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Business Wire
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
LibertyStream Announces Successful Field Trial in North Dakota's Bakken Region
CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc. (TSXV: LIB | OTCQB: VLTLF | FSE: I2D) (' LibertyStream ' or the ' Company ') is pleased to announce a successful field trial of its proprietary mobile Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") unit (the ' Field Unit ') in North Dakota's Bakken region (the ' Field Trial '). This initiative, in collaboration with Wellspring Hydro ('Wellspring'), is supported by a combined US$2.5 million in funding facilitated through the North Dakota Industrial Commission's Clean Sustainable Energy Authority and Renewable Energy Program. 'Congratulations to LibertyStream and Wellspring on achieving a major milestone: successfully extracting lithium from produced water right here in North Dakota. This innovative approach transforms an oilfield by-product into a valuable resource for clean energy—using existing infrastructure, off-the-shelf equipment, and real-time field testing,' commented Rich Garman, Director of Development and Finance at the North Dakota Department of Commerce. 'We're proud to have supported this project through the Renewable Energy Council, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, and the North Dakota Development Fund. This is a strong example of how North Dakota's pro-innovation and resource-smart mindset is helping lead the way in critical mineral production.' North Dakota Field Trial The purpose of the Field Trial was to compare the performance and efficacy of the Field Unit against previously validated pilot trials performed at LibertyStream's Research and Development Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The results from the Field Trial confirmed the performance of the Field Unit against the performance at the Research and Development Centre by achieving an average 96% lithium extraction rate from Bakken‑region oil‑field brine. The field trial was conducted at Compass Energy System's (' Compass ') Blue Marlin salt-water-disposal facility (' SWD ') in North Dakota. ' Our team designed the Field Unit to drive system performance while maintaining both flexibility and portability,' said Dr. John McEwen, Inventor and Chief Technology Officer at LibertyStream. 'The North Dakota Field Trial sets the stage for future trials, further advancing our technology and readiness for commercial deployment.' Key Highlights of the Field Trial include The Field Trial used LibertyStream's proprietary DLE Technology and Process (the ' Technology ') providing further validation of the robustness of the Technology to process oil-field brine from multiple oil fields across America with consistent results; Lithium‑recovery results matched those from the Calgary R&D facility, with the Field Unit averaging a 96% lithium extraction rate on brine sourced from Compass Blue Marlin SWD; The average lithium content of the processed brine at the site was 75 mg/L; Average volume per DLE cycle was 300 gallons over the Field Trial period; and More than 1,300 DLE cycles have now been completed across six months of U.S. field operations, underscoring scalability. Strategic Significance: North American Lithium Leadership LibertyStream has conducted field operations in North America's two most prolific onshore oil-producing basins—the Permian in Texas and New Mexico, and the Bakken in North Dakota. Together, these basins represent over 60% of total U.S. onshore oil output, providing significant opportunities for lithium extraction from extensive lithium-rich produced water volumes. The Permian Basin generates approximately 19 million barrels per day of produced water at lithium concentrations averaging around 30 ppm, translating to a conservative 170,000 tonnes per annum ("tpa") of potential LCE. The Williston Basin Bakken production ranges from 1.6 million to 2 million barrels of produced water per day, suggesting potential production of ~50 000 tpa LCE. CEO Commentary: 'The North Dakota Field Trial provides further supporting evidence of the robustness of the Technology we have developed at LibertyStream. This milestone builds on six months of intensive operations in Texas, during which the company completed over 1,300 DLE runs, demonstrating robust and scalable technology readiness. These trials are instrumental to our strategy and showcase the continued progress toward transforming lithium extraction in a responsible, capital-light and high-efficiency manner as we transition to commercial operations in America.' — Alex Wylie, President & CEO of LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Qualified Person Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Doug Ashton, and Meghan Klein, of Sproule Associates Limited, each of whom are qualified persons within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ('NI 43-101'). Mr. Ashton and Ms. Klein consent to the inclusion of the data in the form and context in which it appears. About LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners LibertyStream is a lithium development and technology company aiming to be one of North America's first commercial producers of lithium carbonates from oilfield brine. Our strategy is to generate value for shareholders by leveraging management's hydrocarbon experience to deploy our proprietary DLE technology directly into existing oil and gas infrastructure, thereby reducing capital costs, lowering risks and supporting the world's clean energy transition. With four differentiating pillars, and a proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (' DLE ') technology and process, LibertyStream's innovative approach to development is focused on generating the highest lithium recoveries with lowest costs, positioning us for future commercialization. We are committed to operating efficiently and with transparency across all areas of the business staying sharply focused on creating long-term, sustainable shareholder value. Investors and/or other interested parties may sign up for updates about the Company's continued progress on its website: Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain 'forward-looking statements' and 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words 'anticipate', 'believe', 'estimate', 'expect', 'target', 'plan', 'forecast', 'may', 'will', 'would', 'could', 'schedule' and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. Statements, other than statements of historical fact, may constitute forward-looking information and include, without limitation, information with respect to the terms of the operational milestone, Volume Scale-up. Extraction Time Improvements and Continuous Processing vs Batch Processing, the deployment of the Field Unit in the Permian Basin, the production of battery grade lithium by the Field Unit, and the commercial production of lithium from oilfield brine. With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this press release, the Company has made numerous assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies and may prove to be incorrect. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein including those known risk factors outlined in the Company's annual information form for the year ended June 30, 2024 and (final) short form base shelf prospectus dated July 20, 2023. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
