Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 23, 2022) - Li-FT Power Ltd. (CSE: LIFT) (FSE: WS0) ("Li-FT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an amalgamation agreement dated November 22, 2022 (the "Amalgamation Agreement") with 1361516 B.C. Ltd. (the "Target"), a private company holding a 100% interest in the Yellowknife Lithium Project (the "Project" or the "Properties"), whereby the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Target (the "Transaction").
The Yellowknife Lithium Project is comprised of mineral leases that cover the majority of the lithium pegmatites that make up the Yellowknife Pegmatite Province ("YPP"). The YPP has been noted to be one of the largest lithium resources in the Western world (Page, 1987 - Equinox Resources). Numerous spodumene-bearing pegmatites with strike lengths up to 1,800 meters and widths up to 40 meters outcrop in a spectacular fashion within the Project and are plainly visible from satellite imagery (Figures 2, 3, & 4). A list of pegmatites and their dimensions is detailed below in Table 1. The YPP also benefits from excellent existing infrastructure, including roads, rail and a skilled labour force that could support the development of this project.
Francis MacDonald, CEO of Li-FT, comments, “The Yellowknife Lithium Project is a tremendous opportunity to consolidate numerous lithium pegmatites that have the potential to be one of the largest hard rock lithium resources in North America. The Project was held privately for 35 years without having any exploration work completed at a time when lithium was not an exciting commodity. We look forward to completing an aggressive drill program to delineate the subsurface extent of the abundant lithium mineralization we see at surface.”
Transaction Highlights
- Portfolio of lithium pegmatites which could produce the largest hard rock lithium resource in North America. The Yellowknife Project contains 14 different lithium pegmatite systems, most of which are visible in satellite imagery. Historic channel sampling has produced average grades from 1.10 - 1.59% Li2O over widths of 7 to 40 meters. Strike extents of pegmatites visible on surface are 100 to 1,800 meters (see Figure 2).
- Transformative acquisition leading to resource development drilling. The Company plans to initiate an aggressive drill program once necessary permits are received to advance the Yellowknife Project towards a maiden resource estimate.
- Advantageous location near railway. Railway access at the town of Hay River, located on the southern side of Great Slave Lake, can be utilized for shipping spodumene concentrate. Spodumene concentrate could be moved by barge from Yellowknife to the rail head or by all-weather road.
- Road accessible. The Fi, Ki, and Hi minerals leases are located within 60 kilometers of the city of Yellowknife and are accessible from the asphalt-surfaced Ingram Trail, then by 10 kilometers along the Thompson-Lundmark mine access road. The BIG lease is located approximately 30 kilometres to the east of Yellowknife along the Ingram Trail, then five kilometers to the south along winter access trails.
- $11,700,000 in cash. As of October 31, 2022, the Target had $11,700,000 in cash and cash equivalents.
Figure 1 - Locations of the 14 lithium pegmatites within the Yellowknife Project which is located to the east of the city of Yellowknife, capital of the Northwest Territories.
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Figure 2 - Yellowknife lithium pegmatite outlines (all at the same scale). Pegmatite outlines are interpreted from satellite imagery, historic geologic mapping, and current geologic mapping completed in September, 2022.
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Project History
Lithium mineralization hosted in spodumene-bearing pegmatites of the Yellowknife Pegmatite Province (YPP) was first discovered in the 1940's and intermittently explored through to the 1980's. Canadian Superior Exploration Limited (CSEL), the exploration arm of Superior Oil, completed systematic mapping, spodumene crystal counts, blasting-trenching, channel sampling and diamond drilling in the area from 1975 to 1979. CSEL estimated an overall resource potential for the YPP of 49 million tons at an average grade of 1.40% Li2O1 (calculated to a vertical depth of 152m) of which 75% is located within the Yellowknife Project (Lasmanis, 1978). This estimate was not prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and was prepared prior to the current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Further, a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves; and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Additional confirmation drilling will be necessary to achieve a resource estimate which will be compliant with the requirements of NI 43-101.The historical estimate should not be relied upon and there can be no assurance that any of historical resources, in whole or in part, will ever become economically viable.
Superior Oil was acquired by Mobil in 1984 which led to the divestment of the CSEL mineral properties and the claims holding the largest lithium pegmatites were transferred to a private company owned by the Target. In 1985, the private company entered into an option agreement with Equinox Resources Ltd. who collected bulk samples in 1987 for initial metallurgical testing. The results from initial metallurgical testing were positive and Equinox recommended a full feasibility study. Equinox was later acquired by Hecla Mining Company and the YPP lithium deposits reverted back to the private company. Since 1987, very little exploration work was completed on any of the pegmatites.
