DEFA14A 1 brhc10032466_defa14a.htm DEFA14A

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 Washington, D.C. 20549

 
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No.    )

Filed by the Registrant
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box:
 

Preliminary Proxy Statement
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12


Piedmont Lithium Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
No fee required.
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
     (1)
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
   
     (2)
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
   
     (3)
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
   
     (4)
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
   
     (5)
Total fee paid:
   
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
     (1)
Amount Previously Paid:
   
     (2)
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
   
     (3)
Filing Party:
   
     (4)
Date Filed:
   



Piedmont Lithium Inc.
32 N Main Street, Suite 100
Belmont, NC 28012

January 3, 2022

Dear Valued Shareholder:

Let me first thank you for your continued support of Piedmont Lithium as we strive toward becoming a leading producer of lithium hydroxide to support the fast-growing electric vehicle market in North America. We believe our strategy, combined with our globally diversified mineral resource base to supply our refining capabilities, will allow us to return value to shareholders like you as we focus on establishing a leadership position in the EV revolution.

A key part of our ability to execute our strategy is building an exceptional leadership team, supported by an experienced and engaged Board of Directors. We are operating in an extremely competitive environment for the acquisition of talent and intellectual capital, and our compensation strategy directly impacts our ability to attract and retain the talent needed to bring our plans to fruition.

We understand that one of the leading proxy advisory and governance services in America, ISS, did not support our compensation proposals. ISS’s position is based on their interpretation of the convention in Australia, reflecting our dual-listing on the ASX and NASDAQ. We simply disagree with ISS in their interpretation and application of these conventions and believe that U.S. regulations and guidelines should be applied to Piedmont Lithium going forward. As of May 2021, Piedmont Lithium became a U.S. incorporated company, with our primary trading platform being the NASDAQ, giving us more direct exposure to the largest capital market in the world. All of our employees, and the majority of our directors are based in the U.S., as are our corporate headquarters and our main asset, the Carolina Lithium Project in Gaston County, North Carolina. Our primary regulator is now the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, not the ASX, and our core peer group for compensation reasons is comprised of U.S. companies in the specialty chemicals and minerals businesses.

On behalf of the Piedmont Lithium Board of Directors, we would ask that you take a discerning look at our compensation proposals, specifically proposals 3-9, with a “Yes” vote, with an eye towards our functioning as a U.S. company, with a U.S. workforce, U.S. based flagship project, and the need to remain competitive in the war for talent. The compensation plan outlined in our proxy is consistent with U.S. standards and was clearly outlined in our Form 10-K and Annual Report. We believe it is imperative that our compensation programs be in-line with those of other U.S. companies, so that we are in a position to attract the best and the brightest to lead and guide our company as this industry grows and evolves.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. Regardless of your decision, we appreciate you exercising your right to vote, and your support of Piedmont Lithium.

Kind regards,

/s/ Jeff Armstrong
Chairman of the Board