Hamilton Spectator
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Anmore group threatens legal action against village over Anmore South development
The Village of Anmore has been threatened with a legal action over its handling of the contentious Anmore South development, with the Anmore Neighbours Community Association (ANCA) alleging procedural and constitutional violations. In a May 15 letter addressed to Mayor John McEwen and council, ANCA's lawyers accuses the village of bias, democratic suppression, and violations of free expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The letter warns that unless the Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment process is halted and corrected, ANCA will petition the B.C. Supreme Court to quash any resulting decision. 'If the village chooses to ignore (these complaints) and forge ahead with the OCP amendment, it can expect a legal proceeding brought by ANCA, and perhaps others, to set the decision aside,' ANCA's lawyers stated. The Anmore South project, proposed by Icona Properties, aims to transform 151-acres on the municipality's southwest border into a mixed-use development with approximately 2,200 units, commercial space, a community centre, parks, and a connection to Metro Vancouver's wastewater system. Anmore's population could nearly triple over the next 25 years if council were to approve an amendment to its official community plan changing the designation of the lands from rural to urban. The Village of Anmore did not respond to a request for comment by press time. Accusations of bias ANCA claimed three of the five Anmore councillors – Mayor John McEwen and Couns. Polly Krier, and Kim Trowbridge – have 'prejudged' their decision on the OCP amendment by publicly endorsing the proposed 'preferred plan' before a public hearing has occurred. Several statements from the councillors are provided. ANCA argued that those statements show their 'minds are made up' regarding the OCP amendment. 'The public hearing itself is pointless – the mayor and these councillors will sit and listen to suggestions, but not whether to vote 'yes' or 'no' on the amendment, which is the vote that will come before them,' the letter stated. Earlier this year, McEwen said it would be a loss if only single-family homes were built in the area. 'I think the key thing that we have to remember is, this land is going to be developed at some point,' McEwen said at a February meeting. 'I've said very publicly, I certainly don't want it to go RS-1 the way some areas of the other village have.' Council has discussed development of the Anmore South site since it was designated as a special study area in 2007. More recently, council discussed three visions for the land, including one pitch for approximately 3,500 units. ANCA cited several Supreme Court of Canada decisions, arguing the legal standard for disqualifying a member of council from participating in a decision is if they are no longer capable of being persuaded. It further claims the councillors have shown to prejudge the amendment decision by rushing the process through despite late completion of a consultant reports, an incomplete neighbourhood plan, and treating the first and second reading of the bylaw as routine 'housekeeping' steps. The letter urged all three representatives to recuse themselves from further deliberations, warning that if they do not, any vote on the OCP amendment will be legally tainted. Because this recusal would leave council without quorum, ANCA suggested the village seek direction from the court to allow the decision to proceed with a modified quorum. ANCA stated it would expect Mayor McEwen's participation to be conditional on a court order requiring him to consider public input 'with as open a mind as possible.' Accusations of Charter breaches The municipality is also being accused of suppressing political dissent regarding Anmore South by unreasonably limiting free expression at council meetings and through local signage restrictions. ANCA highlighted recent changes to the village's procedure bylaw , which bar comments on any topic that may be the subject of a future public hearing. They state this 'broadly drafted' clause is unconstitutional because it stifles political expression on pending issues before they are formally up for debate. The bylaw was invoked during the May 6 council meeting, when residents were barred from raising questions about Anmore South during question period, while the developer and two opposing delegations were permitted to speak about the project during the same meeting. ANCA contended this inconsistent application shows the bylaw is being enforced in a discriminatory manner and suppressing community opposition while giving the developer a platform. Icona CEO Greg Moore defended the consultation process, noting that 28 public engagement events have been held since 2021. The ANCA letter also raised concerns about a zoning bylaw which restricts residential signage to only certain types such as real estate or home business signs. Political signage is not permitted, even on private property. While the bylaw is in place to limit visual pollution, ANCA claimed it is being used as a way to prohibit 'political expression on a matter of fundamental importance to the community.' According to the letter, ANCA has received reports that village staff have removed signs opposing Anmore South, while leaving up other signs that also contravene the bylaw. ANCA argued this suggests 'discretionary unfairness' and points to an active effort by the village to suppress opposition to Anmore South. The letter is calling on council to delay the public hearing and OCP amendment decision by 'at minimum several months' until both the procedure bylaw and zoning bylaw are amended to comply with Charter protections. Only after residents are given a 'reasonable period' for unrestricted political expression, should the amendment return to council for a vote, ANCA stated. The letter follows several months of escalating tension around the Anmore South proposal, with groups like ANCA and the Anmore Residents Association describing the process as 'developer-dominated,' and calling for a referendum to decide the project's fate.