Cali Lease - Little Nahanni Pegmatite Field
In addition to the Yellowknife Project, the Target holds the Cali lease located in the Little Nahanni Pegmatite Field in the MacKenzie mountains in Northwest Territories near the Yukon border. The Little Nahanni Pegmatite Field has been noted to have greater than 275 complex rare element pegmatites over an area of 13 by 2.5 kilometers. CSEL also held the Cali pegmatite in the 1970's which subsequently was acquired during the portfolio acquisition in 1983.
The Cali pegmatite was mapped by CSEL in 1977 and was described as outcropping over a 500 meter strike length, having a 300 meter outcropping vertical extent, and having up to 100 meter width. Panels of metasedimentary country rock occur within the spodumene-bearing pegmatite which has been described to have 60 meters of pegmatite dyke material. Float mapping suggests that the lithium-bearing dyke could be up to 1,200 meters in strike length.
Figure 3 - Fi Main dyke view from a helicopter. Looking southwest.
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Transaction Details
The Transaction is an arm's length transaction and will not result in a 'fundamental change', as such term is defined under the policies of the CSE, to the Company's business. Under the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, the Transaction will be completed by way of a three-cornered amalgamation under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), whereby, among other things:
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1386798 B.C. Ltd. ("Subco"), a subsidiary of the Company created for the purposes of completing the Transaction, will amalgamate with and into the Target, with the amalgamated entity ("Amalco") becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and;
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each outstanding share of the Target (a "Target Share") will be exchanged for 0.60 of a common shares of Li-FT (a "Li-FT Share").
It is anticipated that 18 million Li-FT Shares, at a deemed price of $8.59 per share, will be issued pursuant to the Transaction based on the current capital structure of the Target. The Target is widely held with no control persons and no new insiders will be created in the Company as a result of the Transaction.
No finder's fees are payable in connection with the Transaction. The Transaction is not expected to require the approval of the Company's shareholders but will require the approval of the shareholders of the Target.
The Transaction is subject to a number of terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, receipt of third party consents of historical vendors, the approval of the shareholders of the Target, and the approval of the CSE and other applicable regulatory authorities.
Figure 4 - Historic channel sampling completed by Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd. in 1975 over the Fi Main and Fi Southwest deposits (NWT Assessment Report 080282).
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Table 1 - List of lithium pegmatites and their dimensions within the Yellowknife Project mineral leases.
| Li Pegmatite | Length (m) | Average Width (m) | Mapped Surface Area (m2) | Channel Sample Average Grade (Li2O %) | Notes |
| Fi Main | 1800 | 15 | 36,500 | 1.10 | Linear dyke which branches into multiple sections for approximately 900m. Southern half not systemically channel sampled |
| Fi Southwest | 900 | 20 | 24,000 | 1.30 | Linear dyke which varies in width from 5 to 37m |
| Ki | 600 | 12 | 8,700 | 1.40 | Grade estimate based on detailed spodumene crystal counts averaging 20-25% |
| Hi (Shorty) | 400 | 25 | 17,000 | 1.07 | Linear dyke that is up to 40m wide |
| Big East | 900 | 20 | 17,500 | 1.45 | Pegmatite dyke swarm over 150m width; 20m average width of dykes within 150m corridor |
| Big West | 1000 | 20 | 20,000 | 1.53 | Pegmatite dyke swarm over 150m width; 20m average width of dykes within 150m corridor |
| Nite | 900 | 7 | 8,700 | 1.46 | Linear dyke ranging from 4 to 10m in width; average of 9m |
| Thor | 600 | 300 | 26,000 | 1.59 | Complex dyke swarm; visible surface area of spodumene pegmatites is ~25,000 m2 |
| VO | 9,000 | 1.48 | Dyke swarm of seven individual dykes over an area of a 1,300m x 500m area | ||
| Bet | 100 | 6 | 550 | 2.00 | Historic tantalum mine, spodumene crystals up to 2m in length |
| Bin | 125 | 12 | 1,300 | 1.75 | Spodumene crystal percentages estimated to be >25% over the dyke |
| Hid | 200 | 6 | 650 | 1.56 | Discontinuous dyke; two 5 kg channel samples averaged 1.56% Li2O |
| Lens | 100 | 12 | 1,200 | 1.97 | Sub-vertically dipping dyke, spodumene crystals up to 50cm long |
| Mut | 80 | 5 | 500 | 2.20 | Spodumene crystals up to 30cm long; crystal counts between 25-35% spodumene |
| Grades and dimensions taken from the Northwest Territories Showing database (https://app.nwtgeoscience.ca/Searching/ShowingsSearch.aspx), as well has historic geologic maps produced by Canadian Superior Exploration during the 1970's exploration campaign which are available in NWT assessment reports. | |||||
Information about the Target
The Target is a private company incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia holding a 100% interest in and to the 14 mineral leases comprising the Project, located in the Northwest Territories. The Project is subject to a 2% net profits royalty and an overriding 2% gross production royalty (the "GORR"). The GORR shall also apply to all after acquired mineral interests of the leaseholder in the Northwest Territories, subject to adjustment as set forth in the agreement evidencing the GORR.
