Stellantis Signs Non-Binding MOU with GME for Future Offtake of Battery Grade Nickel and Cobalt Sulphate
- Stellantis strengthens value chain for electric vehicle battery production supporting Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan targets
- MOU represents first step toward potential long-term partnership for future offtake of battery grade nickel and cobalt sulphate products from the NiWest Nickel-Cobalt Project
October 10, 2022, AMSTERDAM – Stellantis N.V. and GME Resources Limited (“GME” or “the Company”) (ASX: GME) today announced the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for the future sale of quantities of battery grade nickel and cobalt sulphate products from the NiWest Nickel-Cobalt Project in Western Australia (“NiWest”).
NiWest is an advanced nickel-cobalt development project and will produce approximately 90,000 tpa (tons per annum) of battery grade nickel and cobalt sulphate for the burgeoning electric vehicle market. To date, more than AU$30 million has been invested into drilling, metallurgical test work and development studies. A Definitive Feasibility Study for NiWest is due to commence this month. The proposed location of the processing facility for NiWest is within approximately 30 kilometers of Glencore-owned Murrin Murrin operation, the largest nickel-cobalt operation in Australia.
“Every day, Stellantis is working to provide our customers clean, safe affordable, cutting-edge freedom of mobility,” said Maxime Picat, Stellantis Chief Purchasing and Supply Chain Officer. “Securing the raw material sources and battery supply will strengthen Stellantis’ value chain for electric vehicle battery production and equally important, help the Company achieve its aggressive decarbonization target.”
As part of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis announced plans of reaching 100% of passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. Stellantis will be the industry champion in climate change mitigation, becoming carbon net zero by 2038, with a 50% reduction by 2030.
“Stellantis is a partner of the highest caliber and GME is delighted to have signed this MOU in what we hope is the first step in a long-term partnership,” said GME Managing Director, Paul Kopejtka. “We’re very pleased with how our discussions have progressed and we now look forward to progressing more detailed negotiations in parallel with the start of the Definitive Feasibility Study for the NiWest Nickel-Cobalt Project. A Definitive Agreement with Stellantis would be a critical step in being able to progress the NiWest Project through to commercial operations.”
Stellantis strengthened its supply of low-carbon lithium hydroxide earlier this year, signing agreements with Vulcan Energy and Controlled Thermal Resources for Europe and North America, respectively.
The closing of the non-binding MOU is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
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About Stellantis
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE / MTA / Euronext Paris: STLA) is one of the world’s leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today’s customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.
About GME Resources Limited:
GME Resources Limited is an ASX-listed exploration and development company with nickel, cobalt and gold interests in Western Australia. GME’s principal asset is its 100% owned NiWest Nickel Cobalt Project situated adjacent to Glencore’s Murrin Murrin Operations. The Company has completed a Pre-Feasibility Study which has confirmed the technical and economic viability of a heap leach and direct solvent extraction operation at one of the largest and highest grade undeveloped nickel/cobalt deposits in Australia. Further information is available on GME’s website: www.gmeresources.com.au
Contacts:
Stellantis
Fernão Silveira
Global Communications / Stellantis
+31 6 43 25 43 41
fernao.silveira@stellantis.com
Valérie GILLOT
+33 6 83 92 92 96
valerie.gillot@stellantis.com
communications@stellantis.com
www.stellantis.com
GME Resources Limited
Paul Kopejtka
Managing Director and CEO
Perth, Western Australia
+61 8 9336 3388
info@gmeresources.com.au
Michael Vaughan
Fivemark Partners
Perth, Western Australia
+61 422 602 720
michael.vaughan@fivemark.com.au
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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