Cruz Battery Metals Expands Nevada Lithium Brine Footprint: Acquiring Central Clayton Valley Project Surrounded by SLB's Property

Cruz Battery Metals Corp. (BKTPF) has announced plans to acquire the 580-acre Central Clayton Valley Lithium Brine Project in Nevada, which is completely surrounded by SLB's property. This strategic acquisition will expand Cruz's lithium brine footprint in Clayton Valley to 820 acres, providing the company with a larger prospective area for lithium brine exploration and development.

The Central Clayton Valley Lithium Brine Project consists of 29 claims located in the heart of Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada. The project is situated in the deepest part of the Clayton Valley lithium brine basin, offering potential access to higher lithium concentrations and easier extraction. Being completely surrounded by SLB's property, Cruz's new project may benefit from proximity to SLB's successful direct lithium extraction (DLE) production site, which has demonstrated the ability to produce high-purity lithium at a faster rate and with reduced land use.

The acquisition comes as SLB has successfully completed a 100% earn-in of Pure Energy's Clayton Valley project and demonstrated successful high-purity DLE production. This success, along with the incoming Trump administration's focus on 'Made in America' sentiment and reducing reliance on foreign resources, could provide a tailwind for domestic lithium production and potentially reduce regulatory restrictions for Cruz's project.

Cruz's President, James Nelson, expressed excitement about the acquisition, highlighting the potential benefits and growth opportunities it presents for the company and its shareholders. The company's expanded lithium brine footprint in Clayton Valley, combined with the successful DLE production by SLB, could draw increased market interest and enhance the value of Cruz's project.

As the global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, so does the need for domestically sourced lithium. Recent data from China and GM shows that new energy vehicle sales are increasing, with China's share of new energy vehicles sold accounting for more than half of all passenger cars sold in July 2024, and GM reporting a 50% increase in EV sales for Q4 and 125% for the year. This increasing demand for EVs and the need for domestic lithium production could further enhance the potential value of Cruz's newly acquired project.

In conclusion, Cruz Battery Metals' acquisition of the Central Clayton Valley Lithium Brine Project presents a significant opportunity for the company to expand its lithium brine footprint in Clayton Valley, Nevada. The project's proximity to SLB's successful DLE production site, combined with the growing demand for EVs and the incoming Trump administration's focus on domestic resource production, could enhance the value and potential of Cruz's newly acquired project. As the company continues to explore and develop its lithium brine prospects, investors should keep a close eye on Cruz's progress and the potential benefits that this acquisition may bring.