EnergyX Unveils Largest US Lithium Demo Plant, Boosting Pantera’s Stake

EnergyX’s Milestone in US Lithium Production

Energy Exploration Technologies Inc. (EnergyX) is set to unveil its Lonestar lithium demonstration plant near Texarkana, Texas, on 26 March 2026. This facility, expected to produce approximately 250 tonnes of lithium annually, represents the largest Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) demonstration plant currently operating in the United States. The event, which will be livestreamed for Pantera Minerals shareholders, marks a significant milestone in the commercialisation of EnergyX’s innovative lithium extraction technology.

Direct Lithium Extraction is gaining traction as a more efficient and environmentally friendly method compared to traditional lithium mining. EnergyX’s Lonestar plant aims to validate this technology ahead of its ambitious plan to develop a 50,000 tonnes per annum lithium hydroxide production facility under Project Lonestar. This domestic lithium supply chain development aligns with growing demand for battery materials critical to the global energy transition.

Pantera’s Strategic Positioning

Pantera Minerals Limited (ASX:PFE) maintains a strategic equity interest in EnergyX, holding over 2.34 million shares. This stake was partly acquired through the sale of Pantera’s Smackover Lithium Project to EnergyX in 2025, a transaction that included cash, shares, and deferred payments. Through this arrangement, Pantera shareholders retain meaningful exposure to EnergyX’s lithium technology advancements and project pipeline, including the Lonestar project in Texas and the Black Giant project in Chile.

Executive Chairman and CEO Barnaby Egerton-Warburton emphasised the significance of the demonstration plant’s unveiling, highlighting it as a crucial step towards commercialising EnergyX’s DLE technology and supporting the broader US lithium supply chain development. The event will feature remarks from EnergyX’s Founder and CEO, Teague Egan, and a guided tour of the demonstration facility.

Looking Ahead

The Lonestar demonstration plant’s successful operation will be closely watched by investors and industry observers as a bellwether for the scalability and viability of DLE technology in lithium production. While the demonstration plant’s output is modest relative to the planned full-scale operation, it provides critical validation of EnergyX’s approach and technology platform.

For Pantera, this development reinforces its strategic positioning in the lithium sector, offering indirect exposure to a potentially transformative technology and expanding lithium supply projects. The upcoming livestream event on 26 March will provide shareholders with direct insight into EnergyX’s progress and future ambitions.