STOCK TITAN

Snow Lake Expands Its Lithium Portfolio with Mineral Claims Next to the Tanco Mine

Rhea-AI Impact
(Neutral)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary
Snow Lake Resources Ltd. (NASDAQ: LITM) has entered into a binding letter of intent with ACME Lithium Ltd. to acquire a 90% undivided interest in a group of mineral claims adjoining the Tanco lithium mine in Southern Manitoba. The project consists of 31 mineral claims and includes a first stage option to acquire a 51% interest upon incurring CAD$600,000 in exploration expenditures within the next 12 months, and a second stage option to acquire an additional 39% interest upon incurring an additional CAD$1,200,000 in exploration expenditures within the next 24 months.
Positive
  • None.
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The acquisition of a 90% interest in mineral claims adjacent to the Tanco lithium mine by Snow Lake Lithium from ACME Lithium represents a strategic expansion in the lithium market. This move indicates Snow Lake's commitment to scaling up its resource base, which is a critical factor in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors. Lithium, being a key component in batteries, has seen increasing demand and this acquisition could position Snow Lake favorably to meet future market needs.

From a financial perspective, the staged investment of CAD$600,000 followed by an additional CAD$1,200,000 in exploration expenditures reflects a calculated risk approach. This phased investment strategy allows Snow Lake to validate the project's potential before committing further resources. Investors should note that exploration projects carry inherent risks, but successful exploration can significantly enhance the asset's value.

Long-term, the success of this project could lead to increased production capacity and revenue streams for Snow Lake. However, the timeline from exploration to production can be extensive and market conditions for lithium could change. Stakeholders should consider the risks associated with exploration, commodity price volatility and potential regulatory changes in their assessments.

The Shatford Lithium Project's location within a known lithium production region suggests high geological potential. The proximity to the Tanco mine, a long-standing lithium producer, provides a positive indication of the area's mineralization. The Greer-Shatford Shear Zone's geological features, such as pegmatite dykes and favorable host rocks, are conducive to lithium deposits.

It is essential to recognize that the lithium market is highly competitive, with several major players. Snow Lake's entry into this space will require them to navigate market dynamics, including supply and demand fluctuations and competition for resources. The strategic value of this acquisition lies in the potential to increase Snow Lake's resource reserves, which is a key determinant of a company's valuation in the mining sector.

Successful exploration could lead to a significant upward revaluation of Snow Lake's assets, but it is also crucial to acknowledge the technical and financial challenges of bringing a new mining project to fruition. The partnership with Critical Discoveries for data review and exploration program development could mitigate some of these risks by leveraging expertise in the field.

Exploration and mining activities have environmental implications that must be considered. The environmental impact of lithium mining includes water usage, land disruption and potential pollution. Snow Lake's exploration program should adhere to stringent environmental regulations and best practices to minimize negative impacts.

The demand for lithium, driven by the EV and renewable energy markets, reflects a shift towards sustainable energy sources. However, the sustainability of lithium mining processes is under scrutiny. Stakeholders are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social governance (ESG) aspects of mining operations. Snow Lake's approach to exploration and potential production should align with ESG principles to maintain investor confidence and comply with regulatory standards.

In the long run, if Snow Lake successfully brings the Shatford Lithium Project into production with a strong ESG framework, it could benefit from the growing market for responsibly sourced lithium. This could also provide a competitive advantage as consumers and manufacturers prioritize sustainability in their supply chains.

Winnipeg. Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - December 20, 2023) - Snow Lake Resources Ltd., d/b/a Snow Lake Lithium™ (NASDAQ: LITM) ("Snow Lake" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding letter of intent ("LOI") with ACME Lithium Ltd. ("ACME Lithium") to acquire a 90% undivided interest in a group of mineral claims 100% owned by ACME that adjoin the Tanco lithium mine in Southern Manitoba (the "Project").

Highlights

  • 31 mineral claims directly adjoining the Tanco lithium mine in Southern Manitoba
  • First Stage Option to acquire a 51% interest in the Project upon incurring CAD$600,000 in exploration expenditures within the next 12 months
  • Second Stage Option to acquire an additional 39% interest in the Project upon incurring an additional CAD$1,200,000 in exploration expenditures within the next 24 months
  • ACME Lithium retains a 10% free-carried interest in the Project

CEO Remarks

"We are extremely pleased to have entered into this letter of intent with ACME Lithium Ltd. for a large, highly prospective land position immediately adjacent to the Tanco Mine," commented Frank Wheatley, CEO of Snow Lake. He continued: "This agreement with Acme Lithium reflects our disciplined approach to expanding our portfolio of Manitoba lithium projects to complement our Snow Lake Lithium™ project."

Agreement to Acquire Mineral Claims Adjacent to Tanco Mine

Snow Lake and ACME Lithium have entered into a binding letter of intent (the "LOI") with respect to 37 mineral claims 100% owned by ACME Lithium with 31 that adjoin the southern boundary of the Tanco lithium mine in Southern Manitoba.

