BRISBANE, Australia, July 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allkem Limited (ASX|TSX: AKE, “Allkem” or the “Company”) advises the signing of a project financing facility with the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) for Allkem’s Sal de Vida Project located in Catamarca Province, Argentina.
HIGHLIGHTS
- An IFC project financing facility for the development of Sal de Vida Project Stage 1 (“SDV”) has been signed for up to US$130M over a ten-year period consisting of an A loan of up to $100M and B loan of up to $30M. Allkem is in discussions with another lender to increase the project finance facility by a further $50M, for a total financing package of $180M.
- This project financing facility has been structured as a green and sustainability-linked loan. IFC’s environmental and social performance requirements are globally recognised and the awarding of a sustainability-linked, green loan to the facility is recognition and validation of the high ESG standards already adopted at Sal de Vida by Allkem.
- A sustainability-linked green loan combines ambitious environmental and social targets. These targets and commitments support the responsible and sustainable development of lithium by Allkem for a greener future and regional economic growth in the province of Catamarca.
Managing Director and CEO, Martin Perez de Solay said, “We are proud to partner with IFC to ensure long-term safe and sustainable operations, responsible products, and thriving communities. We are committed to the highest sustainability standards for Sal de Vida so that it will contribute to the economy of Catamarca via local employment, the development of local supply chains, and community development programs."
PROJECT FINANCING
Due Diligence and Approval
The financing was approved by the Allkem Board of Directors, the IFC Management, and the IFC Board of Directors.
IFC’s Performance Standards are globally recognized as a benchmark for environmental and social risk management in the private sector. The SDV project’s ambitious sustainability targets—linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”)—include reducing Scope 1 and 2 operational greenhouse gas emissions intensity and expanding the use of renewable energy in the production process by 2030.
A robust and detailed environmental assessment was conducted by IFC, including the assessment of brine extraction and water usage and the associated monitoring and mitigation plan. Allkem technical teams participated in the process and have worked to agree to the IFC’s Environmental and Social Action Plan (“ESAP”) for implementation.
Structure and Key Terms
IFC project financing support of up to US$130M is provided over a ten-year period and contains a two-year grace period. The loan does not benefit from a parent guarantee following the fulfillment of certain conditions and parameters, including the achievement of project Financial Completion. The interest rate is reflective of this type of financing within the region.
About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record US$32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
This release was authorised by Mr Martin Perez de Solay, CEO and Managing Director of Allkem Limited.
| Allkem Limited ABN 31 112 589 910 Level 35, 71 Eagle St Brisbane, QLD 4000 | Investor Relations & Media Enquiries Andrew Barber M: +61 418 783 701 E: Andrew.Barber@allkem.co Phoebe Lee P: +61 7 3064 3600 E: Phoebe.Lee@allkem.co | Connect info@allkem.co +61 7 3064 3600 www.allkem.co | |
IMPORTANT NOTICES
This investor ASX/TSX release (Release) has been prepared by Allkem Limited (ACN 112 589 910) (the Company or Allkem). It contains general information about the Company as at the date of this Release. The information in this Release should not be considered to be comprehensive or to comprise all of the material which a shareholder or potential investor in the Company may require in order to determine whether to deal in Shares of Allkem. The information in this Release is of a general nature only and does not purport to be complete. It should be read in conjunction with the Company’s periodic and continuous disclosure announcements which are available at allkem.co and with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) announcements, which are available at www.asx.com.au.
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Forward-Looking Statements
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