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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lithium?
Lithium (Li) is the lightest metal in the periodic table and has the highest heat density of any solid element. These properties make lithium ideal for use in utility-scale energy storage projects and the key component to power electric vehicles. Today, more than 60% of the world’s lithium is mined in South America from large brine deposits. Western Lithium will use an extraction methodology developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines to process lithium-rich clay in Northern Nevada.
Why Lithium batteries?
Lithium batteries enjoy several advantages over nickel metal hydride batteries used in hybrid cars today, including greater cell voltage, higher energy and power densities, higher useful capacity, greater charge efficiency, lower self discharge rates and a longer operating life. Nearly every major car manufacturer now has a lithium battery project underway and there is a push underway for lithium batteries to power the vast majority of electric cars from 2010 onwards.
What is the Kings Valley Project?
Western Lithium’s Kings Valley project holds the fifth largest known lithium deposit in the world and is located 60 miles north of Winnemucca in Humboldt County, one of Nevada’s largest mining communities. The project, which is located on public land on highway 293, is anticipated to employ 100-200 workers.
When will the Kings Valley Project begin?
Currently in the initial permitting and development stages, the Kings Valley Project is expected to start production sometime in 2014. As the project starts production, it will be mined in phases to meet anticipated demand growth and to ensure full environmental compliance. Once operational, it will produce approximately 30,000 tons (27,700 metric tonnes) of lithium carbonate per year.
Why Nevada?
Nevada holds the fifth largest known lithium deposit in the world just 60 miles north of Winnemucca in Humboldt County. This project will bring economic development and employment, and will allow Nevada to be a leader in renewable energy and transportation electrification. Today, with over 90% of the world’s lithium supplied from deposits outside of North America, the development of the Kings Valley Project will provide a U.S.-based source to advance U.S. energy independence and secure a domestic lithium supply.
Where can I find more information?
Western Lithium is committed to having an open dialogue with neighboring communities of the Kings Valley Project as well as anyone interested in finding out more information. We welcome any questions, comments or concerns and, if you don’t see us around to ask us in person, please feel free to contact Dennis Bryan, Senior Vice President of Development or Bo Elgby, Manager of Mine Development, in Reno at 775-827-3318 or info@westernlithium.com.