CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM: CTL, Frankfurt: T2N, OTCQX: CTLHF), a company dedicated to exploring and developing lithium projects in Chile, declares the initiation of operations at its pilot plant. The plant is now actively generating lithium chloride eluate using the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) process.

Key Highlights of the Pilot Plant:

• The commissioning phase of the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) pilot plant has been successfully completed, and operations are now in progress.

• Brine extracted from the Laguna Verde project is guided into DLE columns, where lithium chloride attaches to the adsorbent material. Subsequent desorption with water yields purified lithium chloride eluate.

• The first batch of eluate production was accomplished in the previous week.

•  A reverse osmosis unit installed at the pilot plant will concentrate the eluate.

•  The pilot plant's design facilitates the production of one tonne per month of concentrated eluate, equivalent to lithium carbonate (LCE).

•  Concentrated eluate will be transported in batches to North America for conversion into battery-grade lithium carbonate.

•  Batch volumes will be determined based on end-user requirements and conversion cost considerations.

• Conductive Energy has been engaged by the company for the conversion process, utilizing standard industry processing procedures.

•  The pilot plant will serve as a platform for process optimization and product validation, providing crucial input for the ongoing Pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the project.

• Operation of the pilot plant will position CTL among a select group of companies in the lithium exploration sector capable of producing significant quantities of battery-grade product at the pilot scale.

•  Product samples will be offered to potential strategic partners, including major auto and battery manufacturers, in anticipation of off-take agreements.

CleanTech Lithium PLC is delighted to announce the commencement of operations at our pilot plant, marking the successful production of the first volume of lithium chloride eluate. Subsequently, batches of concentrated eluate will be dispatched to North America for conversion into battery-grade lithium carbonate by a third-party processor. This pivotal step underscores our commitment to producing substantial quantities of battery-grade products for assessment by potential strategic partners, positioning CleanTech Lithium as one of the pioneering companies in the industry capable of generating pilot-scale volumes of battery-grade products. This achievement solidifies CleanTech Lithium's leadership position in the sector, both domestically in Chile and globally, with the inaugural production of eluate representing a significant milestone for the company.

CleanTech Lithium PLC, headquartered in Jersey, is an exploration and development firm driving forward environmentally friendly lithium initiatives in Chile. With a portfolio encompassing four promising lithium projects, covering around 1,250 square kilometers, the company's assets include Laguna Verde, Francisco Basin, Llamara, and Salar de Atacama.