Century Lithium Advances Battery Anode Production in Nevada
Century Lithium's Angel Island lithium carbonate has been successfully converted into high-quality, battery-grade lithium-metal anodes by Alpha-En Corporation using a patented room-temperature process, advancing US domestic battery material supply.
Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE, OTCQX: CYDVF) announced Monday that lithium carbonate from its Angel Island project in Nevada has been successfully converted into battery-grade lithium-metal anodes by Alpha-En Corporation, based in Hopewell Junction, New York. The conversion utilized Alpha-En's patented room-temperature process, marking a step in developing a domestic supply chain for battery materials. The lithium carbonate, sourced from Century Lithium's wholly owned Angel Island project in Esmeralda County, Nevada, was processed at the company's Demonstration Plant in Nye County.
According to Century Lithium, a sample of 99.8% pure lithium carbonate was provided to Alpha-En. Alpha-En reported that the resulting lithium-metal anodes demonstrated high areal capacity and extraction efficiency. The company also stated that the material from Century Lithium exceeded the quality of a commercial non-domestic source during pilot testing. Bill Willoughby, president and CEO of Century Lithium, stated that the company was selected as a domestic source for Alpha-En's program. Landon Oakes, Chief Technology Officer of Alpha-En Corporation, noted the purity and consistency of the lithium metal produced from Century Lithium's material, which he said translated into high-quality lithium-metal anodes.
This development occurs as the electric vehicle (EV) and stationary energy storage markets continue to expand, increasing demand for battery components. The collaboration highlights efforts within the United States to establish more robust domestic supply chains for critical minerals and battery materials, potentially reducing reliance on foreign sources. Companies like Alpha-En are receiving funding from entities such as the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Defense to support these initiatives. Century Lithium's Angel Island project is currently undergoing permitting, engineering, and technical development.
The company aims to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from its lithium-bearing claystone deposit, which it describes as one of the largest sedimentary lithium deposits in the U.S. The project is in the permitting phase for a three-phase production plan, with an estimated average yield of 34,000 tonnes per year of carbonate over a 40-year mine life. The broader implications for the battery industry involve the potential for more localized and resilient sourcing of materials, which could impact manufacturing costs and strategic independence in battery production. By Michael Kern for Oil
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