Ann: Rincon Lithium Project - Progress Update, page-164

In your haste to characterise my remarks as a "narrative," you've overlooked a crucial point @Crumble71. You've incorrectly presumed that AGY's OPEX projection relies on future inflation-adjusted assumptions, which it does not. AGY's estimation of US$7500 for OPEX is drawn from comparisons with the present operational costs of current similar operations (as detailed below). Consequently, we can indeed compare AGY's OPEX estimate with the present OPEX of Olaroz Stage 1.

In the September 2023 Quarterly Report, Olaroz Stage 1's OPEX stood at US$6088 per tonne, marking a 4% increase from the previous quarter (further details below). If we extrapolate this 4% increase for the subsequent two quarters to the present, we arrive at a current OPEX rate of US$6585 per tonne. This figure is US$915 less than AGY's assumed OPEX, which, once again, is derived from present operating costs.

Now, let's engage in some basic arithmetic. The current premium for battery-grade (spot price) stands at US$423 per tonne. Subtracting US$423 from US$915 yields $492. Thus, assuming AGY's OPEX assumptions are accurate (which I doubt, but that's a whole other conversation), Rincon Stage 3 would still realise a nearly US$500 lower margin per tonne compared to Olaroz Stage 1, a majority technical grade operation. This calculation also presumes 100% technical-grade production from Olaroz, which is not the case (31% was battery grade, contrary to my earlier statement of 42%).

I hope this clears things up for you!