Australia’s next lithium producer, Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) (Core or Company), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a legally binding Term Sheet with Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) for the supply of up to 110,000 tonnes of Li2O spodumene concentrate from the Finniss Lithium Project over a term of 4 years, with pricing referenced to the market price for spodumene concentrate, subject to a price floor and ceiling (Term Sheet).
This follows the Company’s recent announcement (see ASX announcement dated 30 September 2021) that the Board has taken a Final Investment Decision to commence development of the Company’s wholly owned Finniss Project, located near Darwin in the Northern Territory. The Company is fully funded to deliver the Finniss Project, which has started construction, through to first lithium concentrate production scheduled for Q4 2022.
The Term Sheet is subject to the parties completing negotiations and execution of a definitive product purchase agreement by 27 August 2022, which is to provide for a supply commencement date before 31 July 2023 (subject to extension by mutual agreement).
Core Lithium Managing Director Stephen Biggins said:
“The Term Sheet with Tesla is for the supply and delivery of up to 110,000 dry metric tonnes of spodumene concentrate over a term of 4 years. This adds to the previously announced binding offtake agreements with existing customers over 4 years.
“Subject to execution of a definitive agreement, Core’s supply to Tesla is scheduled to commence in 2H 2023 and will cease on the date that is 4 years after commencement of supply or until a total of up to 110,000 dry metric tonnes has been delivered.
“Core Lithium is thrilled to have reached this agreement with Tesla and look forward to further growing this relationship in the years to come. Tesla is a world-leader in electric vehicles and its investment in offtake and interest in our expansion plans for downstream processing are very encouraging.”
STAGE 3 EXPANSION
Core’s strategy for Finniss currently includes a potential Stage 3 expansion. Stage 3 is based on a longer-term plan for the development of downstream lithium chemical processing in the Northern Territory.
Tesla has agreed, subject to execution of a definitive agreement, to provide additional support to Core to assist with the successful completion of its Stage 3 Expansion and the incorporation of Core’s lithium chemical product into Tesla’s supply chain.
