SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL / May 25, 2025 / Elektros Inc. (OTC: ELEK), an emerging leader in critical mineral exploration, has unveiled a lithium discovery in Sierra Leone that could reshape the race to secure battery metals. Geological data suggests lithium concentrations surpassing initial estimates, potentially placing the site among West Africa’s largest undeveloped deposits—a region increasingly viewed as the next frontier for EV raw materials.
Elektros Stumbles Upon “White Gold” in Strategic Corridor
New assay results from Elektros’ Sierra Leone project revealed lithium grades exceeding commercial thresholds, coinciding with automakers’ scramble to lock in ethical supply chains. CEO Shlomo Bleier told CNBC: “This isn’t just a mineral find—it’s a geopolitical chess piece. With Tesla and others needing battery-grade lithium yesterday, our timeline to production just became the industry’s countdown clock.”
The 42x Multiplier: Why Timing Matters
The discovery aligns with the International Energy Agency’s projection of lithium demand growing up to 42-fold by 2040. As legacy mines strain under production pressures, West Africa’s untapped reserves are drawing comparisons to the lithium triangle of South America—but with shorter shipping routes to European and North American automakers.
“Every percentage point in battery efficiency starts with consistent lithium quality,” said Benchmark Mineral Intelligence analyst Caspar Rawles. “Projects like Elektros’ could offset China’s current refining dominance if they meet ESG benchmarks.”
Market Implications: Sunshine and Shadows
While the deposit’s scale sparks optimism, challenges loom. Sierra Leone ranks 142nd in the World Bank’s ease-of-doing-business index, and Elektros remains an OTC-listed microcap with a $12M market valuation. However, the company’s simplified capital structure and lack of debt have intrigued institutional funds eyeing lithium pure-plays.
Positive catalysts:
– Proximity to deep-water ports simplifies logistics vs. landlocked African mines
– Samples show low impurities—a key factor for battery cathode makers
– Rising EU import tariffs on Chinese lithium carbonate create pricing tailwinds
Risk factors:
– No completed feasibility study or offtake agreements
– Limited local lithium refining infrastructure
– OTC listing attracts speculative trading volatility
The Bigger Picture: Lithium’s New Map
Elektros’ find coincides with Tesla’s recently announced “Lithium First” procurement strategy targeting African projects. While not directly linked, industry watchers note the automaker’s Sierra Leonean patent filings for direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology last quarter—a potential synergy play.
As nations jockey for position in the battery arms race, Elektros’ next moves—securing tier-1 partners, accelerating metallurgical testing, and navigating Sierra Leone’s revised mining code—will determine whether this discovery becomes a supply chain gamechanger or another cautionary tale in the lithium rush.
Key Questions
What lithium grade did Elektros report?
While exact figures remain confidential, insiders suggest grades exceeding 1.5% Li2O—a threshold considered viable for hard-rock mining.
How does West African lithium compare to Australian sources?
Early data indicates similar pegmatite formations to Australia’s Pilbara region, but with potentially lower strip ratios reducing extraction costs.
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
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