EX-10.14


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

Certain identified information in this Agreement denoted with “[***]” has been excluded from this exhibit pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K because it is both not material and of the type that the registrant treats as private and confidential.

Certain exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K.

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT made as of October 28, 2024, by and among the FEDERAL FINANCING BANK (“FFB”), a body corporate and instrumentality of the United States of America, LITHIUM NEVADA CORP. (the “Borrower”), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Nevada, and the SECRETARY OF ENERGY (the “Secretary”).

WHEREAS, the Secretary is authorized, pursuant to the Program Authority (as hereinafter defined), to carry out a program to provide for loans that meet the requirements of the Program Authority; and

WHEREAS, FFB is authorized, pursuant to the Program Authority, to make loans under the Secretary’s program; and

WHEREAS, FFB has entered into the Program Financing Agreement (as hereinafter defined) with the Secretary setting forth the commitment of FFB to enter into agreements to purchase notes issued by entities designated by the Secretary when the Secretary affirms that (i) the Secretary is obligated to reimburse FFB under circumstances and in amounts as provided therein in connection with loans evidenced by those notes, and (ii) such reimbursement obligations are made with the full faith and credit of the United States, and the commitment of the Secretary to make such affirmations; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Program Financing Agreement, the Secretary has delivered to FFB and the Borrower a Designation Notice (as hereinafter defined) designating the Borrower to be a “Borrower” for purposes of the Program Financing Agreement; and

WHEREAS, FFB is entering into this Note Purchase Agreement, in fulfillment of its commitment under the Program Financing Agreement, setting out, among other things, FFB’s agreement to purchase the Note (as hereinafter defined) to be issued by the Borrower, when the terms and conditions specified herein have been satisfied, as hereinafter provided.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, FFB, the Secretary, and the Borrower agree as follows:


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings specified in this section 1.1, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

“Advance” shall mean an advance of funds made by FFB under the Note in accordance with the provisions of article 7 of this Agreement.

“Advance Identifier” shall mean, for each Advance, the particular sequence of letters and numbers constituting the Note Identifier plus the particular sequence of additional numbers assigned by FFB to the respective Advance in the interest rate confirmation notice relating to such Advance delivered by FFB in accordance with section 7.7 of this Agreement.

“Advance Request” shall mean a letter from the Borrower requesting an Advance under the Note, in the form of letter attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement.

“Advance Request Approval Notice” shall mean the written notice from the Department located at the end of an Advance Request advising FFB that such Advance Request has been approved by or on behalf of the Secretary.

“Borrower Instruments” shall have the meaning specified in section 3.2.1 of this Agreement.

“Business Day” shall mean any day on which FFB and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York are both open for business.

“Certificate Specifying Authorized Borrower Officials” shall mean a certificate of the Borrower specifying the names and titles of those officials of the Borrower who are authorized to execute and deliver from time to time Advance Requests on behalf of the Borrower, and containing the original signature of each of those officials, substantially in the form of the Certificate Specifying Authorized Borrower Officials attached as Exhibit B to this Agreement.

“Certificate Specifying Authorized Department Officials” shall mean a certificate specifying the names and titles of those officials of the Department who are authorized to execute and deliver Advance Request Approval Notices from time to time on behalf of the Secretary and setting out the original signature of each of those authorized officials, and specifying the name and title of those officials of the Department who are authorized to confirm telephonically the authenticity of the Advance Request Approval Notices from time to time on behalf of the Secretary and setting out the telephone number of each of those authorized officials, in the form of the Certificate Specifying Authorized Department Officials attached as Annex 1 to the Program Financing Agreement.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

“Designation Notice” shall mean, generally, a notice from the Secretary to FFB and the particular entity identified therein as the respective “Borrower,” designating that entity to be a “Borrower” for purposes of the Program Financing Agreement, in the form of notice that is attached as Annex 2 to the Program Financing Agreement; and “the Designation Notice” shall mean the particular Designation Notice delivered by the Secretary to FFB and the Borrower designating the Borrower to be a “Borrower” for purposes of the Program Financing Agreement.

“Governmental Approval” shall mean any approval, consent, authorization, license, permit, order, certificate, qualification, waiver, exemption, or variance, or any other action of a similar nature, of or by a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Borrower or any of its properties.

