Pure Lithium Secures $300mn EXIM Support for US-Based Lithium Metal Battery Facility

Pure Lithium Corporation

Pure Lithium has received a $300 million Letter of Interest (LOI) from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to support its planned industrial-scale lithium metal battery plant. If approved, the Pure Lithium EXIM loan would fall under EXIM’s “Make More in America” initiative aimed at rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity and securing supply chains in strategic sectors like energy storage.

The proposed facility will use Pure Lithium’s proprietary “Brine to Battery” process, which directly converts brine into lithium metal anodes—eliminating graphite, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. This vertically integrated method enables a fully US-based battery supply chain, from raw material extraction to cell production. CEO Emilie Bodoin emphasized the project's potential to reshape global lithium battery sourcing models.

Disruptive Battery Chemistry Supports Strategic US Objectives

The Pure Lithium EXIM loan could accelerate commercialization of lithium metal vanadium oxide batteries, which offer higher energy density without relying on traditional cathode materials. This technology positions Pure Lithium at the forefront of post-Li-ion battery innovation, directly supporting the U.S. push for clean tech self-reliance.

Pure Lithium’s partnerships reinforce its vertically integrated vision. It sources lithium concentrate from E3 Lithium in Alberta, Canada, and collaborates with Saint-Gobain Ceramics to engineer water-blocking lithium-selective membranes—a key component in its novel extraction process.

EXIM Financing to Boost US Battery Supply Chain Resilience

EXIM’s Make More in America strategy supports projects that improve domestic industrial competitiveness in sectors facing global strategic risk. The Pure Lithium EXIM loan would directly address U.S. concerns over dependence on foreign-dominated battery material supply chains, especially China.

If finalized, the funding will catalyze Pure Lithium’s ability to scale manufacturing within U.S. borders while lowering barriers for next-generation battery adoption. This aligns with U.S. energy security goals and rising demand for alternative battery chemistries in defense, mobility, and grid storage sectors.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Pure Lithium EXIM loan represents a critical step in reshoring advanced battery manufacturing. As supply chain risks intensify and lithium metal demand grows, projects that fuse innovation with domestic sourcing will shape the next era of U.S. battery independence.

Ivanhoe Electric Secures $825mn EXIM Loan Interest for Arizona Copper Project

Ivanhoe Mining

Focus Keyphrase: Ivanhoe Electric copper project

Ivanhoe Electric copper project in Arizona has moved closer to realization with a $825mn financing interest from the US EXIM Bank. The proposed 15-year loan would support the development of the Santa Cruz copper mine, enhancing domestic critical mineral supply chains.

The company stated that additional funding will be explored following the release of its preliminary feasibility study in June. This study is expected to bolster Ivanhoe's efforts to secure further investment and support from public and private stakeholders.

EXIM’s “Make More in America” Backs Strategic Mineral Projects

The EXIM Bank’s commitment falls under the "Make More in America" initiative, aimed at reinforcing US industrial security. The loan would help accelerate production of domestically sourced copper—vital for defense, electrification, and clean energy.

Notably, EXIM has already funded other critical minerals projects, such as the $400mn facility for US Strategic Metals in Missouri. Such projects align with broader national strategies to de-risk supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign raw material imports.

Ivanhoe’s Copper Ambitions Tied to National Security

If completed, the Ivanhoe Electric copper project would become a cornerstone of the US push for self-reliance in key industrial inputs. Copper demand is projected to grow due to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and infrastructure needs.

Therefore, Ivanhoe’s Santa Cruz site in Arizona is well-positioned to meet rising demand while benefiting from favorable policy tailwinds. The company emphasized its intent to partner further with public programs and private investors to deliver long-term supply resilience.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Ivanhoe’s Santa Cruz project reflects Washington’s sharpened focus on domestic critical mineral security. Copper’s strategic importance ensures continued public-private partnerships, especially as electrification reshapes industrial priorities in North America.

