Emerging lithium-boron supplier Ioneer (ASX:INR) reports it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shell Canada Energy for the sale of sulphur to Ioneer for its Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project in Nevada, USA
The company says securing the supply of key reagents for ore processing is an important step along the critical pathway to developin the Rhyolite Ridge Project.
Under the MoU, Ioneer will purchase up to 500,000 tonnes of ‘high-quality’ sulphur annually from Shell, which would fulfill the estimated annual sulphur requirement for the project.
“Shell is an ideal partner for this effort, and we look forward to furthering our partnership together”
Ioneer Managing Director Bernard Rowe says with this MoU, the company takes another key step to secure sulphur for the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project.
“Sulphur is a primary input for our process as it will be converted into the sulphuric acid required for leaching the ore as well as releasing heat which is recovered to produce carbon free power and steam for the facility.
Shell is an ideal partner for this effort, and we look forward to furthering our partnership together on additional decarbonisation solutions while providing materials for a sustainable future.”
Shell General Manager of Global Sulphur and Thiogro Peter Zissos comments: “We are excited to expand our partnership with Ioneer to include the sale of sulphur while collaborating on various decarbonisation solutions.
Sulphur’s second largest use is for mining, including the extraction of EV metals like lithium. With safe and reliable delivery of sulphur to customers like Ioneer, Shell Sulphur Solutions is delivering inputs critical for renewable energy production and management.”
Ioneer reports the signing of the MoU builds upon the Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in December 2019, and with a binding commitment to negotiate exclusively with one another, it is the intention of both parties to advance the MoU into a definitive agreement at the appropriate time.
Both companies also intent to collaborate through strategic initiatives focused on accelerating the energy transition.
Ioneer is an emerging lithium-boron producer that wholly owns the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project located in Esmerelda County, Nevada USA. The company says this project is the only known lithium-boron deposit in North America and only 1 of 2 known deposits in the world.