“Governmental Authority” shall mean any federal, state, county, municipal, or regional authority, or any other entity of a similar nature, exercising any executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, or administrative function of government.

“Governmental Judgment” shall mean any judgment, order, decision, or decree, or any action of a similar nature, of or by a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Borrower or any of its properties.

“Governmental Registration” shall mean any registration, filing, declaration, or notice, or any other action of a similar nature, with or to a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Borrower or any of its properties.

“Governmental Rule” shall mean any statute, law, rule, regulation, code, or ordinance of a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Borrower or any of its properties.

“Holder” shall mean, with respect to the Note, FFB, for so long as it shall be the holder of the Note, and any successor or assignee of FFB, for so long as such successor or assignee shall be the holder of the Note.

“Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower” shall mean any material adverse effect on the financial condition, operations, business, prospects, properties or assets of the Borrower, the Subsidiary Guarantor or any affiliated guarantor of the Borrower or the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Borrower Instruments.

“Note” shall mean the future advance promissory note issued by the Borrower payable to FFB, in the form of note that is attached as Exhibit C to this Agreement, as such Note may be amended, supplemented, and restated from time to time in accordance with its terms.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

“Note Identifier” shall mean the particular sequence of letters and numbers assigned by FFB to the Note in the Principal Instruments acceptance notice relating to the Note delivered by FFB in accordance with section 5.1 of this Agreement.

“Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel re: Borrower Instruments” shall mean an opinion of counsel from counsel to the Borrower, substantially in the form of opinion that is attached as Exhibit D to this Agreement.

“Opinion of Secretary’s Counsel re: Secretary’s Affirmation” shall mean an opinion of counsel from counsel to the Secretary, substantially in the form of opinion that is attached as Exhibit E to this Agreement.

“Other Debt Obligation” shall mean any note or any other evidence of an obligation for borrowed money of a similar nature, made or issued by the Borrower (other than the Note purchased by FFB under this Agreement), or any mortgage, indenture, deed of trust or loan agreement with respect thereto to which the Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower or any of its properties is bound (other than this Agreement).

“Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, trust company, unincorporated organization or Governmental Authority.

“Principal Instruments” shall have the meaning specified in section 4.2 of this Agreement.

“Program Authority” shall mean section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Pub. L. No. 110-140, 121 Stat. 1492, 1514), as amended from time to time, including as amended by section 129 of Division A of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. No. 110-329, 122 Stat. 3574, 3578).

“Program Financing Commitment Amount” shall have the meaning specified in section 1.1 of the Program Financing Agreement.

“Program Financing Agreement” shall mean the Program Financing Agreement dated as of September 16, 2009, between FFB and the Secretary, as such agreement may be amended, supplemented, and restated from time to time in accordance with its terms.

“Requested Advance Amount” shall have the meaning specified in section 7.3.1(a) (2) of this Agreement.

“Requested Advance Date” shall have the meaning specified in section 7.3.1(a) (3) of this Agreement.

“Secretary’s Affirmation” shall mean the affirmation of the Note issued by the Secretary, in the form of affirmation that is attached as Exhibit G to this Agreement.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

“Secretary’s Certificate” shall mean the certificate relating to the Secretary’s Affirmation and other matters, in the form of certificate that is attached as Exhibit F to this Agreement.

“Secretary’s Instruments” shall have the meaning specified in section 3.3.1 this Agreement.

“Subsidiary Guarantor” shall mean KV Project LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Nevada.

“this Agreement” shall mean this Note Purchase Agreement among FFB, the Secretary, and the Borrower.

“Uncontrollable Cause” shall mean an unforeseeable cause beyond the control and without the fault of FFB, being: act of God, fire, flood, severe weather, epidemic, quarantine restriction, explosion, sabotage, act of war, act of terrorism, riot, civil commotion, lapse of the statutory authority of the United States Department of the Treasury to raise cash through the issuance of Treasury debt instruments, disruption or failure of the Treasury Financial Communications System, closure of the Federal Government, or an unforeseen or unscheduled closure or evacuation of the FFB offices.

Unless the context shall otherwise indicate, the terms defined in section 1.1 of this Agreement shall include the plural as well as the singular and the singular as well as the plural. The words “herein,” “hereof,” and “hereto,” and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, FFB agrees to purchase the Note that is offered by the Borrower to FFB for purchase under this Agreement.

