Garry Flowers Appointed President of International Battery Metals

Rhea-AI Summary

International Battery Metals Ltd. (IBAT) has appointed Garry W. Flowers as President effective July 11, 2022. Flowers, who has been on IBAT's advisory board since April 2021, previously held senior roles at Fluor Corporation. His experience includes operations management and sustainable development. IBAT is recognized for its innovative modular lithium extraction plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which successfully began operations in May 2022, making it the first company to run a commercial-scale mobile lithium extraction facility.

Positive

• Appointment of Garry W. Flowers as President may enhance leadership and operational efficiency.
• Successful flow-testing and extraction of lithium chloride at the modular plant indicate operational capabilities.

Negative

• Uncertainty remains regarding the commercial viability of lithium extraction at capacity.
• Risks associated with new mineral processing methods could affect future production.

Senior Fluor Executive to Lead Growth in Next Phase of IBAT's Evolution

VANCOUVER, BC, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - International Battery Metals Ltd. (the "Company" or "IBAT") (CSE: IBAT) (OTC: IBATF) (FSE: 8RE) announced today that it has appointed Garry W. Flowers as President, effective July 11, 2022.

Mr. Flowers, who has served on IBAT's advisory board since April 2021, will take over the role from Mr. Tony Colletti, who was appointed interim President of the Company in March 2022. Mr. Colletti will continue to serve on IBAT's Board of Directors.

Mr. Flowers previously served as Executive Vice President of Operations for Fluor Corporation, a global leader in engineering, construction and project management, where he held numerous leadership positions since joining the company in 1978. Mr. Flowers brings proven expertise in engineering design construction, sustainable development, construction technology, field human resources, performance management and cost control.

"Garry has deep experience in engineering, finance, project management, and a proven track record in growing sustainable businesses with a laser focus on cost control and positive outcomes," said IBAT CEO Dr. John Burba. "We look forward to the level of expertise, energy and enthusiasm he will bring to his new role and as the newest member of our executive team."

IBAT is currently testing its first-of-its-kind modular, mobile lithium extraction plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The modular plant has been flow-testing lithium-bearing brine since early May, and extracting lithium chloride (LiCl) since mid-May, making IBAT the first company globally to successfully operate a commercial-scale mobile lithium extraction plant. The brine is sourced in the U.S. and is being delivered in significant volume via tanker truck.

"I am thrilled to be joining IBAT at this stage in its evolution, and to be working alongside an industry innovator such as Dr. John Burba," Flowers said. "IBAT's focus on sustainable lithium extraction at scale and its industry-leading technology have the potential to revolutionize the lithium industry for the better, and to ensure North American lithium supply security for the long-term."

As EVP of Operations at Fluor since 2016, Flowers was responsible for construction and fabrication, health, safety and environment, corporate security and investigations, industrial relations, corporate supply chain, and corporate risk.

Among the many senior roles Mr. Flowers has had at Fluor, from 2012 to 2014, he served as Group President of the company's Global Services segment, where he managed a $3B operations and maintenance business sector with 19,000 employees in more than 100 countries, and subsidiaries AMECO (equipment rental company) and TRS, Fluor's temporary staffing company. Mr. Flowers also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, the Fluor-led partnership that oversees the management, cleanup, and operations at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site.

Mr. Flowers is a graduate of Furman University in South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science. Active in a variety of civic and professional organizations, he is a past member of the Executive Council of the U.S. Department of State, Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and he is a past director on the board of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. He resides with his wife in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

Forward–looking and cautionary statements

 This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any securities of the Company referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This release may contain statements within the meaning of safe harbour provisions as defined under securities laws and regulations.

This release may contain certain forward–looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and certain of the plans and objectives of the Company with respect to the same. There is no assurance that the company's apparatus will be able to commercially produce lithium at the stated capacity. The purpose of the tests is to determine if it will be able to do so and successful completion of the tests cannot be assured as they are subject to risks and uncertainties associated with any new mineral processing method and characteristics of the material being processed.

By their nature, forward–looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward–looking statements.

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SOURCE International Battery Metals Ltd.

FAQ

Who has been appointed as President of IBAT?

Garry W. Flowers has been appointed as President of International Battery Metals Ltd. (IBAT).

When will Garry W. Flowers take on the role of President at IBAT?

Garry W. Flowers will officially become President on July 11, 2022.

What is IBAT known for in terms of lithium extraction?

IBAT has developed a modular, mobile lithium extraction plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the first of its kind to operate at a commercial scale.

When did IBAT start extracting lithium at their new plant?

IBAT began extracting lithium chloride at their modular plant in May 2022.

What is the significance of Garry W. Flowers' previous experience?

Garry W. Flowers has extensive experience in operations and sustainable development from his tenure at Fluor Corporation, which may benefit IBAT's growth.