E3 Lithium Finalizes the Contribution Agreement from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund
Suite 1520 – 300 5th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3C4
Tel: +1 (587) 324-2775
Email: [email protected]
Website: e3lithium.ca
E3 Lithium Finalizes the Contribution Agreement from the Critical
Minerals Infrastructure Fund
CALGARY, ALBERTA, March 20, 2025 – E3 LITHIUM LTD. (TSXV: ETL) (FSE: OW3) (OTCQX: EEMMF), “E3
Lithium” or the “Company,” a leader in Canadian lithium, is pleased to announce it has executed the
Contribution Agreement for $4,397,625 million in non-repayable funding from the Critical Minerals
Infrastructure Fund (CMIF).
Under the Agreement terms, E3 Lithium will receive reimbursement for 50% of eligible expenditures up to
the total $4.4 million allocation. The investment will be used to undertake preconstruction work on the
necessary transportation and energy infrastructure to develop the Clearwater Project. This includes
facilitating electrical connection and substation power studies, transportation assessments, and the
associated engagement initiatives, which are key deliverables for supporting the Demonstration Facility and
Feasibility Study.
E3 previously announced on March 3, 2025, conditional approval for up to $4.7 million in funding from
CMIF. The reduction in the amount under the finalized Contribution Agreement is related to a minor change
in scope and costs for a portion of the project. This strategic funding will support the advancement of the
Clearwater Project, enhancing our ability to develop critical infrastructure and optimize operations.
The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy aims to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy by advancing
critical mineral development through a collaborative and adaptive approach with partners across Canada
and internationally. A key initiative under this strategy, CMIF provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding
until 2030 to address infrastructure gaps, support clean energy, and enable sustainable critical minerals
production.
"E3 Lithium is advancing a new industry in the province of Alberta and this funding supports the design and
advancement of some of the infrastructure needed to support the Clearwater Project,” commented Chris
Doornbos, President and CEO of E3 Lithium. "This investment supports E3’s development and also opens
new opportunities for the province and Canada to be a leader in critical minerals."
Since 2017, E3 has secured approximately $41.9 million CAD in funding support from both the Provincial
and Federal governments. We appreciate the support from NRCan and the CMIF as this funding will
accelerate project milestones and help the Clearwater Project towards first lithium production in Alberta.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chris Doornbos, President & CEO
E3 Lithium Ltd.
E3 Lithium - Investor and Media Relations
Alexis de la Renaudiere
Investor Relations
Suite 1520 – 300 5th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3C4
Tel: +1 (587) 324-2775
Email: [email protected]
Website: e3lithium.ca
587-324-2775
About E3 Lithium
E3 Lithium is a development company with a total of 16.2 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent
(LCE) Measured and Indicated 1 as well as 0.9 million tonnes LCE Inferred mineral resources2 in Alberta and
2.5 million tonnes LCE Inferred mineral resources3 in Saskatchewan. The Clearwater Pre-Feasibility Study
outlined a 1.13 Mt LCE proven and probable mineral reserve with a pre-tax NPV8% of USD 5.2 Billion with a
29.2% IRR and an after-tax NPV8% of USD 3.7 Billion with a 24.6% IRR1. E3 Lithium’s goal is to produce high
purity, battery grade lithium products to power the growing electrical revolution. With a significant lithium
resource and innovative technology solutions, E3 Lithium has the potential to deliver lithium to market from
one of the best jurisdictions in the world.
1. The Clearwater Project NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility Study, effective June 20, 2024, is available on the E3 Lithium’s
website (https://e3lithium.ca/our-assets/technical-reports/) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
2. The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the North Rocky Property, effective October 27, 2017, identified
0.9 Mt LCE (inferred) and is available on the E3 Lithium’s website (e3lithium.ca/technical-reports) and SEDAR+
(www.sedarplus.ca).
3. The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Estevan Lithium District, effective May 23, 2024, identified
2.5 Mt LCE (inferred) and is available on the E3 Lithium’s website (e3lithium.ca/technical-reports) and SEDAR+
(www.sedarplus.ca).
Unless otherwise indicated, Kevin Carroll, P. Eng., Chief Development Officer and a Qualified Person under
National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and is responsible for the technical information contained on this
news release.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management’s objectives,
strategies, beliefs and intentions or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities
laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as “believe”, “may”, “will”, “plan”,
“expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “intend”, “project”, “potential”, “possible” and similar words referring to
future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions, expectations,
estimates and assumptions of management in light of its experience, perception of historical trends, and
results of the PFS, but such statements are not guarantees of future performance. In particular, this news
release contains forward-looking information relating to: the estimated mineral resources and mineral
resources at the Clearwater Project; expectations regarding the PFS, including statements regarding the
results of the PFS and interpretations thereof; expectations concerning the Clearwater Project, including
extraction, production, pretreatment, purification, volume reduction and conversion process and features
and the expected outcomes thereof; the expected economic performance of the Clearwater Project,
including capital costs, operating costs, water usage, land use and carbon emissions; statements regarding
the Company’s strategy for minimizing environmental impact and liquid waste and maximizing water reuse,
with no planned tailings or waste piles; the potential for a secondary revenue stream should the Company
be able to sell the calcium carbonate generated during the production of lithium hydroxide; plans and
Suite 1520 – 300 5th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3C4
Tel: +1 (587) 324-2775
Email: [email protected]
Website: e3lithium.ca
objectives of management for the Company’s operations and the Clearwater Project; and the inherent
hazards associated with mineral exploration and mining operations. In preparing the forward-looking
information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not
limited to, that any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates
for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Company’s expectations; that the current
exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Clearwater Project can be
achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand
for lithium will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change
in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned activities on
the Clearwater Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the
price of lithium.
All forward-looking information (including future-orientated financial information) is inherently uncertain
and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral
exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the effectiveness and feasibility of emerging
lithium extraction technologies which have not yet been tested or proven on a commercial scale or on the
Company’s brine, risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the
expected use of proceeds; operations and contractual obligations; changes in estimated mineral reserves or
mineral resources; future prices of lithium and other metals; availability of third party contractors;
availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and
other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; the Company’s
lack of operating revenues; currency fluctuations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; estimates
used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; competitive risks and the availability of financing, as
described in more detail in our recent securities filings available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-
looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to
revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.