EMP METALS AND SALTWORKS HOST SASKATCHEWAN ENERGY AND RESOURCES MINISTER

EMP Metals Corp. and its strategic partner Saltworks Technologies Inc. hosted Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister Chris Beaudry for a comprehensive tour of Saltworks' engineering and manufacturing headquarters in Richmond, BC. The visit provided the Minister with an in-depth look at the company's commercial-scale capabilities, including existing lithium refining facilities and the next-generation Generation II lithium refining system that forms the technological foundation of Project Aurora.

Project Aurora represents a multi-million-dollar demonstration partnership between the two companies aimed at validating and de-risking scalable lithium refining solutions specifically designed to advance Canada's lithium brine resources. The initiative is strategically important as it bridges the gap between technological innovation and commercial deployment in the rapidly expanding lithium sector. The project has secured support through Saskatchewan's Critical Minerals Innovation Incentive (SCMII) program, demonstrating strong government backing for critical minerals development in the province.

Minister Beaudry's visit underscores Saskatchewan's commitment to positioning itself as a global leader in critical minerals, particularly lithium. His comments highlighted the government's recognition of Project Aurora's role in driving investment, job creation, and strengthening the province's competitive position in the emerging lithium industry. The timing of the visit, following the Minister's attendance at the AME Roundup conference in Vancouver, suggests coordinated efforts to showcase Saskatchewan's lithium potential to the broader mining community.

For EMP Metals, which holds over 205,000 net acres of strategic lithium brine assets in Southern Saskatchewan, the partnership with Saltworks provides access to proven commercial-scale technology that could significantly de-risk future development projects. The company's focus on direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology positions it well in a market increasingly demanding environmentally sustainable and efficient lithium production methods. The demonstration program's success could serve as a catalyst for broader commercialization across Canada's lithium resources and establish a template for international deployment of the technology.