5E Advanced Materials Commences Step-Rate Testing for Boron Extraction

5E Advanced Materials, a leading boron and lithium company, has announced the commencement of Step-Rate Testing (SRT) under its existing Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit. This significant milestone follows recent approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and marks a crucial step towards operational production and mineral extraction.

The SRT program, which will span approximately twelve days, aims to establish the porosity of the ore body and measure the fracture gradient. This testing will provide a baseline parameter for the operation of the wellfield. In accordance with the EPA-approved testing protocol, a series of water injections will take place during this period. The data collected will also be used to update the groundwater flow model, which will be instrumental in future engineering and wellfield design work.

Upon completion of Step-Rate Testing, 5E Advanced Materials will provide the raw data and reports to the EPA for review. Following the EPA’s assessment, the company will seek authorization to inject acid and proceed with bringing the plant operational. This progress brings 5E Advanced Materials one step closer to becoming the first new boric acid producer in decades.

Susan Brennan, CEO at 5E Advanced Materials, expressed her excitement about this achievement, stating, “The commencement of Step-Rate Testing marks a significant milestone in our development sequence and an encouraging step towards operational production and mineral extraction, bringing 5E closer to becoming a leading global producer and supplier of the critical materials boron and lithium.”

The company’s mission is to become a vertically integrated global leader and supplier of boron specialty and advanced materials, complemented by lithium co-product production. Their focus is on supplying critical materials to industries addressing global decarbonization, food and domestic security. The boron and lithium products will target applications in electric transportation, clean energy infrastructure, fertilizers, and domestic security.

5E Advanced Materials is based in Hesperia, California, and their boron and lithium resource has been designated as Critical Infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

With the successful commencement of Step-Rate Testing, 5E Advanced Materials is well-positioned to achieve its vision of becoming a leading global producer and supplier of boron and lithium, contributing to the advancement of various industries and global sustainability efforts.