FFB shall be under no obligation to purchase the Note under this Agreement unless and until each of the conditions specified in this article 3 has been satisfied.

3.1.1 Loan Commitment Amount. The maximum principal amount of the Note that is offered for purchase shall not exceed the Loan Commitment Amount.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

3.1.2 Program Financing Commitment Amount. At the time that the Note is offered to FFB for purchase under this Agreement, the maximum principal amount of the Note, when added to the aggregate maximum principal amount of all other notes that have been issued by entities that have been designated by the Secretary in Designation Notices to be “Borrowers” for purposes of the Program Financing Agreement and in connection with which the Secretary has undertaken certain reimbursement obligations pursuant to the Program Authority, shall not exceed the Program Financing Commitment Amount.

3.2.1 Borrower Instruments. FFB shall have received from the Borrower the following instruments (such instruments being, collectively, the “Borrower Instruments”):

(a) an original counterpart of this Agreement, duly executed by the Borrower; and

(b) the original Note described in the Designation Notice, with all of the blanks on page 1 of the Note filled in with information consistent with the information set out in the Designation Notice, and duly executed by the Borrower.

3.2.2 Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel re: Borrower Instruments. FFB shall have received from the Borrower an Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel re: Borrower Instruments.

3.2.3 Certificate Specifying Authorized Borrower Officials. FFB shall have received from the Borrower a completed and signed Certificate Specifying Authorized Borrower Officials.

3.3.1 Secretary’s Instruments. FFB shall have received from the Secretary the following instruments (such instruments being, collectively, the “Secretary’s Instruments”):

(a) an original counterpart of this Agreement, duly executed by or on behalf of the Secretary;

(b) the original Secretary’s Affirmation relating to the Note, duly executed by or on behalf of the Secretary; and

(c) an original Secretary’s Certificate relating to the Secretary’s Affirmation and other matters, duly executed by or on behalf of the Secretary.

3.3.2 Opinion of Secretary’s Counsel re: Secretary’s Affirmation. FFB shall have received an Opinion of Secretary’s Counsel re: Secretary’s Affirmation.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

Each of the conditions specified in the Program Financing Agreement as being conditions to purchasing the Note shall have been satisfied, or waived by both FFB and the Secretary.

The Note that is to be offered to FFB for purchase under this Agreement shall be offered in accordance with the procedures described in this article 4.

The Borrower shall deliver to the Secretary, for redelivery to FFB, the following:

The Secretary shall deliver to FFB all of the following instruments (collectively being the “Principal Instruments”):

(b) all of the Secretary’s Instruments, each duly executed by the Secretary; and

Within 5 Business Days after delivery to FFB of the Principal Instruments relating to the Note that is offered for purchase under this Agreement, FFB shall deliver by electronic or facsimile transmission (fax) to the Department one of the following:

(1) state that the Principal Instruments meet the terms and conditions detailed in article 3 of this Agreement, or are otherwise acceptable to FFB; and


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

(2) assign a Note Identifier to such Note for use by the Borrower and the Department in all communications to FFB making reference to such Note; or

(b) a rejection notice, which notice shall state that one or more of the Principal Instruments does not meet the terms and conditions of this Agreement and specify how such instrument or instruments does not meet the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

FFB shall not be deemed to have accepted the Note offered for purchase under this Agreement until such time as FFB shall have delivered an acceptance notice accepting the Principal Instruments relating to the Note; provided, however, that in the event that FFB shall make an Advance under the Note, then FFB shall be deemed to have accepted the Note offered for purchase.

FFB shall have custody of the Note purchased under this Agreement until all amounts owed under the Note have been paid in full.

In the event that the Note purchased under this Agreement shall become lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated, the Borrower shall, upon the written request of FFB, execute and deliver, in replacement thereof, a new Note of like tenor, dated and bearing interest from the date to which interest has been paid on such lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated Note or, if no interest has been paid thereon, dated the same date as such lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated Note. Upon delivery of such replacement Note, the Borrower shall be released and discharged from any further liability on account of the lost, stolen, or destroyed Note. If the Note being replaced has been mutilated, such mutilated Note shall be surrendered to the Borrower for cancellation.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, FFB agrees to make Advances under the Note for the account of the Borrower.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

Each of the Borrower and the Secretary understands and consents to the following Treasury financial management policies generally applicable to all advances of funds:

(a) each Advance will be requested by the Borrower, and each Advance Request will be approved by the Secretary, only at such time and in such amount as shall be necessary to meet the immediate payment or disbursing need of the Borrower;

(d) all interest earned on any lawful and permitted investment of Advances in excess of the interest accrued on such Advances will be remitted to FFB.

