Jindalee Lithium has secured US Bureau of Land Management approval for its McDermitt Lithium Project’s Exploration Plan, paving the way for expanded drilling and advancing the project towards a feasibility study.
- US BLM approves Exploration Plan of Operations for McDermitt
- Major infill drilling program planned for second half of 2026
- Environmental and community consultations successfully completed
- State-level permits applications underway, expected in first half 2026
- Project positioned as a strategic lithium source for US energy security
Regulatory Milestone Achieved
Jindalee Lithium Limited has reached a significant regulatory milestone with the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) granting approval for its Exploration Plan of Operations (EPO) at the McDermitt Lithium Project. This approval follows a comprehensive environmental review process, including public consultations and coordination with federal, state, and tribal authorities, underscoring the project's compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
Accelerating On-Site Exploration
The green light from the BLM enables Jindalee to ramp up on-site activities substantially. The company plans a major infill drilling campaign in the second half of 2026, aimed at refining geological and environmental data. These efforts will provide fresh samples for geotechnical and metallurgical testing, critical inputs for the forthcoming Feasibility Study that will define the project's economic viability.
Strategic Importance and Community Engagement
McDermitt stands as one of the largest lithium deposits in the United States, a resource of growing strategic importance amid global efforts to secure critical minerals for energy transition. Jindalee’s Managing Director Ian Rodger highlighted the extensive environmental and community engagement underpinning the approval, reflecting a collaborative approach with stakeholders including tribal groups and government agencies.
Next Steps and Market Implications
With state-level permit applications already lodged and expected to be resolved in the first half of 2026, Jindalee is well-positioned to advance McDermitt towards development. The project’s scale, combined with its unencumbered ownership and offtake rights, positions it as a compelling asset in the lithium sector, particularly as demand for domestic US supply chains intensifies.
Investors will be watching closely as drilling results emerge and the feasibility study progresses, potentially reshaping the valuation and market perception of this deeply undervalued lithium developer.
Bottom Line?
BLM approval unlocks McDermitt’s next growth phase, setting the stage for critical drilling and development milestones.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the initial results from the upcoming infill drilling reveal about resource quality?
- How swiftly will state-level permits be granted, and could delays impact the project timeline?
- What role might McDermitt play in the evolving US lithium supply chain amid geopolitical pressures?