Pathfinder Tonopah Secures $896mn EXIM Loan Interest for Copper Project in Nevada

Copper Project in Nevada

Financing to Boost US Copper Supply Chain

US mine developer Pathfinder Tonopah has received a letter of interest from the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank for up to $896 million in financing to advance its Nevada copper-molybdenum project. The potential funding would support construction of mining and processing facilities, enabling the company to scale operations and strengthen domestic copper production capacity.

The project is expected to produce over 463 million pounds of copper cathode in its first 12 years of operation. This substantial output aligns with growing US demand for copper, driven by renewable energy expansion, electric vehicle infrastructure, and grid modernization.

Strategic Role in National Security and Supply Resilience

The potential loan falls under EXIM’s “Make More in America” initiative, which aims to fortify domestic supply chains for sectors critical to national security. Copper’s role as an essential industrial metal in electrical systems, defense technologies, and clean energy makes it a strategic focus.

Pathfinder Tonopah joins a growing list of critical mineral developers receiving EXIM support, including Ivanhoe Electric ($825mn loan in April 2024) and US Strategic Metals ($400mn loan in August 2024). These investments reflect a broader policy shift toward securing reliable domestic sources of key industrial inputs.

Outlook for Nevada’s Copper-Molybdenum Development

While specific loan terms have not been disclosed, the scale of potential financing underscores the project’s significance for US resource independence. Nevada’s favorable mining environment and existing infrastructure position Pathfinder Tonopah to fast-track development once funding is secured.

If completed as planned, the mine could not only meet domestic copper needs but also contribute to global market stability, reducing reliance on imports from politically sensitive regions.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The scale of EXIM’s interest signals strong federal commitment to reshoring critical mineral supply chains. If finalized, this financing could mark a pivotal moment for US copper independence, positioning Nevada as a strategic hub in the energy transition.

ABTC’s Tonopah Flats Lithium Project Secures $900mn EXIM Backing

American Battery Technology Company

Strategic Funding to Accelerate U.S. Lithium Refining Capacity

The Tonopah Flats Lithium Project may receive $900 million in federal support to bolster U.S. lithium supply chains. American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) announced that it received a Letter of Interest (LOI) from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM), supporting the development of a domestic lithium mine and refinery in Nevada. The proposed facility would produce 30,000 metric tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium hydroxide, a key material for EV and energy storage systems.

Federal Executive Order Boosts Critical Mineral Projects

The EXIM LOI aligns with the March 2025 Executive Order aimed at fast-tracking domestic mineral production. Under this order, agencies like EXIM are directed to prioritize permits, funding, and offtake support for projects vital to U.S. defense and energy security. The Tonopah Flats Lithium Project fits these criteria by offering a scalable, local source of lithium using advanced leaching processes for sedimentary claystone resources.

ABTC Advances with Proven Technology and Industrial Partnerships

ABTC has already proven its lithium extraction technology at pilot scale and is now scaling up with help from engineering partner Black & Veatch. Together, they are working on the commercial refinery’s design and construction, ensuring the Tonopah Flats Lithium Project meets both industrial and regulatory benchmarks for U.S.-based lithium supply.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This funding milestone places ABTC at the forefront of America’s lithium independence strategy. The Tonopah Flats Lithium Project exemplifies how federal coordination and innovative extraction technology can reduce reliance on foreign lithium sources.

Titan Mining Secures EXIM Loan for New York Zinc Expansion

Titan Mining

EXIM Financing to Support Zinc Growth

Titan Mining has secured $15.8mn in financing from the Export-Import Bank of the US (EXIM) to expand its zinc operations in New York. The funds will be used by its subsidiary, Empire State Mines, to upgrade equipment and infrastructure. The loan has a seven-year tenor with a two-year interest-only grace period, offering the company time to ramp up production.

Zinc Production and Resource Outlook

Titan expects to produce 64mn–69mn lbs of payable zinc in 2025. The mine’s measured and indicated resources total 636mn lbs of recoverable zinc and 541mn lbs of payable zinc, supporting long-term output. In January, Titan announced plans to extend the mine’s life to 2033. Additionally, the company aims to expand into graphite development alongside its zinc operations, reflecting a broader strategy in critical minerals.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Titan Mining’s EXIM loan demonstrates how US financial institutions are reinforcing domestic critical mineral projects. While zinc demand is rising, the company’s parallel push into graphite shows a strategic pivot toward battery minerals. This dual focus positions Titan to benefit from both traditional and energy transition markets.

