Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), October 2026
Robust Economics
Our 2026 Pre-Feasibility Study, prepared by Fluor Corporation as lead engineer, outlines the economic case for development based on Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves. High grade and a low strip ratio drive the project’s low operating cost. PFS figures are in US$ on a 100% Project basis at US$24,000/t lithium carbonate; capital and operating costs are AACE Class 4 estimates (±25%). There is no certainty the PFS results will be realized.
US$9.81 Billion
After-tax NPV (8%)
23.6%
After-tax IRR
US$4,719
Per tonne of lithium carbonate, life-of-mine average cash operating cost (OPEX)
42-year production life
Supported by Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, with average annual production of approximately 92,250 tonnes of lithium carbonate
Mineral Resource Estimate
High Grade, Higher Confidence
The updated Mineral Resource Estimate, effective May 1, 2026 and prepared by RESPEC, supports the Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 218.3 Mt grading 3,928 ppm Li (4.56 Mt LCE) established in the 2026 PFS by Independent Mining Consultants, effective July 28, 2026. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Plan View & Sections - Upgraded MRE at the NNLP with a 1,250ppm Li cutoff
From Clay to Battery-Grade Lithium
Bench-scale test work has taken Nevada North material through a continuous flowsheet, from run-of-mine ore to a refined battery-grade product, using conventional unit operations.
Development Timeline
Path to a Construction Decision
We are transitioning from resource expansion to advanced engineering. The data collected in the 2025 program is the foundation for the Pre-Feasibility Study, completed in October 2026, and the Feasibility Study now being advanced.

Timeline reflects standard agency-review schedule. Pre-FID capital deployed across Stages 1 to 3 supports Pre-Feasibility, Feasibility, and Federal and State permitting (NEPA) activities, culminating in Record of Decision (ROD) and Final Investment Decision (FID).

Resource Upgrade (Completed)
The updated MRE delivered 10.5 Mt LCE in the Measured & Indicated categories at 3,007 ppm Li.
Metallurgy (Completed, September 2026)
Bench-scale test work produced a battery-grade product at 99.95% Li₂CO₃ from Project material, with lithium extraction above 93% in sulfuric acid leaching.
Pre-Feasibility Study (Completed, October 2026)
Led by Fluor Corporation. After-tax NPV8% of US$9.81 billion and after-tax IRR of 23.6%. Next: FEL 3 engineering and a Feasibility Study.
“Together, we have taken Nevada North from a promising claystone deposit to a project supported by a Mineral Reserve, Class 4 engineering and battery-grade lithium carbonate made from our own ore.”
– Greg Reimer, President & CEO, Surge Battery Metals
Why Domestic Lithium Matters
Surge Battery Metals (TSXV: NILI) is developing a high-grade lithium claystone deposit that is one of the highest grades among advanced U.S. lithium clay peers. Located in Elko County, the Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP) is being advanced as a potential long-term domestic source of lithium.
























