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Solid progress!
Our old pals at Portugal Resident have been commenting: https://www.portugalresident.com/cova-do-barroso-lithium-mine-battle-has-only-just-begun/
Beats me how they can publish such factually incorrect opinion without fact-checking?
Https://www.euractiv.com/section/economy-jobs/news/eus-breton-wants-sovereignty-fund-to-buy-out-firms-of-systemic-importance/
Maybe just a pipe dream but SAV would seem to be a possible target?
Finally we have some firm ground to build on and can be taken seriously as a player in the European lithium value chain. Talks can now continue in earnest with the Aurora consortium and others.
Looking forward to the revised scoping study in H2 with current lithium prices set to massively boost our NPV. While it’s nice to see a 25% rise on the news, it doesn’t properly value the resource as will become clear from the study. For the first time SAV has become an investable proposition rather than mere speculation.
Lots more news to come this year I’m sure so onwards and upwards!
A fairly balanced report from Portugal News. https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2023-05-31/lithium-mine-one-step-closer-to-green-light/78126
No doubt Portugal Resident is working on a vitriolic editorial!
Another blooper on the petroleum company with a similar name!
.. by Alliance News on the LSE newsfeed!
Let’s see…. All hangs on Portuguese government who have a clear majority to make policy but can’t seem to govern without getting dragged into scandal. Approval decision due by 31st May unless the paperwork was stolen by the minister who resigned and cycled off with his laptop perused by the security services. Invest now and you could multibag or lose everything by next Wednesday. Do you feel lucky?
Good for the UK but SAV is more likely to be part of the EU supply chain than a UK one. Handy location for the Cornish geothermal Li project if it gets off the ground?
..the USA, Ford signs up multiple deals for lithium supply with suppliers that ensures it gets subsidies under the Inflation Rduction Act.
https://investingnews.com/amp/ford-lithium-supply-deals-2660543747
….. in China, new 1000 km range EV batteries developed for production 2024.
https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/electric-car-battery-range-record-b2343579.html
…. and in Europe ?????
…….Gravity-based energy storage? Pumped hydro energy storage? Storing energy in compressed air?…
Oh to be a late-stage developer!
Further requirements can and probably will be added at decision time.
“If APA reaches a positive DIA decision:
Savannah expects the decision to set certain design and operating conditions for the Project
Savannah expects to be given 10 business days to consider the conditions set in the proposed decision”.
It’s more than seen, it is an unstable government, deeply wounded by scandal, in fear of the power of the President to dissolve it and in fear of widespread public protest on inflation (c 20%), wages, the environment etc. The last thing they need is further public protest following any unpopular decisions. Our default approved status could indeed save the day but I am prepared for some can-kicking from APA in the form of demanding caveats on any approval, playing for time.
If the President feels minded to dissolve Parliament then it will be very difficult for any caretaker government to make any important decisions. Lithium mining being a hot political potato might well be passed around without any significant progress being made.
I always take sodium batteries with a pinch of salt! ;)
……Can you dig it?
Interesting IB, though in the greater scheme of things a 50mW battery represents (only) about 1000 EV batteries. It would need to be replicated many times to become a significant market segment. As far as hydrogen goes, if you can make a reasonably priced car that is cheaper to run on hydrogen and easy to refuel, it’s a winner, but somehow I think this is unlikely in the short to medium term?
Some local progress on downstream refining operations for spodumene as well as brine.
https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Neometals-cost-study-shows-tech-benefit-for-lithium-refinery?amp
The Chinese will only succeed if we buy their EVs rather than the many alternatives. The choice is ours.