EMP Metals Corp. Advances Lithium‑Processing Capabilities Through Strategic Agreement with Saltworks Technologies
EMP Metals Corp. (CSE: EMPS) has announced a partnership with Saltworks Technologies Inc. to develop, construct, and operate a lithium‑raffination demonstration plant—codenamed Project Aurora—at the company’s Viewfield site in Saskatchewan, Canada. The announcement, published on 29 May 2025 by IRW‑Press and subsequently reported by several financial outlets, signals a pivotal step toward commercializing EMP Metals’ lithium‑solution portfolio.
Project Aurora: Objectives and Technical Rationale
Project Aurora builds on a successful pilot program that converted lithium‑rich brine into a more concentrated form suitable for battery‑grade electrolytes. The collaboration aims to:
- Reduce costs – By refining the lithium‑solution process at scale, the project seeks to lower the levelised cost of lithium (LCOL) relative to conventional extraction methods.
- Improve performance – Optimizing the conversion pathway will enhance product purity and yield, addressing critical performance metrics required by battery manufacturers.
- Mitigate technical risk – Leveraging EMP Metals’ resource base and Saltworks’ proprietary technology will spread operational risk and accelerate deployment timelines.
The agreement is structured to avoid dilution of existing shareholders, with a mix of partnerships and non‑dilutive financing mechanisms. This approach preserves the company’s capital structure while enabling rapid progress toward a production‑ready facility.
Strategic Implications for EMP Metals
EMP Metals’ market capitalization stands at approximately 80.5 million CAD, and its stock has traded in a narrow band between 0.205 CAD and 0.74 CAD over the past year. The company’s price‑earnings ratio is currently negative at –12.09, reflecting the high investment required for exploration and development activities typical of a resource‑focused entity.
The Aurora initiative positions EMP Metals as a contender in the lithium‑value chain, an industry segment experiencing robust demand growth due to the expansion of electric‑vehicle (EV) and energy‑storage markets. By advancing a cost‑effective, scalable lithium‑raffination process, the company could capture a share of the downstream value, potentially transforming its financial trajectory from a high‑risk development stage to a revenue‑generating operation.
Market and Regulatory Context
The Canadian National Stock Exchange (CSE) lists EMP Metals, and the company is also cross‑listed on the OTCQB and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FWB: 9ST). The partnership aligns with Canadian regulatory frameworks that favour resource development while encouraging partnerships to share technical expertise and financial exposure.
Forward‑Looking Statements
Both EMP Metals and Saltworks have indicated that Project Aurora is still in the planning phase, with detailed design and feasibility studies pending. The companies have not yet disclosed specific timelines for construction or commissioning. Investors should note that the partnership is subject to regulatory approvals, financing arrangements, and successful completion of technical milestones.
In summary, EMP Metals’ collaboration with Saltworks marks a significant stride toward establishing a viable lithium‑raffination infrastructure. If successful, Project Aurora could reduce production costs, improve product quality, and ultimately enhance the company’s competitiveness in the rapidly evolving lithium market.
