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The Lithium Breakthrough that Could Transform The Mining and Battery Industry

lithium mining battery industry

The lithium breakthrough that could transform the mining and battery industry.

The lithium-technology space is in a desperate race to build a better battery in time to keep pace with an energy transition that is mainstreaming electric vehicles. Certain companies in this space working on battery breakthroughs are soaring.

Quantumscape has gained nearly 60% in October thanks to the development progress in its solid-state lithium battery for EVs. Mentioned in the commentary includes: Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER), Nio Limited (NYSE:NIO), Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI), Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), Xpeng Motors (NYSE:XPEV).

It’s all about coming up with a better battery that’s cheaper and holds its charge longer, and the rush to the finish line here has created no less than a “Battery Arms Race”. But betting on which one of these companies will reach the solid-state commercial finish line first means nothing without serious breakthroughs in the exploration and extraction of one of the key metals that underpin the entire EV and energy storage equation: Lithium.

The Western world may have a critical weakness in the lithium-ion supply chain, according to a Forbes report. A key problem isn’t just the lack of new lithium discoveries in North America—it’s the difference between two different kinds of lithium mining processes…And until now, one of them has largely been off limits due to environmental concerns and prohibitive costs.

Medaro Mining (MEDA; MEDAF), a Canadian junior lithium explorer, isn’t just sitting on lithium exploration territory… It’s also behind what could become one of the biggest potential breakthroughs lithium mining has ever seen. The technology it’s developing could be the key to unlocking a new treasure trove of lithium from hard rock mining.

Exciting Potential in This Innovative New Lithium Extraction Tech

The technology Medaro is developing could unlock significant value in lithium reserves that have until now been considered uneconomical. In this energy transition market, a developed technology with that potential could reverberate across industries and around the world. It could create potential cost savings for everyone from lithium producers to battery makers along the surging EV and energy storage industries.

Medaro Mining’s plan is to develop its new technology to disrupt the hard-rock lithium mining industry by making the processing better, more efficient and cheaper through a system of rapid extraction and reduced transport costs. The end game here is to make hard-rocking lithium mining as cheap and efficient—if not more so—than extraction of lithium from the brine.

If successfully developed, the Medaro Mining (MEDA; MEDAF) technology could be implemented in remote areas close to productive mines. A Medaro-designed processing facility might be built almost anywhere, with scalability potential of up to 50-100 tonnes per day, or more, in the roughest terrains.

A Potential Major ESG Boost for Lithium

Medaro’s HLT lithium recovery process is a unique solvent extraction technology aimed to rapidly manufacture high-purity forms of Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3), Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH), and lithium metal (Li).

Not only does preliminary technical and economic analysis indicate that Medaro’s technology could lower spodumene processing costs by up to 50%, but the entire system could be powered by clean energy, including hydroelectric, solar or wind power. There is potential for minimal cleanup costs. And there are no associated CO2 emissions because this is a closed-loop process run on clean energy. That alone may mean lower costs and a much smaller manufacturing footprint.

A Green Mining Story—All the Way

This could be one of the most compelling “green mining” narratives out there right now. Medaro Mining (MEDA; MEDAF) was created specifically with this in mind.

Its innovative lithium technology could green the industry …Its lithium land packages might hold great commercial potential. The company also has what could be a highly promising uranium mining play. And it’s all about going green in an ESG investment environment that is pushing big money into the space at breakneck speed.

Medaro’s Superb Lake Property in Ontario’s Thunder Bay Mining District is an exploration stage prospect covering nearly 2,200 hectares with 8 mining claims. The results of four samples taken here indicate lithium oxide values in the range of 1.77% to 4.03%.

Medaro has a second lithium property in Quebec’s James Bay Mining Region. Here, Medaro has acquired the rights to the Cyr South Lithium Property covering over 2,700 hectares with 52 mining claims.This property is right near the Galaxy Resources lithium project, which has a 40-million-tonne resource indication. So, when Medaro saw the opportunity, they jumped on it quickly.

If a commercially viable lithium resource is found and developed, battery-grade Lithium Carbonate production could net Medaro up to $20,000/tonne, while battery-grade Lithium Hydroxide could fetch up to $22,000/tonne.

