The national-scale assessment is one of the first steps in the UK Government’s critical minerals strategy.

Deals are part of the president's drive to fast-track negotiations on long-pending mining and energy projects.

The government has signed new agreements with Japan, Germany, the UK and India since late last year.

The company intends to be a vertically integrated producer of battery anode materials.

Without adequate supplies of battery metals, the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 cannot be reached.

Rising demand for EVs is encouraging automakers such as Tesla, Volkswagen and Stellantis to step up efforts to secure raw materials.

The guidance released Friday clarifying provisions of the IRA will leave few EVs eligible for up to $7,500 credits as of April 18.

The company is building an 11,250 tonne per year graphite anode plant in Vidalia.