Mining News
Clayton Valley lithium project in Nevada obtains federal approval for pilot plant
(Kitco News) - Pure Energy Minerals announced today that its partner Schlumberger New Energy has received approval from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a plan of operations covering the construction and operation of a pilot plant at Pure Energy's Clayton Valley, Nevada, lithium brine project.
According to a statement, Schlumberger, Pure Energy's partner and operator of the Clayton Valley project, has also received permit approval for the associated reclamation plan from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation (NDEP-BMRR).
The company said that construction and operation of the pilot plant are planned to occur at Pure Energy's Clayton Valley property located 40 miles southwest of Tonopah in Esmeralda County, Nevada, as approved by the BLM and Nevada authorities.
In March 2021, Schlumberger New Energy announced its plans to develop a lithium extraction pilot plant at the Clayton Valley project through its wholly owned subsidiary, NeoLith Energy.
The BLM approved the Plan of Operations after completion of the required engineering design, environmental studies and public comment period. Additional permit applications are in process with NDEP.
"Pure Energy is excited that this important step towards development of the Clayton Valley Project has been achieved," stated Pure Energy director Mary Little. "We look forward to advancing the Clayton Valley Project with Schlumberger New Energy."
Pure Energy has consolidated a pre-eminent land position at its Clayton Valley ("CV") project in the Clayton Valley of central Nevada for the exploration and development of lithium resources, comprising 950 claims over 23,360 acres (9,450 hectares), representing the largest mineral land holdings in the valley. Pure Energy's CV project adjoins and surrounds on three sides the Silver Peak lithium brine mine operated by Albemarle Corporation.