But while the founders of Medaro were busy hunting for more and bigger lithium assets, they came across the technology that, once developed, could change everything. Now that this technology is in hand and being developed, they’re still on the hunt for even bigger lithium assets where it can be deployed. And in the meantime, Medaro is also scooping up uranium deals, with more “green” in mind.

On November 2, Medaro entered into an option agreement with Skyharbour Resources Inc. (TSX-V.SYH) (OTCQB:SYHBF) to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Yurchison Uranium property in Northern Saskatchewan. Even better, this play is on-strike with giant Rio Tinto’s Janice Lake property.

The possible revenue lines could continue with the potential for Medaro to sell the by-products of its extraction technology, including potentially lucrative commercial-grade aluminum hydroxide and silica …Medaro Mining could fetch up to $1,000/tonne for its by-product commercial grades of low sodium alumina, calcium carbonate and silica.

The Bottom Line: Cost-Reduction and ESG Focused

Medaro Mining (MEDA; MEDAF), which has the right to acquire 100% of the developed tech and control the global licensing of its JV, reports it is getting high recovery of lithium in tests so far. The extraction process is said to be a fast process that could have huge cost-reduction implications for a supply chain that desperately needs it.

The emphasis here is on green mining and manufacturing, and we think that should resonate with the big capital pouring into environmentally friendly plays right now.

Other companies to watch as the push to “electrify everything” kicks into overdrive:

Thanks to a massive influx of millennial money and the multi-trillion-dollar green energy boom, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing stocks of all time.. And though it’s been caught in some controversial stances this year, like Elon Musk’s decision to buy…and then sell bitcoin, the company is still as promising as ever.

Even after Musk sold off as much as 10% of his holdings in the company, Tesla is still going strong, holding just under all time highs at $1,036 per share.

The future of vehicle transportation is here. Xpeng Motors (NYSE:XPEV) has developed an all-electric, fully autonomous car that can be ordered with a few taps on your phone. It features a range of 250 miles and will get you from point A to B in less time than it would take to hail a cab or drive yourself.

This game-changing company is set to disrupt the world’s automotive industry with unparalleled convenience and affordability for everyone.

Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI) is another up-and-comer in the Chinese electric vehicle space. And while it may not be a veteran in the market like Tesla or even NIO, it’s quickly making waves on Wall Street. Backed by Chinese giants Meituan and Bytedance, Li has taken a different approach to the electric vehicle market. Instead of opting for pure-electric cars, it is giving consumers a choice with its stylish crossover hybrid SUV.

This popular vehicle can be powered with gasoline or electricity, taking the edge off drivers who may not have a charging station or a gas station nearby.

Though it just hit the NASDAQ in July of last year, the company has already seen its stock price more than double. Especially in the past month during the massive EV runup that netted investors triple-digit returns. It’s already worth more than $30 billion but it’s just getting started.

Nio Limited (NYSE:NIO) is one of Tesla’s most exciting new competitors, dominating the Chinese EV markets. After a rough start after going public in 2018, it’s been on a tear, producing vehicles with record-breaking range.

Just a year ago, no one could have imagined how successful the Nio was going to be. In fact, many shareholders were ready to write off their losses and give up on the company. But China’s answer to Tesla’s dominance powered on, eclipsed estimates, and most importantly, kept its balance sheet in line. And it’s paid off. In a big way.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER) is a transportation network company that provides an app for consumers to use in order to request and pay for rides. Uber has been so popular because it’s easy, convenient, and affordable. The app uses GPS technology to connect drivers with those requesting a ride, making the entire process simple and straightforward.

Uber is another way to capitalize on the EV hype. Despite being a bit late to jump on the sustainability train, Uber is finally making some changes in its operations. In late 2019, a scathing report about how much the ride-sharing giant was contributing to emissions emerged, suggesting that Uber and Lyft added as much as 70% more to global emissions than traditional alternatives prompting backlash among environmentalists.

The Lithium Breakthrough That Could Transform The Mining Industry, LONDON, December 8, 2021

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