Victory Metals Rare Earth Project Secures $190mn U.S. Financing Backing

Victory Metals

Victory Metals has received a $190 million Letter of Interest from the U.S. EXIM Bank to advance its rare earth project in Western Australia. The funding commitment marks a major milestone for the Victory Metals rare earth project, positioning it as a critical player in global heavy rare earth supply diversification.

U.S. Strategic Funding Strengthens Australia’s Critical Minerals Push

The EXIM Bank's support, issued under the China and Transformational Exports Program, signals growing U.S. interest in non-Chinese rare earth supply chains. Victory’s North Stanmore project, located near Cue in Western Australia, contains 247.5 million metric tonnes of resource at 493ppm total rare earth oxides. Notably, heavy rare earths account for 36% of the total content—significantly higher than most global peers.

The project’s high heavy rare earth ratio aligns with global efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese supply, especially for magnet-grade oxides critical to defense, electric vehicles, and renewable energy sectors.

Project Throughput and Recovery Metrics Boost Investment Appeal

Victory is targeting 8 million tonnes per year of mine throughput, supported by a strong projected recovery rate of 94% for magnet rare earth oxides. These metrics enhance the economic viability of the project and support long-term supply security for strategic industries.

The LOI from EXIM could unlock further funding pathways, enabling Victory to advance toward production with U.S.-aligned financing that supports clean energy and critical minerals independence.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Victory Metals rare earth project exemplifies the intersection of geopolitics, resource strategy, and clean technology. Backing from the U.S. EXIM Bank not only supports project development but also underscores Australia’s growing role in reshaping the rare earths supply chain.

US Strategic Metals Secures $400 Million Loan for Missouri Battery Metals Project

US Strategic Metals, a key player in the critical minerals sector, has secured a non-binding letter of interest for a $400 million loan from the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank. The loan is intended to fund the company’s ambitious battery-grade metals complex in Missouri, which includes a mine, concentrator, and hydrometallurgical processing facility. The 15-year loan will undergo due diligence by EXIM Bank before final terms are set.

The loan, coupled with other financing avenues, is expected to cover the majority of the project’s construction and development costs. US Strategic Metals aims to bolster domestic battery supply chains by producing nickel and cobalt sulfates, lithium carbonate, and copper cathode.

The company claims that its Missouri site, located in Madison County, hosts the largest cobalt reserve in the United States, with estimates of 100 million pounds of cobalt, 150 million pounds of nickel, and 170 million pounds of copper. Feedstock for the processing facility will come from the mine's concentrate, preexisting tailings waste, and recycled lithium-ion batteries.

In 2022, US Strategic Metals secured a long-term offtake agreement with global mining giant Glencore, covering 100% of the project's production.

Lyten Secures $650 Million to Expand U.S. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Production

Lyten

U.S.-based battery startup Lyten has secured a funding package of up to $650 million to accelerate the expansion of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery manufacturing and supply its technology to international markets. The financing, provided through multiple Letters of Interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), is part of an initiative to strengthen economic ties in the Caribbean.

Lyten is actively pursuing agreements with international partners, including Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for battery energy storage systems in Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations. These agreements aim to fully utilize the production capacity of its newly acquired Northvolt cell manufacturing facility.

Expansion Plans in the U.S. Market

In November 2024, Lyten acquired Northvolt’s manufacturing plant in San Leandro, California, which is set to begin commercial production in the second half of 2025. This facility will play a crucial role in scaling up lithium-sulfur battery production, a promising alternative to lithium-ion technology due to its higher energy density and cobalt-free composition.

Additionally, Lyten recently announced the location for its $1 billion lithium-sulfur battery gigafactory in Reno, Nevada. The plant, expected to begin operations in 2027, will have an initial production capacity of 10 GWh per year, further positioning Lyten as a key player in the next-generation battery market.