Jindalee Lithium (ASX:JLL) secures US approval for major drilling program

Jindalee Lithium has achieved a pivotal regulatory milestone at its McDermitt Lithium Project, with the US Bureau of Land Management issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Record approving the company’s Exploration Plan of Operations.

The approval concludes an extended period of environmental studies, public review and consultation, and it allows Jindalee to advance on site work at what is described as one of the largest lithium deposits in the United States and of global significance.

Highlights

• Approval of the Exploration Plan of Operations after extensive environmental studies, public reviews and consultation with Federal and State agencies and Tribal groups
• Authorisation enables a significant increase in on site activity, including a major infill drilling program proposed for 2H 2026 ahead of a Feasibility Study
• State level permit applications lodged, with outcomes expected in 1H 2026

The decision is the culmination of a multi year regulatory pathway that began when Jindalee submitted its Exploration Plan of Operations in August 2022.

The plan was deemed complete in May 2023, which initiated the environmental review required under the National Environmental Policy Act, with the Draft Environmental Assessment published for public review in March 2025 and submissions accepted until April 2025.

The US Bureau of Land Management then prepared formal responses to comments and finalised the Environmental Assessment in consultation with the relevant agencies, which led to the issuing of the Decision Record in December 2025.

With the Exploration Plan of Operations now approved, Jindalee Lithium can undertake a major expansion of on site activity.

This includes infill drilling to generate additional geological and environmental data, alongside fresh samples required for geotechnical studies and further metallurgical test work.

The results will provide key inputs for the McDermitt Feasibility Study, and the company has already lodged applications for the necessary state level permits, which are progressing through the normal process with decisions expected in 1H 2026.

Management highlighted the scale of engagement and review underpinning the approval. In the words of Managing Director and CEO Ian Rodger,

“BLM’s approval of our EPO is a major milestone for the Project and the culmination of extensive environmental studies, community reviews and consultation with State, Federal and Tribal governments.”

The release reiterates McDermitt’s status as one of the largest lithium deposits in the United States and notes its strategic importance as a source of lithium and potentially magnesium.

Approval of the Exploration Plan of Operations provides a clear pathway for Jindalee to secure the additional drilling, sampling and technical studies needed to progress the McDermitt Feasibility Study.

Looking forward, the next steps include securing the outstanding state level permits and implementing the significant infill drilling program scheduled for 2H 2026.

As the United States continues to focus on strengthening domestic supply of critical minerals, the regulatory progress achieved at McDermitt provides important context for investors monitoring the project’s development trajectory and its potential role within the broader industry landscape.

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