The project (the "Shatford Lithium Project") consists of the following mineral claims:

  • Shatford Lake: 21 claims totalling 8,883 acres (3,595 hectares)
  • Birse Lake: 10 claims totalling 5,196 acres (2,102 hectares)
  • Cat-Euclid: 6 claims totalling 2,930 acres (1,186 hectares)

Key terms of the LOI are included in Appendix A.

Shatford lake Project

The Shatford Lake and Brise Lake mineral claims are set forth on the map below: 

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9547/191728_294742e944166a94_001.jpg

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9547/191728_294742e944166a94_001full.jpg

The Cat Lake / Euclid Lake mineral claims are set forth on the map below:

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9547/191728_294742e944166a94_002.jpg

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9547/191728_294742e944166a94_002full.jpg

Geological Setting of Shatford Lithium Project

The Shatford Lithium Project straddles a 15 kilometers long structural trend of the Greer-Shatford Shear Zone with numerous pegmatite dykes and favorable host rocks. It is situated in the southern limb of the Bird River greenstone belt in southeastern Manitoba. The region hosts hundreds of individual pegmatite bodies, many of which are classified as complex rare-element Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum (LCT) pegmatites — known to account for a quarter of the world's lithium production.

The northeast corner of the Shatford Lithium Project borders the mineral lease of the Tanco mine, with the Buck, Pelgi, and Dibs pegmatites nearby.

Proposed Work Program

Snow Lake intends to build upon the prior work undertaken by ACME Lithium on the Project, and its immediate focus will be to undertake a detailed review of all data, samples, assays and reports prepared by ACME Lithium. Upon completion of that review, Snow Lake will design an exploration program to both build upon ACME Lithium's work, and to undertake a regional exploration program over the balance of the Project to identify potential drill targets.

Snow Lake also intends to use the services of Critical Discoveries to assist in reviewing ACME Lithium's exploration data, as well as to provide input to the development of the 2024 exploration program on the Shatford Lithium Project.

Tanco Mine

Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada Ltd. ("Tanco") is 100% owned and operated by Sinomine (Hong Kong) Rare Metals Resource Co., and operates the Tanco mine located on the northwest shore of Bernic Lake, Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. The Tanco mine pegmatite orebody was discovered in the late 1920's and the Tanco mine has been in commercial operation producing lithium in Manitoba for more than 50 years. In addition to lithium concentrate for the lithium battery market, the Tanco mine produces cesium-based products for the North American market.

More Information

For more information on ACME Lithium, refer to their website at www.acmelithium.com.

For more information on Tanco, refer to their website at www.tancomine.com.

About Snow Lake Resources Ltd.

Snow Lake is a Canadian lithium development company listed on NASDAQ: LTIM with 2 hard rock lithium projects, the Thompson Brothers project and the Grass River project (together the "Snow Lake Lithium™ Project"), in the Snow Lake region of Northern Manitoba. Snow Lake is focused on advancing the Snow Lake Lithium™ Project through subsequent phases of development and into production in order to supply the North American electric vehicle and energy storage markets.

The wholly owned Snow Lake Lithium™ Project now covers a 59,587 acre site that has only been 1% explored and contains an identified-to-date 8.2 million metric tonnes measured, indicated and inferred resource at between 0.99% and 1.13% Li2O.

Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the "safe harbor" provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements with regard to Snow Lake Lithium™. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward- looking statements are based on Snow Lake Resources Ltd.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Some of these risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in our registration statements and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Snow Lake Resources Ltd. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

Investors: ir@snowlakelithium.com
Media: media@snowlakelithium.com
Twitter: @SnowLakeLithium
www.SnowLakeLithium.com

Schedule A — Key Terms of the Agreement

Snow Lake and ACME Lithium have entered into a binding letter of intent ("LOI") on the following key terms and conditions.

1. Project: The Shatford Lithium Project, located in Southern Manitoba, consists of 37 mineral claims 100% owned by ACME Lithium and described in Schedule B.

2. Letter of Intent: Snow Lake and ACME Lithium have entered into the LOI, which provides:

  • payment of CAD$20,000 upon signing the LOI for an exclusive 30 calendar day period; and
  • payment of CAD$130,000 upon singing an option agreement (the "Option Agreement")

3. Option

ACME Lithium will grant Snow Lake the option (the "Option") to earn up to a 90% undivided interest in the Shatford Lithium Project upon the following terms and conditions:

a) First Stage Option

Snow Lake will have the option (the "First Stage Option") to earn a 51% undivided interest in the Shatford Lithium Project upon:

  • incurring exploration expenditures of a minimum of CAD$600,000 on the Shatford Lithium Project within 12 months of signing the Option Agreement; and
  • payment to ACME Lithium of an additional CAD$150,000 in cash on or before the first anniversary of signing the Option Agreement

b) Second Stage Option

After exercise of the First Stage Option, Snow Lake will have the option (the "Second Stage Option") to earn an additional 39% undivided interest in the Shatford Lithium Project upon:

  • incurring additional exploration expenditures of a minimum of CAD$1,200,000 on the Shatford Lithium Project within 24 months of signing the Option Agreement; and
  • payment to ACME Lithium of an additional CAD$200,000 on or before the second anniversary of signing the Option Agreement

Any expenditures incurred by Snow Lake in excess of the minimum expenditures required to exercise the First Stage Option will be credited or carried forward against the expenditure commitment for the Second Stage Option.