FFB shall be under no obligation to make any Advance under the Note unless and until each of the conditions specified in this section 7.3 is satisfied.

7.3.1 Advance Requests. For each Advance under the Note, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Secretary, for review and approval before being forwarded to FFB, an Advance Request, which Advance Request:

(1) the particular “Note Identifier” that FFB assigned to the Note (as provided in section 5.1 of this Agreement;

(2) the particular amount of funds that the Borrower requests to be advanced (such amount being the “Requested Advance Amount” for the respective Advance);

(3) the particular calendar date that the Borrower requests to be the date on which the respective Advance is to be made (such date being the “Requested Advance Date” for such Advance), which date:

(B) shall not be earlier than the third Business Day to occur after the date on which FFB shall have received the respective Advance Request;

(4) the particular bank account to which the Borrower requests that the respective Advance be made; and


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

(b) shall have been duly executed by an official of the Borrower whose name and signature appear on the Certificate Specifying Authorized Borrower Officials delivered by the Borrower to FFB pursuant to section 3.2.3 of this Agreement; and

(c) shall have been received by FFB not later than the third Business Day before the Requested Advance Date specified in such Advance Request.

7.3.2 Advance Request Approval Notice. For each Advance, the Secretary shall have delivered to FFB the Borrower’s executed Advance Request, together with the Department’s executed Advance Request Approval Notice, which Advance Request Approval Notice:

(a) shall have been duly executed on behalf of the Secretary by an official of the Department whose name and signature appear on the Certificate Specifying Authorized Department Officials delivered to FFB pursuant to section 3.1.3 or section 6.1 of the Program Financing Agreement; and

(b) shall have been received by FFB not later than the third Business Day before the Requested Advance Date specified in such Advance Request.

7.3.3 Electronic or Telephonic Confirmation of Authenticity of Advance Request Approval Notices. For each Advance, FFB shall have obtained electronic or telephonic confirmation of the authenticity of the related Advance Request Approval Notice from an official of the Department (a) whose name, title, and telephone number appear on the Certificate Specifying Authorized Department Officials that has been delivered by the Secretary to FFB pursuant to section 3.1.3 or section 6.1 of the Program Financing Agreement; and (b) who is not the same official of the Department who executed the Advance Request Approval Notice on behalf of the Secretary.

7.3.4 Note Maximum Principal Amount Limit. At the time of making any Advance under the Note, the amount of such Advance, when added to the aggregate amount of all Advances previously made under the Note, shall not exceed the maximum principal amount of the Note.

7.3.5 Conditions Specified in Other Agreements. Each of the conditions specified in the Program Financing Agreement as being conditions to making Advances under the Note, shall have been satisfied, or waived by both FFB and the Secretary.

7.3.6 No Prohibition Against Funding by FFB. At the time of making any Advance under the Note, there shall be no Governmental Rule or Governmental Judgement that prohibits FFB from distributing funds provided for in such Advance.

7.3.7 Notification of Stop Notices. Promptly upon the Borrower obtaining knowledge of any action taken against FFB by any contractor, subcontractor, material


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

supplier, or laborer working on any construction project financed in whole or in part with any Advance or Advances made under the Note, including, without limitation, any mechanics lien, bonded stop notice, or similar contractor mechanism under applicable law (a “Stop Notice”), the Borrower shall (1) provide notice thereof to FFB and the Secretary and (2) certify that it has used or is using commercially reasonable efforts to fully resolve, have the FFB dismissed from, or obtain a bond for the release of any Stop Notice.

