LCE proven and probable mineral reserve with a pre-tax NPV8% of USD 5.2 Billion with a 29.2% IRR and an after-tax NPV8% of USD 3.7 Billion with a 24.6% IRR¹. E3 Lithium’s goal is to produce high purity, battery grade lithium products to power the growing electrical revolution. With a significant lithium resource and innovative technology solutions, E3 Lithium has the potential to deliver lithium to market from one of the best jurisdictions in the world.

1. The Clearwater Project NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility Study, effective June 20, 2024, is available on the E3 Lithium’s website (https://e3lithium.ca/our-assets/technical-reports/) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

2. The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the North Rocky Property, effective October 27, 2017, identified 0.9 Mt LCE (inferred) and is available on the E3 Lithium’s website (e3lithium.ca/technical-reports) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

3. The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Estevan Lithium District, effective May 23, 2024, identified 2.5 Mt LCE (inferred) and is available on the E3 Lithium’s website (e3lithium.ca/technical-reports) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Unless otherwise indicated, Kevin Carroll, P. Eng., Chief Development Officer and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and is responsible for the technical information contained on this news release.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management’s objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as “believe”, “may”, “will”, “plan”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “intend”, “project”, “potential”, “possible” and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions, expectations, estimates and assumptions of management in light of its experience, perception of historical trends, and results of the PFS, but such statements are not guarantees of future performance. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to: the estimated mineral resources and mineral resources at the Clearwater Project; expectations regarding the PFS, including statements regarding the results of the PFS and interpretations thereof; expectations concerning the Clearwater Project, including extraction, production, pretreatment, purification, volume reduction and conversion process and features and the expected outcomes thereof; the expected economic performance of the Clearwater Project, including capital costs, operating costs, water usage, land use and carbon emissions; statements regarding the Company’s strategy for minimizing environmental impact and liquid waste and maximizing water reuse, with no planned tailings or waste piles; the potential for a secondary revenue stream should the Company be able to sell the calcium carbonate generated during the production of lithium hydroxide; plans and objectives of management for the Company’s operations and the Clearwater Project; and the inherent hazards associated with mineral exploration and mining operations. In preparing the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Company’s expectations; that the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Clearwater Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for lithium will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned activities on the Clearwater Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of lithium.

All forward-looking information (including future-orientated financial information) is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the effectiveness and feasibility of emerging lithium extraction technologies which have not yet been tested or proven on a commercial scale or on the Company’s brine, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of lithium and other metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; the Company’s lack of operating revenues; currency fluctuations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250318990092/en/

E3 Lithium - Investor and Media Relations

Alexis de la Renaudiere

Investor Relations

investor@e3lithium.ca

587-324-2775

Source: E3 Lithium Ltd.

FAQ

How much funding did E3 Lithium (EEMMF) receive from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund?

E3 Lithium received $4.397 million in non-repayable funding from CMIF, covering 50% of eligible expenditures.

What will the CMIF funding be used for in E3 Lithium's Clearwater Project?

The funding will support preconstruction work, including electrical connection studies, transportation assessments, and engagement initiatives for the Demonstration Facility and Feasibility Study.

How much total government funding has E3 Lithium (EEMMF) secured since 2017?

E3 Lithium has secured approximately $41.9 million CAD in funding support from both Provincial and Federal governments since 2017.

Why was there a reduction in E3 Lithium's CMIF funding from the initial $4.7 million announcement?

The reduction to $4.397 million was due to minor changes in scope and costs for a portion of the project.