American Battery Technology Co., which develops and recycles U.S.-sourced lithium materials, said on Wednesday the U.S. Department of Energy has terminated its grant for the setting up of a facility for the manufacturing of battery cathode grade lithium hydroxide.
Under the grant, DOE’s Manufacturing Energy Supply Chain office would contribute $57.7 million, while the company would put in an equal amount towards the facility.
Reimbursable DOE funds of about $52 million remained as of Oct. 9, the company said.
American Battery Technology Co., based in Reno, operates five facilities across Nevada — its headquarters in Reno, labs at the University of Nevada, Reno, sites at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center and in Fernley, and its Tonopah Flats Lithium Project in Big Smoky Valley near Tonopah.
The termination followed a May notice that all MESC grants would undergo audits under a DOE memorandum.
The company said it has appealed the termination and plans to pursue dispute resolution remedies.
Despite the setback, the company said it has raised over $52 million from public markets this year and will continue the project without changes to its timeline or scope.
In April, the company received a letter of interest from U.S. Export-Import bank for $900 million in financing to support construction of its Nevada-based lithium mine and refinery.
Reno Gazette Journal Managing Editor Jeffrey Meehan contributed to this report.
