In one of the strongest signs of confidence seen in the North American lithium sector this year, EMP Metals (CSE: EMPS | OTCQB: EMPPF) has closed an oversubscribed financing, secured renewed support from long-term institutional partner Tembo Capital, and is preparing to integrate Saltworks’ new Generation 2 DLE technology—a development that could materially shift EMP’s cost structure and competitive position.
With Saskatchewan emerging as one of the most attractive lithium brine jurisdictions globally, EMP is now positioned as one of the most advanced, well-capitalized, and strategically partnered players in the region heading into 2026.
To unpack the latest developments, we sat down with Paul Schubach, COO of EMP Metals, for an in-depth discussion on financing, technology, operations, and the key catalysts investors should be watching.
A Rare Oversubscribed Financing in a Tough Lithium Market
Oversubscribed financings have been exceedingly rare in the lithium sector over the past 18 months. EMP’s ability to close one speaks volumes.
“EMP has a great core of strong, sophisticated shareholders who see the opportunity in our Saskatchewan project,” said COO Paul Schubach.
He attributes the demand to three factors:
- Top-tier jurisdiction
- A proven technical and corporate team
- A clear execution plan on Project Aurora and the upcoming demonstration plant
Despite a challenging commodity market, sentiment around lithium brines is beginning to turn—something Schubach says is adding tailwinds to EMP’s story.
Tembo Capital Doubles Down: A Confidence Signal to the Market
EMP’s financing was further validated when Tembo Capital exercised its right to increase its position—a significant commitment from one of EMP’s most sophisticated partners.
“Investors should look at Tembo’s continued support as a strong sign of their conviction in the asset and the value being created,” Schubach noted.
In a sector where institutional participation has thinned, a long-term capital markets partner increasing exposure speaks directly to the quality of EMP’s project and execution.
What the New Capital Unlocks
EMP’s financing provides the runway required to complete and operate its fully integrated Project Aurora demonstration plant, including:
- Final winter site work
- Delivery and installation of Saltworks’ modular DLE equipment
- Commissioning
- 12–18 months of continuous operations
This demonstration facility is the single most important step between EMP today and a commercial lithium operation.
Saltworks Generation 2 DLE: A Breakthrough for EMP’s Economics
Saltworks recently announced its Generation 2 “Double DLE” technology, a major improvement in brine processing efficiency, purity, and cost.
Schubach calls it a “big advancement for the entire lithium brine industry.”
What makes it transformative?
- Lower CAPEX: Less purification equipment required
- Higher purity output: Enables premium lithium products
- Lower OPEX: Reduced energy and reagent requirements
- Smaller environmental footprint: Less waste, more efficient water use
- Single-vendor flow sheet: EMP can now sole-source an end-to-end solution
EMP will be one of the first companies globally to integrate Gen-2 DLE into an operating demonstration plant and incorporate real-world results directly into its economic models.
This provides a significant strategic advantage.
How Gen-2 DLE Fits Into Project Aurora
The new flow sheet’s integration is simplified by Saltworks’ modular approach:
- All equipment is skid-mounted and pre-fabricated
- Much of it is pre-commissioned before it leaves Saltworks’ facility
- EMP’s demo building is already enclosed and ready to accept equipment in Q1 2026
- The team will tie into existing well infrastructure, install production and disposal lines, and move directly into commissioning
The result is a faster, lower-risk path to operations compared to traditional builds.
Saskatchewan: A High-Quality, Low-Contaminant Lithium Basin Heating Up Fast
EMP controls 205,000+ net acres in the heart of Saskatchewan’s lithium corridor.
According to Schubach, new players are entering for three important reasons:
- High lithium grades across contiguous brine zones
- Low contaminants, particularly the absence of H₂S
- A world-class jurisdiction for resource development
With a growing global supply gap expected by 2026, the basin is rapidly becoming a focal point for developers looking to secure long-life, low-cost lithium production.
Hub-and-Spoke: A Commercial Model Designed for Saskatchewan
EMP has long emphasized a modular hub-and-spoke rollout model, and the new technology tightly aligns with that strategy.
Saltworks’ modular skids allow:
- Smaller, distributed production sites
- Flexibility in scaling or adding new spokes
- Direct alignment with the province’s existing oil-and-gas development model
- Lower upfront capital needs and faster expansion cycles
This model provides a commercial roadmap with far lower execution risk than large centralized plants.
The Biggest Catalyst Ahead: EMP’s Demonstration Plant
Over the next 6–12 months, EMP’s primary milestone will be:
✔ Commissioning of the Project Aurora demonstration plant
This will include:
- Delivery of Saltworks’ Gen-2 skids
- Full integration with EMP’s brine
- Initial DLE results
- Sustained operating performance over 12–18 months
This plant will be the key foundation for:
- EMP’s commercial design
- Project financing
- Customer offtakes
- Final Investment Decision (FID)
Looking Ahead: What Investors Should Watch in 2026
Schubach believes 2026 will be a major inflection year.
Expected catalysts include:
- Commissioning of the demo plant
- First DLE results using Saltworks’ Gen-2 flow sheet
- Sustained operational data from continuous runs
- Economic model updates
- Commercial site selection and engineering progress
- Strengthening lithium market sentiment
- Potential steps toward FID for EMP’s first commercial project
EMP’s partnership with Saltworks positions it to become one of the first Generation-2 DLE producers in North America—a meaningful competitive advantage as the lithium market tightens.
Final Thoughts
EMP Metals enters 2026 as one of the most compelling stories in the North American lithium brine sector—backed by:
- An oversubscribed financing
- Institutional support from Tembo
- Breakthrough DLE technology with Saltworks
- A well-advanced demonstration plant
- A strategic hub-and-spoke commercial model
- And one of the highest-quality brine basins in the world
Investors can follow EMP Metals on social media, visit their website for the latest corporate presentation, and reach out directly for questions.
EMP Metals (CSE: EMPS | OTCQB: EMPPF) is undoubtedly one to watch as Saskatchewan’s lithium landscape accelerates.
Disclaimer: *The MidDay Bell is owned and operated by SmallCap Communications Inc. EMP Metals is a client of SmallCap Communications Social Media Agency for public companies which is on an on-going retainer to create content and manage the companies social media channels. At the time of recording, neither party owns securities of EMP Metals but reserves the right to buy or sell at any time without notice. This interview is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult a registered financial advisor before making any investment decisions.*