FFB shall make each Advance in the Requested Advance Amount specified in the respective Advance Request and on the Requested Advance Date specified in the respective Advance Request, subject to satisfaction of the conditions specified in section 7.3 of this Agreement and subject to the following additional limitations:

(a) in the event that the Requested Advance Date specified in the respective Advance Request is not a Business Day, FFB shall make the respective Advance on the first day thereafter that is a Business Day;

(b) in the event that FFB receives the respective Advance Request and the related Advance Request Approval Notice later than the third Business Day before the Requested Advance Date specified in such Advance Request, FFB shall make the respective Advance as soon as practicable thereafter, but in any event not later than the third Business Day after FFB receives such Advance Request, unless the Borrower delivers to FFB and the Secretary a written cancellation of such Advance Request or a replacement Advance Request specifying a later Requested Advance Date;

(c) in the event that an Uncontrollable Cause prevents FFB from making the respective Advance on the Requested Advance Date specified in the respective Advance Request, FFB shall make such Advance as soon as such Uncontrollable Cause ceases to prevent FFB from making such Advance, unless the Borrower delivers to FFB and the Secretary a written cancellation of such Advance Request or a replacement Advance Request specifying a later Requested Advance Date; and

(d) in the event that FFB receives, not later than 3:30 p.m. (Washington, DC, time) on the Business Day immediately before the Requested Advance Date specified in an Advance Request, a written notice delivered by electronic or facsimile transmission of withdrawal or cancellation of the Advance Request Approval Notice, and telephonic confirmation of the withdrawal or cancellation, from an official of the Department whose name, title, and telephone number appear on the Certificate Specifying Authorized Department Officials that has been delivered by the Secretary to FFB pursuant to section 3.1.3 or section 6.1 of the Program Financing Agreement, FFB shall not make the respective Advance.

Each Advance shall be made in immediately available funds by electronic funds transfer to such bank account(s) as shall have been specified in the respective Advance Request.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

The rate of interest applicable to each Advance made under the Note shall be established as provided in paragraph 6 of the Note.

After making each Advance, FFB shall deliver, by electronic or facsimile transmission, to the Borrower and the Department written confirmation of the making of the respective Advance, which confirmation shall:

(c) assign an Advance Identifier to such Advance for use by the Borrower and the Department in all communications to FFB making reference to such Advance.

The Borrower makes the representations and warranties provided in this article 8 to FFB.

The Borrower is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nevada.

The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted, to execute and deliver this Agreement and each of the other Borrower Instruments, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder.

The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Agreement and each of the other Borrower Instruments, the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and the performance by the Borrower of its obligations hereunder and thereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.

This Agreement has been, and each of the other Borrower Instruments will have been at the respective time of delivery of each thereof, duly executed and delivered by officials of the Borrower who are duly authorized to execute and deliver such documents on its behalf.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

This Agreement constitutes, and each of the other Borrower Instruments will constitute at the respective time of delivery of each thereof, the legal, valid, and binding agreement of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

No Governmental Approvals or Governmental Registrations are now, or under existing Governmental Rules will in the future be, required to be obtained or made, as the case may be, by the Borrower to authorize the execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Agreement or any of the other Borrower Instruments, the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or the performance by the Borrower of its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Agreement or any of the other Borrower Instruments, the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and the performance by the Borrower of its obligations hereunder or thereunder do not and will not conflict with or violate, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under (a) any term or provision of the charter documents or bylaws of the Borrower; (b) any of the covenants, conditions or agreements contained in any Other Debt Obligation of the Borrower; (c) any Governmental Approval or Governmental Registration obtained or made, as the case may be, by the Borrower; or (d) any Governmental Judgment or Governmental Rule currently applicable to the Borrower.

The Borrower has not failed to obtain any material Governmental Approval or make any material Governmental Registration required or necessary to carry on the business of the Borrower as presently conducted, and the Borrower reasonably believes that it will not be prevented by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Borrower from so carrying on its business as presently conducted.

There are no lawsuits or judicial or administrative actions, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower which, in the reasonable opinion of the Borrower, is likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

FFB shall prepare a billing statement for the amounts owed to FFB on each Advance that is made under the Note purchased under this Agreement, and shall deliver each such billing statement to the Borrower and the Department.

Failure on the part of FFB to deliver any billing statement or failure on the part of the Borrower to receive any billing statement shall not, however, relieve the Borrower of any of its payment obligations under the Note or this Agreement.

