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Jindalee Lithium’s McDermitt project to be fast-tracked under US critical minerals initiative

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By Colin Hay - 
Jindalee Lithium ASX JLL McDermitt FAST-41 initiative
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Jindalee Lithium’s (ASX: JLL) McDermitt project is one of the early winners under a plan to improve the United States’ critical minerals competitiveness.

One of the largest lithium resources in the US, McDermitt is one of only 10 resource projects to be initially listed as a “FAST-41 Transparency Project”.

FAST-41 projects are fast-tracked on the US federal permitting dashboard, which targets accessible timelines and enhances inter-agency co-operation.

Co-ordination benefits

Jindalee chief executive officer Ian Rodger said increased visibility and coordination between federal and state agencies should benefit designated projects.

“Being named among the first 10 FAST-41 Transparency Projects validates McDermitt’s strategic importance to US mineral security,” Mr Rodger said.

“Inclusion […] highlights our project’s national significance, offering greater transparency and federal support to advance our exploration plan of operations—currently in the final stages of National Environmental Policy Act review, with an environmental assessment recently published for public comment.

“Once approved, the EPO will allow further on-site activity, including drilling to provide additional geological and environmental data, as well as fresh samples for geotechnical studies and further metallurgical test work.”

Critical domestic production

McDermitt’s inclusion under FAST-41 aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to expedite critical domestic mineral production, as it outlined in a recent Executive Order on the subject.

The notification builds momentum behind Jindalee’s focus on securing government support and introducing strategic partners to the McDermitt project.

Jindalee recently appointed advisers and commenced engagement with prospective strategic and funding partners following completion of a pre-feasibility study (PFS).

The company expects the project’s addition to the federal dashboard will reinforce confidence in both funding and partnership discussions.

Positive PFS numbers

The November 2024 PFS forecast production of 1.8 million tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate over the first 40 years, with strong average annual lithium carbonate production.

McDermitt has an estimated maiden probable ore reserve of 251Mt at 1,751 parts per million lithium, containing 2.34Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent.

“Jindalee remains committed to developing McDermitt transparently and responsibly, collaborating closely with federal and state agencies to realise this critical US lithium asset’s full potential,” Mr Rodger added.