Surge's Nevada North Lithium Project: Navigating the NEPA Environmental Assessment

As the world transitions towards a greener future, the demand for lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, continues to soar. Surge Battery Metals, a Canadian-based mineral exploration company, is at the forefront of this trend with its Nevada North Lithium Project. The project has recently entered a 30-day National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment Public Comment Period, a crucial step in ensuring the project's long-term sustainability and community support.

The Nevada North Lithium Project, located in the Granite Range southeast of Jackpot, Nevada, has shown promising results from its initial drilling campaigns. The first round of drilling, completed in October 2022, identified a strongly mineralized zone of lithium-bearing clays occupying a strike length of almost 1,620 meters. The average lithium content within all near-surface clay zones intersected in 2022 drilling was an impressive 3,254 ppm, indicating the project's significant potential.



The 2023 drill program, now completed, aimed to expand the known lithium-rich clay from the current 1,620 meters strike length to more than 3,500 meters and the known width of the mineralization to 950 meters from the previously drill-indicated 400 meters. Initial assay results from the first hole of the 2023 season had a high of 8,070 ppm lithium with an average of 4,067 ppm lithium, using a 1,000 ppm cut-off. These results further validate the project's potential and Surge's commitment to responsible exploration.

The NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA) process is a critical step in the permitting timeline for the Nevada North Lithium Project. This process ensures that potential environmental impacts are thoroughly evaluated, and stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input. The 30-day public comment period allows local communities and interested parties to voice their concerns and suggestions, which can influence the project's design and mitigate potential environmental concerns.



Potential environmental concerns during the assessment could include water quality, soil contamination, and habitat disruption. These issues could impact project costs through mitigation measures, such as water treatment facilities, soil remediation, and habitat restoration. Additionally, delays in the permitting process due to environmental concerns could increase project timelines and expenses.

The public comment period is a crucial phase in the project's timeline, as it allows stakeholders to voice their concerns and suggestions. This period can influence project modifications, potentially impacting the maiden resource estimate targeted for Q1 2024 and the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in Q4 2024. However, Surge's strategic land acquisitions and successful drilling results indicate a robust project, suggesting that the public comment period may not significantly delay the project's progress.

In conclusion, Surge's Nevada North Lithium Project is poised to play a significant role in the global transition to sustainable energy. As the project navigates the NEPA Environmental Assessment process, it is essential to consider the potential long-term environmental consequences of mining activities in the area. By adopting responsible mining practices, engaging with local communities, and adhering to relevant environmental regulations, Surge can ensure the project's long-term sustainability and contribute to the development of a responsible lithium mining industry.