EMP METALS APPROVED FOR UP TO $3.2 MILLION IN FUNDING FROM NGEN FOR PROJECT AURORA

EMP Metals Corp. has secured a significant milestone with the approval of up to $3.2 million in funding from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) for Project Aurora, a groundbreaking lithium refining demonstration project. The funding represents a substantial endorsement of the company's innovative approach to lithium production and positions EMP at the forefront of Canada's efforts to establish domestic critical minerals supply chains.

Project Aurora, developed in partnership with Saltworks Technologies Inc., aims to demonstrate an integrated, continuous-flow lithium refining system that processes raw brine directly to battery-grade chemicals. The project will be implemented at EMP's Viewfield asset in Saskatchewan, utilizing the company's horizontal lithium well and brine handling infrastructure. The innovative hub-and-spoke design features wellhead-connected production spokes that convert raw brine into refined, lithium-rich solutions, which are then transported to Saltworks' headquarters for final processing into battery-grade chemicals.

The project holds strategic importance for Canada's advanced manufacturing sector and critical minerals strategy. NGen's CEO Jayson Myers emphasized that Project Aurora exemplifies the system-level integration needed to build resilient domestic supply chains for critical minerals. The demonstration plant represents one of the first direct wellhead connected, continuous flow facilities in Canada, potentially establishing a new standard for lithium production efficiency and cost reduction.

Beyond the immediate demonstration phase, Project Aurora includes plans for full-scale commercial development. Saltworks will advance plant design and cost estimates for a 3,000+ tonne per year modular, repeatable commercial refinery, utilizing insights gained from the demonstration project. This scalable approach could significantly impact Canada's lithium production capacity and strengthen the country's position in the global energy materials market while driving economic growth in Saskatchewan.

The approval comes at a critical time as global demand for lithium continues to surge, driven by the electric vehicle revolution and energy storage requirements. EMP Metals' innovative direct lithium extraction approach, combined with NGen's funding support, positions the company to capitalize on this growing market while contributing to Canada's strategic objectives in critical minerals development.