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Western Lithium Canada Corporation: Western Lithium Joins USA-Based National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Batteries

^{Published on 2009-07-08 05:17:04, Last Modified on 2009-07-08 05:17:11 - Market Wire}
 

RENO, NEVADA--(Marketwire - July 8, 2009) - Western Lithium Corporation ("Western Lithium" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:WLC) is pleased to announce that it has joined the National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Batteries ("NAATBatt"). NAATBatt is a not-for-profit cooperative of more than 50 battery developers and materials suppliers, including BASF, Bosch, ConocoPhillips, FMC, Rockwood Holdings and Siemens, that intends to help develop the burgeoning North American battery industry by enabling multiple companies using a variety of lithium-ion technologies to manufacture lithium-Ion battery cells.

Jim Greenberger, a spokesperson for NAATBatt said, "We are delighted to welcome Western Lithium as our newest member. A reliable supply of lithium is an essential component in the growth of the electric vehicle market in the United States and we look forward to their input as we help the industry develop."

Jay Chmelauskas, Western Lithium's President, commented, "A domestic source of lithium would bring geographic diversity of supply to what is becoming an increasingly important commodity. We are positioning our company to be a building block for the commercial development of lithium-ion batteries for automobiles within North America and globally."

The United States produces just three percent of the global lithium supply. At present, almost two thirds of the world's lithium comes from three producers in South America. The demand for lithium is expected to increase substantially over the next decade, supported by global consumer adoption of new generation hybrid/electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries.

URS Corporation has been engaged to complete an economic scoping study for a Stage I development plan with proposed production of 25,000 tonnes per year of high quality, low impurity lithium carbonate starting in 2013. Results of the scoping study are targeted for the end of Q3 or early Q4, 2009.

Western Lithium is advancing one of the largest known lithium deposits in the world(1) that is located in Northern Nevada with a historical resource estimated at approximately 11 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (non-compliant to National Instrument 43-101). This historical estimate was made by Chevron Resources, however a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources and Western Lithium is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources and the historical estimate should not be relied upon. See January 20, 2009 Western Lithium news release for NI 43-101 compliant Stage I Resource estimates.

Western Lithium is developing the Kings Valley, Nevada lithium deposit into potentially one of the world's largest(1) strategic, scalable and reliable sources of high quality lithium carbonate. The company is positioning itself as a major U.S.-based supplier to support the rising global demand for lithium carbonate that is expected from the increased use of mobile electronics and hybrid/electric vehicles.

(1) Western Lithium's historical estimate of 11 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) ranks in size behind deposits in Chile (32 million tonnes LCE), Bolivia (29 million tonnes LCE), North Carolina (14 million tonnes LCE) and Congo (12 million tonnes LCE). Source: Roskill Information Services Ltd., R. Keith Evans, National Research Council and Western Lithium estimates. Non-compliant to National Instrument 43-101.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Ontario Securities Act. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to risks inherent in mining including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological formations, ground control problems and flooding; risks associated with the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; the potential for and effects of labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or shortages of labour or interruptions in production; actual ore mined varying from estimates of grade, tonnage, dilution and metallurgical and other characteristics; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; uncertain political and economic environments; changes in laws or policies, delays or the inability to obtain necessary governmental permits; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in each management discussion and analysis. Forward-looking information is in addition based on various assumptions including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, the assumed long term price of lithium; appropriate equipment and sufficient labour and that the political environment where the Company operates will continue to support the development and operation of mining projects. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

On behalf of Western Lithium Corporation

Jay Chmelauskas, President

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. 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.