Compass Minerals has signed a binding, multiyear supply agreement to provide Ford Motor Company (Ford) battery-grade lithium carbonate.  

Under the agreement, Compass Minerals will deliver up to 40% of its planned, phase-one battery-grade lithium carbonate from its Ogden, Utah, lithium brine development project to Ford for a five-year term once production begins.

“We are excited to formalize a long-term relationship with Ford, one of the most trusted and iconic brands in the automotive industry and a leader in the transition to vehicle electrification,” said Kevin S. Crutchfield, president and CEO. “We look forward to building an alliance that will support Ford’s electric vehicle strategy by providing a reliable, domestic lithium supply.”  

As previously announced, the company expects an annual commercial production capacity of approximately 35 kMT lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) once fully operational, with an initial phase-one capacity of approximately 11 kMT battery-grade lithium carbonate coming online in 2025.

Compass Minerals is pursuing the sustainable development of an approximately 2.4 mMT LCE resource on the Great Salt Lake, utilizing synergies with its existing sulfate of potash, salt and magnesium chloride production asset. Lithium will be the fourth essential mineral produced from the same unit of brine, bringing additional efficiencies to the operation and value to all stakeholders, including the State of Utah.

Read the full news release for more information.