CTR's Hell's Kitchen project in California's Imperial County will recover lithium from geothermal brines utilising renewable energy and steam to produce battery grade lithium products in an integrated, closed-loop process, eliminating the need for evaporation brine ponds, open pit mines, and fossil-fuelled processing.

"In the fight against global warming, bolstering our battery electric vehicle supply chain to support our bold electrification ambitions is absolutely critical," said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. "Ensuring we have a robust, competitive, and low-carbon lithium supply from various partners around the world will enable us to meet our aggressive electric vehicle production plans in a responsible manner."

"This definitive offtake agreement with Stellantis sets a new benchmark for the automotive industry in the United States," said Rod Colwell, CTR's CEO. "Securing clean lithium produced with energy from a renewable resource helps to further decarbonise the battery supply chain which in turn, delivers cleaner cars with less environmental impact. We look forward to a strong and successful relationship with Stellantis."

CTR will supply Stellantis with up to 25,000t per year of lithium hydroxide over the 10-year term of the agreement. Stellantis announced in late 2021 a similar supply deal to support its European vehicle production.

CTR will produce battery grade lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate along with geothermal energy in Imperial County, California with a resource production capacity in excess of 300,000t per year.