On October 9, 2025, American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) announced that it had completed all required federal baseline environmental studies for its Tonopah Flats Lithium Project (TFLP) in Nevada — marking a significant milestone in the project’s development and moving it a step closer to the construction phase.
Following the announcement, American Battery Technology Company’s stock surged by as much as 47% in early trading. Reflecting strong investor reaction to the milestone. The market response also underscores growing confidence in the company’s advancement of the Tonopah Flats Lithium Project and aligns with broader investor interest in domestic lithium development as the U.S. accelerates efforts to secure its critical minerals supply chain.
Located in Big Smoky Valley near Tonopah, the Tonopah Flats project spans more than 10,300 acres and is one of the largest known lithium claystone deposits in the United States. Once operational, the mine and its associated refinery are expected to strengthen the domestic supply of battery-grade lithium and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Key Federal Milestone Completed
ABTC conducted the required studies under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the federal permitting process for projects on land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). After more than two years of technical and environmental work, the company submitted all 21 required studies — covering biological, ecological, hydrological, geological, cultural, and socio-economic factors — to the BLM for review.
“This achievement represents years of coordinated work and collaboration with numerous experts and stakeholders,” said ABTC CEO Ryan Melsert. “It reflects our commitment to responsible and transparent development of this critical resource.”
Completion of these studies follows more than two years of technical and environmental work and reflects extensive collaboration among over 40 federal, state, local, and tribal agencies that participated in the 2023 Baseline Needs Assessment process led by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Path Toward Construction
ABTC has also submitted a comprehensive Mine Plan of Operations (MPO) to the BLM, which is now under review. The company plans to follow this with a Pre-Feasibility Study that will detail the project’s technical design, cost projections, and long-term economic performance — key steps before construction can begin.
In 2025, the federal FAST-41 program designated the Tonopah Flats project as a “Covered Priority Project,” and the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) recognized it as a “Transparency Priority Project.” The U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) issued a $900 million Letter of Interest to support low-interest financing for the project’s mine and refinery expansion.
Engineering and Construction Partnership
ABTC has partnered with global engineering and construction firm Black & Veatch for the design and build of a 30,000-tonne-per-year lithium hydroxide refinery, which will be located directly on the Tonopah Flats mining. This commercial-scale facility will utilize ABTC’s proprietary selective leach extraction (SLE) technology. Developed to lower production costs and minimize environmental impact.
The company was also awarded a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 2021 to construct and operate a multi-tonne-per-day integrated system demonstrating its novel lithium extraction process — another milestone in scaling up toward full commercial operations.
The U.S. push to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals is gaining momentum. With American Battery Technology Company’s Tonopah Flats Lithium Project in Nevada and Stardust Power’s $1.2 billion lithium refinery in Muskogee County, Oklahoma standing out as key examples of large-scale investments aimed at securing a reliable, homegrown supply of battery-grade lithium.
Looking Ahead
With baseline environmental studies complete and federal reviews advancing, ABTC is preparing for the permitting and construction phases. The Tonopah Flats project is expected to play a key role in strengthening the U.S. domestic supply of battery-grade lithium. And reducing dependence on foreign imports.
Factsheet: Tonopah Flats Lithium Project Moves Closer to Construction
Location: Big Smoky Valley, near Tonopah, Nevada
Project Area: 10,300+ acres
Resource Type: Lithium claystone deposit
Project Phase (latest): Baseline studies completed and submitted to BLM; NEPA review pending
Key Milestone
ABTC has completed all 21 required federal baseline environmental studies under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The studies, now submitted to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), cover biological, ecological, hydrological, geological, cultural, and socio-economic factors.
Completion of this phase follows more than two years of technical and environmental assessments.
Next Steps Toward Construction
ABTC has submitted a Mine Plan of Operations (MPO) to the BLM, currently under review.
A Pre-Feasibility Study will follow, detailing technical design, cost estimates, and long-term economic outlook.
Completion of the NEPA process is required before construction permits can be issued.
Federal Recognition & Funding
Designated a FAST-41 Covered Priority Project (2025) and a Transparency Priority Project by the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC).
Received a $900 million Letter of Interest from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) for low-interest project financing.
Awarded a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant (2021) to build a demonstration-scale lithium extraction system.
Engineering & Construction Partnership
ABTC is partnering with Black & Veatch to design and build a 30,000-tonne-per-year lithium hydroxide refinery on-site.
The facility will use ABTC’s proprietary Selective Leach Extraction (SLE) technology to reduce costs and environmental impact.