9.3.1 Acknowledgment and Consent. The Borrower acknowledges that FFB has described to it:

(a) the rounding methodology employed by FFB in calculating the amount of accrued interest owed at any time on the Note; and

(b) the methodology employed by FFB in calculating the equal principal installments payment schedule for amounts due and payable on the Note; and the Borrower consents to these methodologies.

9.3.2 Agreement. The Borrower agrees that any and all determinations made by FFB shall, absent manifest error, be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower with respect to:

(a) the amount of accrued interest owed on the Note determined using this rounding methodology; and

(b) the amount of any principal installments payment due and payable on the Note determined using this methodology.

Each amount that becomes due and owing on the Note purchased under this Agreement shall be paid when and as due, as provided in the Note.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Note, the Borrower acknowledges that, under the terms of the Program Financing Agreement, the Secretary may purchase from FFB all or any portion of any Advance that has been made under the Note, or may purchase from FFB the Note in its entirety, in the same manner, at the same price, and subject to the same limitations as shall be applicable, under the terms of the Note, to a prepayment by the Borrower of all or any portion of any Advance made under the Note, or a prepayment by the Borrower of the Note in its entirety, as the case may be.

If the Secretary shall receive any notice of any Stop Notice against the Borrower, FFB or DOE, which action has not been dismissed against each such applicable party, or has not been bonded in full compliance with, and in satisfaction of all requirements of, applicable law, and in accordance with the terms of the Loan Arrangement and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2024, between the Borrower and the Secretary, the Secretary shall provide FFB with notice of such Stop Notice.

The obligation of FFB under this Agreement to make Advances under the Note issued by the Borrower shall expire on the “Last Day for an Advance” specified in the Note.

12.3.1 Representations, Warranties, and Certifications. Except to the extent waived by both FFB and the Secretary, all representations, warranties, and certifications made by the Borrower in this Agreement, or in any agreement, instrument, or certificate delivered pursuant hereto, shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the purchasing of the Note hereunder, and the making of Advances thereunder.

12.3.2 Remainder of Agreement. Notwithstanding the occurrence and passage of the Last Day for an Advance, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until all amounts owed under this Agreement and the Note purchased by FFB under this Agreement have been paid in full.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

13.1.1 Addresses of the Parties. All notices and other communications hereunder or under the Note to be made to any party shall be in writing and shall be addressed as follows:

Federal Financing Bank
Main Treasury Building
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20220

Director
Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program
CF-1.4
United States Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

Office of the General Counsel
GC-1
United States Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585

The address, telephone number, email, or facsimile number for any party may be changed at any time and from time to time upon written notice given by such changing party to each of the other parties hereto.

13.1.2 Permitted Means of Delivery. Advance Requests, notices, and other communications to FFB may be delivered by electronic or (fax) transmission of the executed instrument.

13.1.3 Effective Date of Delivery. A properly addressed notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been “delivered” for purposes of this Agreement:

(b) if mailed by first class mail, registered or certified mail, express mail, or by any commercial overnight courier service, on the date that such mailing is received;

(1) if the transmission is received and receipt confirmed before 4:00 p.m. (Washington, DC, time) on any Business Day, on the date of such transmission; and

(2) if the transmission is received and receipt confirmed after 4:00 p.m. (Washington, DC, time) on any Business Day or any day that is not a Business Day, on the next Business Day.

13.1.4 Notices to FFB to Contain FFB Identification References. All notices to FFB making any reference to the Note or any Advance made thereunder shall identify the respective Note or such Advance by the respective Note Identifier or the respective Advance Identifier, as the case may be, assigned by FFB to the Note or such Advance.

No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived, discharged, or terminated orally but only by an instrument in writing duly executed by each of the parties hereto and consented to in writing by or on behalf of the Secretary.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of FFB, the Borrower, and the Secretary, and each of their respective successors and assigns.

13.4.1 Sale or Assignment Permitted. FFB may sell, assign, or otherwise transfer all or any part of the Note or any participation share thereof; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, following any such sale, assignment or transfer, FFB shall continue to be fully liable for its duties and obligations hereunder and under such Note.

(a) Sale, Etc., to a Federal Entity. In the case of any sale, assignment, or other transfer by FFB of all or any part of the Note or any participation share thereof to an agency or instrumentality of the United States or a trust fund or other government account under the authority or control of the United States or any officer or officers thereof, FFB will deliver to the Borrower and the Department written notice of such sale, assignment, or other transfer promptly after such sale, assignment, or other transfer.

