THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION NO. 596/2014 ("MAR") AS IN FORCE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM PURSUANT TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018. UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
17 July 2025
Alkemy Capital Investments Plc
TVL Secures Binding Feedstock Agreement
Alkemy Capital Investments plc ("Alkemy") (LSE: ALK) (JV2:FRA), is delighted to announce that following the entry into an exclusive negotiation period with Touchstone Capital Partners ("Touchstone") as set out in its RNS dated 18 March 2025, its wholly owned subsidiary Tees Valley Lithium ("TVL"), has now concluded a long-term binding feedstock agreement with Touchstone's Chilean lithium project ("Project Llamara"), one of the world's highest-grade lithium brine deposits.
HIGHLIGHTS
● Up to 100,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent secured over an initial 5-year term.
● Option to extend for an additional 50,000 tonnes per annum over a further 2 years.
● First commercial deliveries expected in 2027, aligned with TVL's commissioning schedule.
● Material sourced from Salar de Llamara, Chile, globally recognised for exceptional lithium grades through low-cost brine extraction.
A Major Milestone for the UK's Flagship Lithium Refinery
This binding feedstock agreement secures a major portion of TVL's Train 1 feedstock needs, firmly establishing TVL's ability to supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide to UK and European gigafactories. The sourcing of high-grade Chilean brine, regarded as among the lowest-cost and most environmentally efficient lithium inputs globally, further strengthens the project's long-term competitiveness and ESG credentials.
This agreement reflects TVL's commitment to building a secure, transparent, and sustainable lithium supply chain independent of Chinese refining. Product qualification work will continue alongside the FEED study to ensure alignment with TVL's battery-grade specifications.
Market Context: Building Certainty in a Rebounding Market
While current lithium prices remain subdued, forward-looking analysts project a return to structural deficit by 2027, driven by exponential demand growth from electric vehicles, grid storage and green industrialisation across Europe. With over 30 gigafactories planned or under construction in the UK and EU, TVL is now one of the only lithium hydroxide refineries in Europe with secured, high-quality upstream supply.
This agreement reinforces TVL's strategic positioning as the gateway between global lithium resources and Europe's battery ecosystem.
About Project Llamara
Project Llamara, established to develop high-grade lithium brine resources in Chile, holds the concessions in Salar de Llamara, one of the world's moth lithium-rich brine deposits. These assets are recognised for their:
· Exceptional lithium grades - Amond the highest concentration brines globally, enabling efficient, low-cost extraction and competitive production economics.
· Low-carbon production process - Brine-based production offers a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to hard rock mining, supporting the development of sustainable and traceable lithium supply chains.
· Robust financial backing - Fully funded by Touchstone Capital Partners and strategic investors, Project Llamara is on track to commence production in 2026, in line with Tees Valley Lithium's planned ramp-up.
TVL CEO Vikki Jeckell commented:
"This agreement with Project Llamara is transformational for Tees Valley Lithium. It secures the foundation of our first production train, using some of the world's best lithium resources. We are moving from ambition to delivery: de-risking our project, demonstrating clear market advantage, and ensuring Tees Valley Lithium is ready to meet the UK and Europe's battery-grade lithium needs as the next demand wave hits."
Touchstone Chairman Kenny Song commented:
" We are very pleased to collaborate with Alkemy Capital Investments Plc on this important lithium supply cooperation. Under Alkemy's robust lithium refinery project platform, we are confident that more strategic opportunities across the midstream and downstream sectors can be jointly developed. These initiatives will not only support local economic growth and job creation but also drive forward the development of the future-oriented new energy industry. We look forward to building a long-term and impactful partnership."
Further information
For further information, please visit Alkemy's website: www.alkemycapital.co.uk or TVL's website www.teesvalleylithium.co.uk .
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| Alkemy Capital Investments Plc
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Tel: 0207 317 0636 |
| Zeus Capital |
Tel: 0203 829 5000 |
ABOUT US
Alkemy Capital Investments plc: Alkemy is focused on the development of critical mineral infrastructure to support the global energy transition. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, TVL, Alkemy is leading the way in establishing Europe's first independent lithium hydroxide refinery.
Tees Valley Lithium Limited: TVL is committed to supplying battery-grade lithium chemicals to meet the growing demand of the electric vehicle supply chain in Europe. Strategically located at in Teesside, UK, TVL is developing a low-carbon, independent lithium supply chain for European battery manufacturers.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward‐looking information. The statements are based on reasonable assumptions and expectations of management and Alkemy provides no assurance that actual events will meet management's expectations. In certain cases, forward‐looking information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "could", "estimates", "expects", "may", "shall", "will", or "would". Although Alkemy believes the expectations expressed in such forward‐looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. In addition, factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from the forward-looking information stated herein include changes in market conditions, changes in metal prices, general economic and political conditions, environmental risks, and community and non-governmental actions. Such factors will also affect whether Alkemy will ultimately receive the benefits anticipated pursuant to relevant agreements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the forward‐looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
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