Mandrake Resources has received a US$1 million grant from the US Department of Energy to advance lithium exploration in Utah’s Paradox Basin, validating its Utah Lithium Project and strengthening partnerships with leading US research institutions.
- US$1 million federal funding awarded by US Department of Energy
- Collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory, National Laboratory of the Rockies, and University of Utah
- Focus on characterising lithium and critical minerals in Paradox Basin brines
- Plans to re-enter wells for flow testing and brine sampling
- Project supports US efforts to build a domestic lithium supply chain
Federal Backing Boosts Utah Lithium Ambitions
Mandrake Resources Limited (ASX – MAN) has secured a significant milestone with the receipt of US$1 million in funding from the US Department of Energy (DoE) to support its Utah Lithium Project in the Paradox Basin. This federal grant not only provides crucial financial support but also serves as a strong endorsement of Mandrake’s exploration efforts in a region poised to become a key domestic source of lithium.
The funding is part of the DoE’s Geothermal Technologies Office initiative aimed at advancing critical mineral exploration and extraction technologies. Mandrake’s project will benefit from collaboration with heavyweight US research institutions including Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), and the University of Utah. These partnerships grant Mandrake access to cutting-edge scientific expertise and sophisticated laboratory facilities, elevating the project’s profile on a national stage.
A Strategic Push for Domestic Lithium Supply
The US government’s support reflects a broader strategic imperative to reduce reliance on foreign lithium supply chains, which have been deemed unreliable amid global geopolitical tensions. Lithium is a critical component for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, making domestic production a national priority. Mandrake’s Utah Lithium Project, with its substantial maiden inferred resource estimate of 3.3 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, fits squarely into this vision.
Mandrake plans to soon re-enter existing wells to conduct flow and pressure testing, alongside chemical analysis and bulk sampling of lithium-rich brines. These activities will refine resource estimates and inform the economic and environmental feasibility of direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies in the Paradox Basin. The project also aims to assess potential environmental impacts, including air and water quality, waste management, and seismic risks, ensuring sustainable development aligned with regulatory expectations.
Unlocking Value Through Collaboration and Innovation
Managing Director James Allchurch emphasised the importance of the DoE funding beyond the financial injection. “This grant is a fantastic vote of confidence from the US government on the lithium potential of Mandrake’s Utah Lithium Project and the greater Paradox Basin,” he said. “Partnering with INL, NLR, and the University of Utah will give Mandrake access to the foremost US scientists and sophisticated US-funded laboratories, thrusting both Mandrake and the lithium potential of the Paradox Basin into the US national spotlight.”
Mandrake’s project benefits from its location in Utah, a pro-mining jurisdiction with favourable regulatory conditions and access to Tier 1 infrastructure such as power and water. The company’s 100% ownership of over 93,000 acres in the Paradox Basin positions it as a leading player in US lithium brine exploration, a sector gaining momentum amid the global energy transition.
As Mandrake finalises the scope of work with its technical partners and integrates extensive geological and geochemical data, the next phases of fieldwork and analysis will be critical in advancing the project towards potential development and production.
Bottom Line?
Mandrake’s US$1 million DoE grant marks a pivotal step in positioning its Utah Lithium Project as a cornerstone of America’s domestic critical minerals future.
Questions in the middle?
- What timeline is Mandrake targeting for completing flow testing and brine sampling?
- How will the environmental assessments influence the feasibility of direct lithium extraction in the Paradox Basin?
- What are the next funding or development milestones following this initial DoE grant?