Surge Battery Metals Supercharges U.S. Resource, Paving the Way for Lithium Dominance
Surge Battery Metals achieves a breakthrough in U.S. lithium exploration with a significant resource upgrade in Nevada.

Surge Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV: NILI, OTC: NILIF, FRA: DJ5C) has made a significant leap in its lithium resource estimates. On September 24, 2024, the company announced that its Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP) now boasts a staggering 11.24 Mt of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) with an average grade of 3,010 PPM Li, marking it as one of the highest-grade lithium clay resources in the United States. This resource upgrade represents a substantial 113% increase in LCE tonnes compared to earlier estimates from February 2024, as well as a 5% boost in lithium grade.
The Latest Resource Estimate: A Major Milestone
This newly updated Resource Estimate (RE) was meticulously prepared by Dr. Bruce Davis and includes a pit-constrained inferred resource. Of the total 11.24 Mt LCE, an impressive 2.59 Mt are located on a private parcel of land, the mineral rights for which are primarily owned by Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN). This growth reaffirms the NNLP’s standing as a cornerstone in the U.S. lithium supply chain.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The increase in resource is remarkable:
- 11.24 Mt LCE at a cutoff grade of 1,250 ppm Li
- Of the total, 7.43 Mt LCE is at an even higher cutoff grade of 3,000 ppm Li, with a grade of 3,843 ppm Li
- A massive 130% increase in LCE tonnes compared to the February 2024 estimate
The numbers clearly demonstrate the project's potential to play a key role in satisfying the soaring demand for lithium in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
High-Grade Lithium Clay: Leading the Pack
With the latest RE, Surge now holds the title of having the highest-grade lithium clay resource in the United States. This is not just an incremental upgrade—it’s a significant leap forward. The results reflect a 5% improvement in grade compared to the initial 2024 estimate, with average lithium content in some areas reaching as high as 3,843 ppm Li.
Geological Composition and Exploration History
The lithium resources at the NNLP are hosted within multiple layers of clay-rich horizons that are shallowly dipping and laterally extensive. These layers are primarily separated by tuff units, forming a complex but highly productive geological structure. The most lithium-rich horizon, known as "Cu3," is the focus of current drilling operations.
Drilling and Sampling Insights
Surge’s RE is based on a combination of 28 drill holes, spanning 2022 to 2024, including reverse circulation (RC), sonic, and diamond core drilling techniques. The total drilling depth reached over 4,039 meters with 2,700 composite samples analyzed. This thorough exploration effort has uncovered a promising, extensive lithium-bearing zone.
Lithium: Powering the Future
Lithium remains one of the most essential materials for producing batteries that power electric vehicles (EVs). As the world accelerates toward a greener, electrified future, securing a stable lithium supply is paramount. The NNLP’s growth directly supports this critical global effort by providing a domestic source of high-quality lithium.
CEO Greg Reimer’s Take on the Update
Greg Reimer, CEO and Director of Surge Battery Metals, expressed his excitement over the new data: "We are very pleased with today’s resource update, which further cements the NNLP as a significant lithium deposit and a key source of high-quality domestic lithium." The inclusion of 2.59 Mt LCE on a private land parcel, partially controlled by Evolution Mining, adds another layer of strategic value to this asset.
Future Growth and Expansion Potential
With the resource open in multiple directions, the NNLP shows no signs of slowing down. The team has outlined plans for further infill drilling, which will target areas with higher lithium concentrations. The project’s potential for expansion remains robust, ensuring Surge’s leadership in lithium exploration.
Resource Estimate Highlights
Next Steps: What Lies Ahead for Surge?
The remainder of 2024 will be action-packed as Surge prepares for its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), scheduled for Q1 2025. Other critical milestones include:
- Metallurgical testing to optimize lithium extraction
- Exploration Plan of Operations Permit (ePOO) submission to allow for expanded drilling
- Surface mapping and sampling programs.
Metallurgical Testing: A Key Step
Metallurgical test work is ongoing, with a focus on converting the lithium clay resource into battery-grade material suitable for use in EVs. These efforts are pivotal for Surge’s long-term plans to establish a strong foothold in the U.S. battery market.
Permitting and Environmental Commitment
Surge continues to work with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to secure its ePOO, allowing for a more extensive drilling program aimed at upgrading inferred resources to indicated and measured categories.
Conclusion
Surge Battery Metals is making monumental strides in the world of lithium exploration. With a significant increase in resource size and grade, the Nevada North Lithium Project is well on its way to becoming a major domestic supplier of lithium. As the company gears up for further exploration and metallurgical testing, Surge remains a key player in the future of clean energy and electric vehicles.