AU Financial Review
21-05-2025
- Politics
- AU Financial Review
Why Libs and Nats will get the Coalition band back together
Times may be grim and getting grimmer for the Liberal and National parties, but things could be worse. The Coalition, for example, could be living in 1967. Following the drowning of then-prime minister Harold Holt, John McEwen – the then-Country (as the Nationals were then known) party leader and deputy prime minister – vetoed deputy Liberal leader Bill McMahon from becoming leader of the party and country. 'Black Jack', who represented Victoria's manufacturing and farming interests, had reasons to dislike and distrust the Sydney solicitor, who toed Treasury's free trade line.
CBC
15-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Metro Vancouver has 41 directors. After a governance review, will that change?
Social Sharing After a year of upheaval and reviews, Metro Vancouver directors are awaiting a report that could tweak a few parts of the biggest regional government in B.C. — or could kickstart massive reforms in the way the area from Lions Bay to Langley is overseen. "I've heard the word amalgamation," said Metro Vancouver Vce-Chair John McEwen, referring to the concept of merging some or all of the patchwork of 21 municipalities that comprise the Metro Vancouver Regional District. "I don't know how to change the governing model so that everybody still has a say. Right now, we allow a say from the mayor of Vancouver or Surrey, but also the mayor of Anmore or Port Moody." Metro Vancouver initiated an independent review of its governance by Deloitte Canada following months of media reports about the oversight, cost overruns and remuneration of its directors and senior staff. That report is expected by the end of the month. Directors have pledged to have an open mind on whatever recommendations are made. But regardless, Metro Vancouver faces a question similar to municipalities across British Columbia — whether people can disagree agreeably and move forward, or suffer potential consequences. "When you have a council that is rowing in the same direction, you can achieve some very positive things," said Brad West, the mayor of Port Coquitlam and one of the 41 board members of the Metro Vancouver board. "If you have a council that is at war with each other, and everything is political? You know what usually happens is voters say you're all gone." 'There's not the same degree of nimbleness' In advance of the governance report, CBC News interviewed four directors at the centre of debates over Metro Vancouver over the past year: West, the high-profile mayor who put forward a number of reforms to Metro Vancouver in February. Delta Coun. Dylan Kruger, who helped remove Delta Mayor George Harvie as Metro Vancouver chair a year ago. Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, who replaced Harvie as board chair. Anmore Mayor John McEwen, who has served as vice-chair before and after Harvie's replacement. In addition, CBC News spoke on background with another eight past and present directors across the region. Together, they paint a picture of an organization that has struggled to respond in the aftermath of the negative attention. Different municipalities took different strategies in dealing with the fallout, with the two biggest — Vancouver and Surrey — effectively boycotting different parts of the regional government. The subsequent politicization created plenty of split votes and a lack of clear direction. "It is really challenging to have 41 people around the table," said Kruger, who has pushed for Metro Vancouver to focus more clearly on the 80 per cent of its budget dedicated to water and waste. "We have to adjust our expectations. It is a different creature than a council table. And if we put the same expectations of a council table on it, I think we're going to be naturally disappointed by the result." West, whose motion ruffled some feathers with directors in several municipalities, said the sheer number of directors made it difficult to move quickly. "There's not the same degree of nimbleness that you might find in a city council in responding to issues that emerge," he said. "What you saw play out was 41 people kind of waiting for someone to do something." Many directors believed media criticism of expenses was excessive relative to Metro Vancouver's billion-dollar annual budget, or lacked comparison to other jurisdictions. "I think we certainly put a lot of materials out that weren't reported or for whatever reason … I didn't think that was fairly done," said Hurley. But at the same time, he and other directors agreed the criticisms were warranted, and a review was helpful. "I think both things can be true at the same time," said Kruger. "This is a multibillion-dollar organization that does incredibly great things every single day … but we need to get back to focusing on those fundamentals and stop getting distracted by things that just don't deliver good value for taxpayers." ' manageable' One of the reasons it's hard to compare Metro Vancouver to other regional governments is that there's nothing like it in Canada. In most big urban centres, the same mayor and council elected for the whole city are also responsible for water and sewage. There are a few exceptions where a number of municipalities oversee services, like the Montreal Agglomeration Council or the Regional Municipality of Peel, but they are dominated by one or two cities, and have around 25 directors. Metro Vancouver's 41 directors from 21 municipalities (along with a representative from the Tsawwassen First Nation and the UBC-dominated lands of Electoral Area A) is a unique creature for delivering utility services, the flip side of allowing individual areas of the Lower Mainland to retain their own local government. The question the Deloitte review will have to effectively rule on is whether it can still produce effective and concentrated oversight for utility services or if another model is needed. "It's very complex, but at the same time, if you take the time to dig in and fully understand, I think it's very manageable," said Hurley. "But we have to compromise, and we have to see everyone else's point of view. And I think it's become a challenge." If Deloitte thinks otherwise? The ultimate decision, then, would not lie with Metro Vancouver, but with the provincial government. "When it's convenient, the province really tries to divorce itself from any involvement that they have in this," said West. "All of these big issues right now around who Metro Vancouver is? At the end of the day, it's going to be the provincial government having to make a change if there's going to be a change."
