March RNS15 May 2024 12:57
The Company further notes that, on 27 February 2024, the European Commission launched an important initiative in partnership with a high-level Bolivian delegation to Brussels. This followed the EU Critical Minerals Act 2023, which aims to boost and diversify supplies of critical raw materials, and support necessary Research and Development. Clontarf Energy participated with other private sector companies, banks and development agencies in these events in the country. The result was that the EU institutions agreed in principle to finance related infrastructure, through the Bolivian authorities, and accepted that Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) is clean and environmentally friendly. As infrastructure spend can be two-thirds of the total capital cost of new mines in remote locations, this support is critical. Bolivian representatives also accepted in principle that such investment would qualify for contractual offtake rights, under applicable law. This meets the key EU objective to protect and develop its automotive and green technology sectors.