E3 Lithium has secured regulatory approvals to advance the second phase of its Clearwater Project Demonstration Facility in Alberta, marking a key milestone in its transition toward commercial-scale lithium production.
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has granted the Canadian company several authorisations, including approval for a mineral scheme under Directive 065, as well as mineral wells and a mineral facility under Directive 056.
These permits, the first to be issued under Alberta’s Brine-Hosted Mineral resources regulations, are also required for the operation of a future commercial facility.
Phase two of the demonstration facility will involve drilling a production and an injection well to test the reservoir characteristics and flow rates of the Leduc Aquifer.
Data from the programme will be used to design the commercial well scheme, gathering system and treatment equipment.
Upon their completion, the wells will be connected to the phase one system, integrating directly with the 30-column direct lithium extraction (DLE) unit and purification equipment to complete a brine-to-battery-grade lithium carbonate process.
Phase one of the facility is currently being commissioned, with drilling for the second phase scheduled to begin in early to mid-October once commissioning is finalised.
E3 Lithium president and CEO Chris Doornbos said the approvals marked an important milestone in advancing the company’s technology demonstration.
The Directive 056 commercial facility application is now being finalised and will be submitted alongside an application under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
E3 Lithium previously confirmed the delivery of key equipment to site in July, which will support both phases of the project’s testing.
