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With Mountain View County's approval, E3 Lithium Ltd. has secured a location for its Clearwater Project. The County has granted E3 Lithium an option to acquire land at the former Dyck Gravel Pit, approximately 18 kilometres east of the County Office.
This land will serve as the site for E3 Lithium’s central processing facility, which is poised to be the first commercial lithium production facility in Western Canada.
The Dyck Gravel Pit, previously used for aggregate extraction, is deemed well-suited for repurposing. Its location is advantageous, with nearby infrastructure, including accessible utilities and roadways, to support the facility's development.
"The site is easily accessible and surrounded by essential infrastructure, positioning E3 Lithium for future growth as we establish ourselves as a key player in the expanding global lithium market," said Chris Doornbos, President and CEO of E3 Lithium. "This location is critical for securing growth pathways as we move forward with our mission to power the clean energy revolution."
Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), Mountain View County has the authority to sell land at market value without advertising if a specific request to purchase is made. In response to E3 Lithium's request, the County conducted a real estate appraisal and accounted for liabilities from the site’s previous use for aggregate operations to determine the fair market value.
The agreed-upon purchase price is $1,562,128, reflecting the net value after considering reclamation costs that the County would have incurred if the land had been reclaimed instead of sold.
This acquisition aligns with both E3 Lithium's vision and the County’s goal of minimizing disturbances to agricultural land. By repurposing the former gravel pit, E3 Lithium plans to support Alberta’s clean energy goals while preserving valuable agricultural land.
As part of the agreement, E3 Lithium will be responsible for repurposing most of the disturbed area and ensuring the site meets Alberta Environment’s reclamation standards. The site will collect brine, extract lithium, and produce battery-grade lithium salts for incorporation into the North American battery supply chain.
Although E3 Lithium has been granted the option to purchase the land, it has not yet exercised it. The County remains committed to working with E3 Lithium throughout the acquisition process, focusing on local infrastructure, road upgrades, and other relevant considerations.
The County’s role in the project is primarily supportive, as the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) will oversee all regulatory compliance, permits, and approvals for lithium extraction.
"We’re excited about the economic opportunities this project will bring, including job creation and increased local revenues for the County and the Province," said Doornbos. "The Clearwater Project will act as a catalyst for the lithium industry in Alberta, enabling the broader expansion of lithium production and furthering Alberta’s role in the global supply of clean energy materials."
In addition to economic benefits, E3 Lithium is committed to ongoing engagement with local stakeholders and landowners. The company has pledged to keep residents informed throughout the development process and will provide more details in the coming weeks. A phase 1 commercial environmental assessment has been completed for the site, with no material environmental concerns identified, ensuring the project aligns with Alberta's ecological objectives.
E3 Lithium also plans to engage Alberta’s skilled local workforce for drilling, construction, and operational roles as the project advances. The Clearwater Project is expected to create hundreds of jobs and generate long-term economic benefits for the local community.
"Repurposing an industrial site like this for lithium production fits into our long-term vision for E3 Lithium," said Doornbos. "This location is central to the Clearwater Project area and offers an ideal foundation for sustainable development in the clean energy sector."
Once commercial operations are completed, E3 Lithium must rehabilitate the site and return it to pastureland, fulfilling its commitment to responsible land use and environmental stewardship.
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