4. Formation of Joint Venture

Once Snow Lake has earned a 90% undivided interest in the Shatford Lithium Project, and completed a positive feasibility study on the Shatford Lithium Project, a joint venture (the "Joint Venture") between Snow Lake and ACME Lithium will be formed for the further development of the Shatford Lithium Project, the detailed market standard terms and conditions of which will be agreed at the time of formation of the joint venture.

5. Interests in Joint Venture

Upon formation of the Joint Venture:

  • Snow Lake will hold a 90% interest, and ACME Lithium will hold a 10% interest in the Joint Venture;
  • Snow Lake's interest will be a 90% participating interest in the Joint Venture, and Snow Lake will fund 100% of all expenditures until the completion of a positive feasibility study on the Shatford Lithium Project; and
  • ACME Lithium's interest will be a 10% free carried interest, without the need to contribute to expenditures until the completion of a feasibility study on the Shatford Lithium Project.

6. Right of First Refusal

Once the Option Agreement is signed, Snow Lake will have a right of first refusal (the "ROFR") to acquire ACME Lithium's 10% free carried interest in the Shatford Lithium Project if ACME Lithium decides to dispose of its interest in the Shatford Lithium Project pursuant to an unsolicited bona fide third-party offer.

7. Royalty

The Euclid-Cat Lake and Shatford Lake mineral claims are subject to a 2% gross overriding royalty on lithium or other metals in favour of Lithium Royalty Corporation.

Schedule B — Mineral Claims

CLAIM NAMENUMBERDATE HECTARESEVENT #
ACME 1 MB13931SEPT16/21256522669
ACME 2MB13932SEPT16/21247522658
ACME 3MB13933SEPT17/21168522667
ACME 4MB13934SEPT18/21152522671
ACME 5MB13935SEPT18/21139522668
ACME 6MB13936SEPT17/21220522672
ACME 7MB13937SEPT22/21180522830
ACME 8MB13938SEPT22/21132522840
ACME9MB13939SEPT21/2192522841
ACME 10MB13940SEPT21/21120522831
ACME 11MB13941SEPT23/21182522832
ACME 12MB13942SEPT23/21156522842
ACME 13MB13943SEPT24/21208522843
ACME 14MB13944SEPT24/21140522833
ACME 15MB13945SEPT25/21248522834
ACME 16MB13946SEPT25/21192522844
ACME17MB13947SEPT26/21163522845
ACME 18MB13928OCT 1/21210522846
ACME 19MB13949SEPT29/21192522847
ACME 20MB13950SEPT30/21240522848
ACME 21MB13951SEPT29/21192522835
ACME 22MB13952SEPT30/21240522836
ACME 23MB13953SEPT26/21142522837
ACME 24MB13954SEPT28/21160522849
ACME 25MB13955SEPT28/21160522838
ACME 26MB13926SEPT27/21111522850
ACME 27MB13927SEPT27/21135522839
ACME 27MB13927SEPT27/21135522839
ACME 28 MB14707MAR14/23256549435
ACME 29MB14708MAR14/23182549436
ACME 30MB14709MAR14/2364549437
ACME 31MB14704FEB06/23224546505
ACME 32MB14705FEB10/23234547020
ACME 33MB14706MAR14/23245549430
ACME 34MB14701MAR14/23239549431
ACME 35MB14702MAR14/23247549434
ACME 36MB14703FEB06/23256546503
ACME 37MB14710MAR14/23140549438

 

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191728

FAQ

What is the latest announcement from Snow Lake Resources Ltd. (NASDAQ: LITM)?

Snow Lake Resources Ltd. (NASDAQ: LITM) has entered into a binding letter of intent with ACME Lithium Ltd. to acquire a 90% undivided interest in a group of mineral claims adjoining the Tanco lithium mine in Southern Manitoba.

What is the project's first stage option?

The project includes a first stage option to acquire a 51% interest upon incurring CAD$600,000 in exploration expenditures within the next 12 months.

What is the geological setting of the Shatford Lithium Project?

The Shatford Lithium Project straddles a 15 kilometers long structural trend of the Greer-Shatford Shear Zone with numerous pegmatite dykes and favorable host rocks.

Who operates the Tanco mine?

The Tanco mine is 100% owned and operated by Sinomine (Hong Kong) Rare Metals Resource Co.

Snow Lake Resources Ltd. Common Shares

NASDAQ:LITM

LITM Rankings

LITM Latest News

LITM Stock Data

16.73M
33.72M
28.88%
0.76%
1.06%
Other Industrial Metals & Mining
Basic Materials
Link
United States of America
Winnipeg