(b) Sale, Etc., to Other Than a Federal Entity. In the case of any sale, assignment, or other transfer by FFB of all or any part of the Note or any participation share thereof to a purchaser, assignee, or transferee that is not an agency or instrumentality of the United States or a trust fund or other government account under the authority or control of the United States or any officer or officers thereof, FFB will deliver to the Borrower and the Department written notice of such sale, assignment, or other transfer at least 45 calendar days in advance of such sale, assignment, or other transfer.

13.4.3 Manner of Payment after Sale. Any sale, assignment, or other transfer of all or any part of any Note may provide that, following such sale, assignment, or other transfer, payments on such Note shall be made in the manner specified by the respective purchaser, assignee, or transferee, as the case may be.

(a) to issue a replacement Note or Notes with the same aggregate principal amount, interest rate, maturity, and other terms as each respective Note or Notes sold, assigned, or transferred pursuant to section 13.4.1 of this Agreement; provided, however, that, when requested by the respective purchaser, assignee, or transferee, such replacement Note or Notes shall provide that payments thereunder shall be made in the manner specified by such purchaser, assignee, or transferee; and


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

(b) to effect the change in ownership on its records and on the face of each such replacement Note issued, upon receipt of each Note or Notes so sold, assigned, or transferred.

Any forbearance on the part of FFB from enforcing any term or condition of this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of such term or condition or acquiescence by FFB in any failure on the part of Borrower to comply with or satisfy such term or condition.

Nothing expressed or implied herein is intended or shall be construed to confer upon, or to give to, any Person other than FFB, the Borrower, and the Secretary, and their respective successors and permitted assigns, any right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement or of any term, covenant or condition hereof, and all of the terms, covenants, conditions, promises, and agreements contained herein shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of FFB, the Borrower, and the Secretary, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, Federal law and not the law of any state or locality. To the extent that a court looks to the laws of any state to determine or define the Federal law, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such court shall look only to the laws of the State of New York without regard to the rules of conflicts of laws.

Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not of itself invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

The descriptive headings of the various articles, sections, and subsections of this Agreement were formulated and inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to affect the meaning or construction of the provisions hereof.

This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, FFB, the Borrower, and the Secretary have each caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above mentioned.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, FFB, the Borrower, and the Secretary have each caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above mentioned.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, FFB, the Borrower, and the Secretary have each caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above mentioned.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

Federal Financing Bank
Main Treasury Building
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20220

We have acted as counsel to Lithium Nevada Corp. (the “Borrower”) in connection with the issuance by the Borrower of the future advance promissory note dated as of October 28, 2024, payable to the Federal Financing Bank (“FFB”) in the maximum principal amount of $1,970,000,000.00 plus an additional maximum capitalized interest amount of $289,687,000.00 (the “Note”).

We have examined executed originals of each of the following documents (such documents being, collectively, the “Borrower’s Instruments”):

1. the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 28, 2024 (the “Note Purchase Agreement”), among FFB, the Borrower, and the Secretary of Energy; and

We have also examined the originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other agreements, instruments, certificates, records, and other documents as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinion expressed below.

This opinion is delivered to you pursuant to section 3.2.2 of the Note Purchase Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the respective given such terms in the Note Purchase Agreement.

(a) the opinion regarding enforceability contained in paragraph 5 is subject to (i) the effect of insolvency or bankruptcy laws or other similar laws affecting generally the enforcement of creditors’ rights, and (ii) principles of equity; and

(b) any opinion as to the validity or enforceability of any agreement as to any party assumes the due authorization, execution, and delivery of such agreement by each party thereto other than the Borrower.

Based on the foregoing and upon such further investigation as we have deemed necessary, we are of the opinion that:

1. The Borrower is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nevada.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

2. The Borrower has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as presently conducted, to execute and deliver each of the Borrower’s Instruments, to consummate the transactions contemplated by each thereof, and to perform its obligations under each thereof.

3. The execution and delivery by the Borrower of each of the Borrower’s Instruments, the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by each thereof, and the performance by the Borrower of its obligations under each thereof have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.

4. Each of the Borrower’s Instruments has been duly executed and delivered by officials of the Borrower who are duly authorized to execute and deliver such documents on its behalf.

