Yarmouth County lithium deposit draws Chinese company – by Paul Withers (CBC News Nova Scotia – June 20, 2016)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/

There is an increased demand for the rare mineral used in electric car batteries and smart phones

A Yarmouth County lithium deposit first staked nearly two decades ago is attracting new interest as demand increases for the rare mineral used in electric car batteries and smart phones.

The deposit — the only one in the Maritimes — triggered a huge bulk sample order from an unidentified Chinese mining company, and hundreds of mineral exploration claims filed in just two days in April.

“It’s the hot commodity now,” veteran prospector John Wightman said. Wightman, who is with Champlain Mineral Ventures, said he and his partners staked the original 1,500 hectare claim near the hamlet of Carleton in 1997. Now they’re watching others jump into the area.

“There’s been a big price push and that draws interest,” the Bridgetown geologist said. In late April, 900 claims were marked, covering 14,666 hectares, by the Vancouver-based junior mining company Clean Commodities Corporation — completely surrounding Wightman’s original stake.

“We are very receptive. I congratulated the guy for picking up some good ground,” Wightman said. Clean Commodities CEO Ryan Kalt said his company was attracted by soaring prices, a known deposit and access to roads, ports and power lines.

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