EMP Metals Corp. (CSE: EMPS) (OTCQB: EMPPF) is gaining momentum on multiple fronts as it advances its flagship Project Aurora lithium demonstration plant in Saskatchewan. Recent developments — from construction progress to supportive provincial policy, and key technology upgrades through its partner Saltworks Technologies — are positioning the company at the forefront of Canada’s emerging lithium brine sector.
Construction Progress at Project Aurora
At the company’s Viewfield Project in southern Saskatchewan, EMP Metals has moved swiftly into the construction phase of its 8,400-square-foot lithium demonstration plant. Work began in mid-September, with completion of the main building expected in early November. Interior finishing and site development are underway, and the installation of electrical systems is planned for early 2026.
Production equipment is being fabricated by Saltworks Technologies Inc. in Richmond, British Columbia, and is expected to begin shipping to the site in the first quarter of 2026. According to EMP’s COO, Paul Schubach, the team remains focused on building a high-quality, cost-effective facility with integrated environmental controls. “We are on schedule to hit our construction milestones in preparation to receive processing equipment in early 2026,” he said.
The Project Aurora demonstration plant will establish and optimize EMP’s wellhead-connected, continuous flow, modular “Hub and Spoke” lithium extraction and refining model. This design aims to de-risk future commercial builds while driving down operating costs and improving efficiency — key elements for scaling up a lithium operation in Western Canada.
Policy Tailwinds: Saskatchewan Fixes Lithium Royalty Rate at 3%
Further supporting EMP’s forward progress, the Government of Saskatchewan has officially set the Crown royalty rate for lithium production at a globally competitive 3%. The new framework, formalized through amendments to The Subsurface Mineral Royalty Regulations, 2017, also includes a two-year royalty holiday for new production. This measure not only aligns lithium with other key minerals such as potash and salt but also provides early producers like EMP Metals a significant financial incentive as they move toward commercialization.
EMP’s CEO Karl Kottmeier called the change “very welcome news,” emphasizing the province’s ongoing commitment to supporting lithium development. “A highly competitive royalty rate internationally and a two-year royalty holiday on new production immediately makes a positive impact on financial modeling of what is already a compelling business case for our Project Aurora lithium production project,” he said.
With Saskatchewan’s clear regulatory framework and infrastructure advantages — including established oilfield expertise and access to power and water — EMP Metals is well-positioned to capitalize on a rapidly growing market for North American lithium supply.
Technology Breakthrough: Saltworks Unveils Gen-II DLE System
A major technological boost to Project Aurora arrived in late October when Saltworks Technologies, EMP’s technology partner, announced the release of its second-generation Direct Lithium Extraction (Gen-II DLE) technology. The system introduces a novel “double DLE” process that improves lithium purity and reduces capital costs through advanced membrane and adsorption technology.
Built from Saltworks’ modular Xtract platform, the Gen-II system allows scalable deployment in hub-and-spoke configurations — a perfect fit for EMP’s planned operations in Saskatchewan. The process also reduces chemical inputs and waste generation, offering both environmental and economic benefits. For EMP Metals, this advancement means its demonstration plant will integrate one of the most sophisticated DLE solutions available in the market today.
“This is a tremendous step forward in Direct Lithium Extraction technology,” said Kottmeier. “Our Project Aurora partners at Saltworks continue to push innovation and focus on lowering costs at every stage of the lithium brine processing flow sheet.”
Strengthened Balance Sheet: $2 Million Private Placement
To support ongoing development and future land expansion, EMP Metals recently announced a non-brokered private placement financing of up to $2 million. The offering, priced at $0.40 per unit, includes one common share and one warrant exercisable at $0.60 for two years. Proceeds will go toward mineral concession fees, potential land acquisitions, and general working capital.
The raise underscores investor confidence in EMP’s near-term milestones — particularly the completion of Project Aurora’s demonstration phase and the transition to full-scale production design. With Saltworks leading the design of a potential 3,000+ tonne-per-year modular refinery based on Aurora’s data, EMP is building a solid foundation for commercial lithium production in Canada.
The Takeaway
In just a few months, EMP Metals has aligned all the essential elements of a lithium growth story: a near-complete demonstration facility, next-generation extraction technology, supportive government policy, and new capital to fuel development. As the global energy transition drives demand for secure, ethical lithium supply chains, EMP’s position in resource-rich Saskatchewan offers both strategic and economic advantages.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities. Readers should conduct their own due diligence or consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. MoneyNews.Today was not compensated for the preparation of this content. However, EMP Metals Corp. is a client of SmallCap Communications, the company that owns and operates MoneyNews.Today, it provides content creation services to EMP Metals.
