EMP METALS PARTNER SALTWORKS RECOGNIZED AS TECHNOLOGY FAST 50TM AND TECHNOLOGY FAST 500TM COMPANY  

EMP Metals Corp. announced that its strategic partner Saltworks Technologies Inc. has achieved significant recognition in the technology sector, ranking 35th on Canada's Technology Fast 50 and 112th on North America's Technology Fast 500. These prestigious rankings were driven by Saltworks' exceptional 811% revenue growth from 2021 to 2024, highlighting the company's rapid expansion in the industrial water treatment and lithium refining technology space.

Saltworks, headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, has established itself as a leader in designing and delivering industrial water treatment and lithium refining systems since its founding in 2008. The company has successfully delivered multi-million-dollar water treatment systems to major global clients, including Fortune 500 companies, multinational semiconductor manufacturers, and large automotive and battery manufacturers. With over 160 highly skilled professionals currently employed, Saltworks continues to demonstrate strong growth momentum while advancing Canadian clean technology leadership.

The partnership between EMP Metals and Saltworks centers on Project Aurora, positioned as Canada's first lithium brine-to-battery refinery in Saskatchewan. This collaboration leverages Saltworks' patent-pending Gen-II Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, representing a significant advancement in lithium processing capabilities. The recognition of Saltworks validates the technological foundation underlying this critical lithium development project.

For the broader lithium sector, this recognition underscores the growing importance of advanced processing technologies in the lithium supply chain. As demand for battery-grade lithium continues to accelerate, partnerships between resource developers and technology companies like the EMP-Saltworks collaboration are becoming increasingly strategic. The success of Saltworks positions Project Aurora favorably within the competitive landscape of North American lithium development, particularly as companies seek to establish domestic processing capabilities to serve the expanding battery and electric vehicle markets.