Ann: Form 8K - 5EA Hires New Contractors, page-7

Unfortunate that the contractor (allegedly) failed to perform to specification and on time, however, positive steps being taken and remediation processes underway, including legal action.

"5E has engaged new speciality-skill contractors to correct the outstanding issues left by Matrix and complete lastmile construction activities. In the interim, 5E has used internal personnel to advance the facilities’ construction and developed detailed work packages which the new contractors will execute on. With the new contractors on site, 5E personnel will refocus their efforts on the completion of commissioning activities. The legal action taken by 5E against Matrix Services seeks the recovery of significant damages incurred by the Company due to Matrix’s cost and schedule overruns, as well as damages due to system defects that have since been rectified at the Company’s expense.
The Company continues its guidance that the SSBF’s ability to produce boric acid is on track and will align with the EPA’s authorization to inject, which is the final condition the company needs to clear under its permit."