International Batteries Metals' Direct Lithium Extraction Plant Tour with Sorcia Minerals and University of Santiago, Chile

Rhea-AI Summary

International Battery Metals Ltd. (CSE: IBAT) (OTC: IBATF) announced the completion of its direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant in a tour hosted by Sorcia Minerals LLC on March 21, 2022. The plant utilizes innovative modular technology developed by Dr. John Burba, capable of extracting over 65% lithium while minimizing environmental impact. Dr. Alonso Arellano from the University of Santiago de Chile praised the plant's eco-friendly approach, aiming to safeguard local ecosystems. The partnership with USACH and Sorcia focuses on sustainable lithium mining, benefitting Chile's environmental conservation.

Positive

• Completion of a new direct lithium extraction plant, enhancing lithium production capabilities.
• The DLE technology is praised for its minimal environmental impact and ability to recover over 65% lithium from brine.
• Partnership with USACH to promote sustainable mining practices in Chile, aligning with environmental conservation efforts.

Negative

• None.

VANCOUVER, BC, March 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - INTERNATIONAL BATTERY METALS LTD. ("IBAT") (CSE: IBAT) (OTC: IBATF) (FSE: 8RE) and Dr. John Burba were pleased to attend a tour of their newly completed direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant hosted by SORCIA MINERALS LLC ("SORCIA") with special guest, Dr. Alonso Arellano, Professor, UNIVERSIDAD DE SANTIAGO DE CHILE ("USACH").

USACH's Dr. Arellano stated: "We are extremely satisfied with the last phase of construction and successful assembly of the plant. This plant will forever change the lithium mining industry in Chile, safeguarding the environment, protecting the flora, fauna and the water found in nearby salt flats, and re-injecting at least 90% of the brine in the same conditions that it had before starting the separation process."

USACH determined after considerable review of the available technology, that the process developed by IBAT's Dr. John Burba is the only one capable of separating lithium without leaving a significant impact on the environment. Dr. John Burba developed the original absorption technology which has been operating in the salt flats of Hombre Muerto in Argentina since 1998. IBAT's new modular technology has little to no environmental impact and sustains the integrity of the water source.

Dr. John Burba, CEO, IBAT said: "Modular technology offers a new, more sustainable approach to the mining of lithium. The separation process will recover an excess of 65% lithium in the brine, maintaining the biodiversity of the salt flat with all the minerals present there, such as magnesium, boron, calcium, among others, without affecting the water balance of the salar or the availability of drinking water for nearby local communities."

Through an agreement signed between USACH and SORCIA for Research, Development and Innovation (R+D+I); the IBAT technology will contribute to the development of Chile by protecting the environment, minimizing water and energy consumption, and preserving flora and fauna for future generations.

The plant tour included Mr. Daniel T. Layton, President and CEO, Sorcia Minerals LLC; Dr. John Burba, CEO, IBAT; Mr. Rodrigo Dupouy, Country Manager for Chile and Argentina, Sorcia Minerals LLC; and Dr. Alonso Arellano, Professor, University of Santiago de Chile.

To learn more about International Battery Metals Ltd. innovative approach to ecologically responsible and sustainable lithium extraction, visit ibatterymetals.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Dr. John Burba"

Dr. John Burba, CEO & Chairman of the Board of Directors 

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

What is the significance of IBAT's new DLE plant?

IBAT's DLE plant is significant because it introduces a technology that can efficiently extract lithium while having minimal environmental impact, addressing sustainability in lithium mining.

Who attended the DLE plant tour on March 21, 2022?

The tour was attended by Dr. John Burba, CEO of IBAT, Dr. Alonso Arellano from USACH, and other key figures from Sorcia Minerals.

What are the environmental benefits of IBAT's lithium extraction process?

IBAT's process is designed to re-inject 90% of brine in its original condition, helping to safeguard local ecosystems and water resources.

What is the role of USACH in IBAT's lithium extraction technology?

USACH evaluated IBAT's technology and concluded it is the only method that can separate lithium without significant environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices.

What is the expected impact of IBAT's technology on the lithium mining industry?

IBAT's technology is expected to revolutionize the lithium mining industry by offering a sustainable alternative that preserves local biodiversity and water resources.