ABTC’s Tonopah Flats lithium project gains US priority status

The American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has announced that the US Federal Permitting Council has selected its Tonopah Flats lithium facility as a transparency priority.

This priority project status underscores the project's vital contribution to domestic lithium production and bolstering US energy independence.

It facilitates fast-tracking the federal permitting process of the domestic lithium mine and refinery, located on the project site in the state of Nevada.

Now featured on the FAST-41 permitting dashboard, the project is a national priority, reflecting its strategic importance.

ABTC CEO Ryan Melsert stated: “We are excited by this selection of our Tonopah Flats lithium project as a FAST-41 critical mineral transparency project.

“As we are currently working through permitting efforts with multiple federal agencies for the construction of this domestic critical mineral project, the support to coordinate and fast-track these efforts is greatly appreciated.”

With one of the largest identified claystone resource deposits in the US, the project is integral to meeting the rising demand for lithium, a key component in high-tech applications, from energy storage and defence systems to electronic vehicles.

Situated on land managed by the US Department of Interior, the project has also secured a $58m grant from the US Department of Energy for its initial construction phase.

ABTC has received a letter of interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States for $900m in financing, aimed at expanding this commercial-scale lithium mine and refinery.

ABTC's alignment with the Make More in America initiative and the China and Transformational Export Program reflects strategic efforts to counter competition from China and ensure US leadership in critical mineral manufacturing.

These initiatives align with President Trump's Executive Order from 20 March 2025, which mandates federal agencies to streamline the permitting process and facilitate funding and offtake agreements for critical mineral production.

In April 2024, ABTC updated its initial assessment in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines, confirming Tonopah Flats as one of the largest known lithium resources in the US.

The company has already demonstrated the capability to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide from claystone at its pilot plant. This success is the foundation for a commercial-scale refinery, partnered with Black & Veatch, aiming to produce 30,000 tonnes (t) of lithium hydroxide annually.

Unlike conventional lithium sources, the US lacks large quantities of hard rock spodumene and lithium-rich brines.