Qualified Person
Don Cummings, P.Geo (OGQ # 2183), independent consultant to Li-FT Power Ltd., Qualified Person under NI 43- 101 on standards of disclosure for mineral projects, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release.
About Li-FT
Li-FT is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties, specifically lithium pegmatite projects located in Canada. The Company currently controls 228,237 hectares of ground at its Rupert, Pontax, and Moyenne Projects which are prospective for hard rock lithium deposits.
For further information, please contact:
Francis MacDonald
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: Canada: +1.778.322.8705
Germany: +49.1522.1073741
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.li-ft.com
References
Yellowknife Lithium Pegmatite District
- Lasmanis, R., (1978), Lithium Resources in the Yellowknife Area, Northwest Territories, Canada. Energy, Vol. 3 pp. 399-407.
Northwest Territories mineral exploration assessment reports can be found at: https://app.nwtgeoscience.ca/Searching/ReferenceSearch.aspx
Fi Main - Fi Southwest
- NWT Assessment Report 080282 (1975) - Report on a Geological Survey of the Fi 2-7, 9-14 Minerals Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
- NWT Assessment Report 080958 (1979) - Report on the 1979 Trenching Program Performed on the Fi 2-7, 9-15 Mineral Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
- NWT Assessment Report 082495 (1987) - Report on a Bulk Sampling Program and Metallurgical Testing on the Fi and Ki Lithium Pegmatite Properties. Jay W. Page, Equinox Resources Ltd.
Ki
- NWT Assessment Report 080274 (1975) - Report on a Geological Survey of the Ki 1-5 Minerals Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
- NWT Assessment Report 080834 (1978) - A Report on the 1978 Drilling Programme Performed on the Ki 1-5 Minerals Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
Thor
- NWT Assessment Report 080478 (1975) - Report on a Geological Survey of the Thor 1-13 Minerals Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
- NWT Assessment Report 080831 (1978) - A Report on the 1978 Drilling Programme Performed on the Thor 1-14 Minerals Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
Hi
- NWT Assessment Report 082128 (1986) - Sampling Report on the Shorty Claim Pegmatite Dyke, Hidden Lake Area, District of Mackenize, NWT. Mark Senkiw, Continental Pacific Resources Inc.
- NWT Assessment Report 062264 (1987) - Sampling Report on the Shorty 1 Claim Pegmatite Dyke, Hidden Lake Area, District of Mackenize, NWT. Mark Senkiw, Continental Pacific Resources Inc.
- NWT Assessment Report 082540 (1988) - A Summary of Geological and Diamond Drill Programs Completed on the Lithium-Bearing Shorty 1 Pegmatite Dyke. Douglas Bryan, Continental Pacific Resources Inc.
Big East - Big West
- NWT Assessment Report 080273 (1975) - Report on a Geological Survey of the Big 1-13 Minerals Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
- NWT Assessment Report 080957 (1979) - A Report the 1979 Trenching Program Performed on the Big 1-13 Minerals Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
- NWT Assessment Report 082348 (1955) - Diamond Drill Report - Little Hidden Property, General Lithium Corporation.
Nite
- NWT Assessment Report 080290 (1975) - Report on a Geological Survey of the Nite 1-3 and 5-7 Mineral Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
- NWT Assessment Report 080831 (1978) - A Report on the 1978 Drilling Programme Performed on the Nite 1-7 Mineral Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
VO
- NWT Assessment Report 080283 (1975) - Report on a Geological Survey of the VO 1-9 Mineral Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
- NWT Assessment Report 080833 (1978) - A Report on the 1978 Drilling Programme Performed on the VO 1-9 Mineral Claims, Yellowknife Area, NWT. Murray Morrison, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
Cali
- NWT Assessment Report 080685 (1977) - Preliminary Geological Survey of the Cali 1-9, 1 Mineral Claims, Cantung Area, District of Nahanni, NWT. Roy V. Beavon, Canadian Superior Exploration Ltd.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should" and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward-looking statements including, among other things, that the Company intends to complete an aggressive drill program in respect of the Project and that the Project could produce the largest hard rock lithium resource in North America. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors.
Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, among other things, the possibility that the Company is unable to obtain the necessary permits to complete its proposed drill program, that the results of the drill program may be less favorable than anticipated, the continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, including the effects of COVID-19. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the statements will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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1Resource potential estimate is not NI 43-101 compliant. Tonnage estimate was made by projecting geologic contacts down to 500 feet (152 meters). Several of the pegmatites have been drilled down to this depth and have similar widths and grades as outcrops on surface. Estimates of grade were made by averaging channel sample results taken on surface.
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