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'The supply-chain has been built out' - Battery Age Minerals' O'Donovan on working in North America

Kitco Media
By Michael McCrae
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(Kitco News) - There is a lot of downstream support for lithium exploration companies in North America, noted Gerard O’Donovan, CEO of Battery Age Minerals.

On June 20, 2023, O’Donovan spoke to Kitco at the 15th Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials 2023 in Henderson, Nevada.

Battery Age Minerals is advancing its Falcon Lake lithium project located in Ontario, Canada. The company is beginning a maiden drill program in the 2023 season, following up historical exploration that included 24.4m at 1.43% from 10m.

The project is 3.5 hour drive from Thunder Bay. Battery Age Minerals says the project is near roads and power.

O'Donovan said Canada is a draw for lithium juniors due to infrastructure.

"The supply-chain has been built out pretty quickly in North America," said O'Donovan. "Traditionally in Australia we've mined and we've taken that product and we've shipped it to the Asian markets. The benefit of North America is that the integrated supply chain is here."

Battery Age Minerals is focused on a hard rock project.

"Spodumene is king. I think that we will be the source for the raw material to build out the supply chain and to build out those conversion facilities."

The company's leadership has operations experience. O’Donovan was project manager at Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS). He was responsible for developing and commissioning the Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalum mine and processing facility. He was also responsible for managing the upgrade recommissioning and restart of the Ngungaju (ex-Altura) mine and processing facility.

O'Donovan noted a skills transfer. A lot of Australians have come to Canada to push forward critical mineral projects.

"The Australian ethos of rapid development—getting in and getting the projects done—is going to assist Canada. It's going to provide that raw material to ensure that the supply chain is built out."

Coverage of 15th Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials 2023 sponsored by Lindian Resources (ASX:LIN).

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Kitco Media

Michael McCrae

Michael McCrae is leading Kitco's coverage of the mining sector. McCrae, who has both an MBA and CMA, knows how to build digital media properties. He was co-founder and publisher of MINING.com, an award-winning news site. Before coming to media, McCrae worked in IT and banking. Please reach out: mmccrae@kitco.com or (514) 670-1383. You can also follow him at @michaelmccrae.

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