5. Each of the Borrower’s Instruments constitutes the legal, valid, and binding agreement of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its respective terms.

6. No Governmental Approvals or Governmental Registrations are now, or under existing Governmental Rules will in the future be, required to be obtained or made, as the case may be, by the Borrower to authorize the execution and delivery by the Borrower of any of the Borrower’s Instruments, the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by any thereof, or the performance by the Borrower of its obligations under any thereof.

7. The execution and delivery by the Borrower of each of the Borrower’s Instruments, the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by each thereof, and the performance by the Borrower of its obligations under each thereof do not and will not conflict with or violate, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under (a) any term or provision of the charter documents or bylaws of the Borrower; (b) to the best of our knowledge, any of the covenants, conditions or agreements contained in any Other Debt Obligation of the Borrower; (c) to the best of our knowledge, any Governmental Approval or Governmental Registration obtained or made, as the case may be, by the Borrower; or (d) any Governmental Judgment or Governmental Rule currently applicable to the Borrower.

8. The Borrower has not failed to obtain any material Governmental Approval or make any material Governmental Registration required or necessary to carry on the business of the Borrower as presently conducted, and the Borrower reasonably believes that it will not be prevented by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Borrower from so carrying on its business as presently conducted.

9. There are no lawsuits or judicial or administrative actions, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower which, in the reasonable opinion of the Borrower, is likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

Federal Financing Bank
Main Treasury Building
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20220

As the ___________ General Counsel of the Department of Energy (the “Department”), I am familiar with the Secretary’s Affirmation dated as of October 28, 2024 (the “Secretary’s Affirmation”) issued by the Secretary of Energy (the “Secretary”) relating to the Future Advance Promissory Note dated as of October 28, 2024, issued by Lithium Nevada Corp. payable to the Federal Financing Bank in the maximum principal amount of $1,970,000,000.00 plus an additional maximum capitalized interest amount of $289,687,000.00.

I have also examined the originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other agreements, instruments, certificates, records, and other documents as in my judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable me to render the opinion expressed below.

This opinion is delivered to you pursuant to section 3.3.2 of the Note Purchase Agreement.

Based on the foregoing and upon such further investigation as I have deemed necessary, I am of the opinion that:

1. The execution and delivery of the Secretary’s Affirmation on behalf of the Secretary, the consummation by the Department of the transactions contemplated thereby, and the performance by the Department of the Secretary’s obligations thereunder are authorized by applicable law.

2. The Secretary’s Affirmation has been executed and delivered by an official of the Department who is duly authorized to execute and deliver such document on behalf of the Secretary.

3. The obligation of the United States of America to pay amounts due and payable under the Secretary’s Affirmation when such amounts become due and payable in accordance with its terms, constitutes the absolute obligation of the United States of America, against which no offset may be made by the United States of America in discharge of its obligation to make these payments and for which the full faith and credit of the United States of America are pledged.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

The Secretary of Energy (the “Secretary”), hereby affirms to the Federal Financing Bank, its successors and assigns (“FFB”), that consistent with section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Pub. L. No. 110-140, 121 Stat. 1492, 1514), as amended, including without limitation as amended by section 129(c) of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. No. 110-329, 122 Stat. 3574, 3578), the reimbursement obligations of the Secretary under section 6.3 of the Program Financing Agreement dated as of September 16, 2009, between FFB and the Secretary with respect to all payments of principal, interest, capitalized interest, premium (if any), and late charges (if any), when and as due in accordance with the terms of the note identified on Schedule I hereto issued by Lithium Nevada Corp. (the “Borrower”) payable to FFB in the maximum principal amount of $1,970,000,000.00, plus an additional maximum capitalized interest amount of $289,687,000.00, (such note being the “Note”), have the full faith and credit of the United States Government, with interest on the principal and capitalized interest until paid, irrespective of (i) acceleration of such payments under the terms of the Note, or (ii) receipt by the Secretary of any sums or property from its enforcement of its remedies for the Borrower’s default.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.

This Secretary’s Affirmation is issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 28, 2024, among FFB, the Borrower, and the Secretary.


DOE (ATV)		LITHIUM NEVADA CORP.


FEDERAL FINANCING BANK (“FFB”)


By:		/s/ Christopher L. Tuttle
		/s/ Gary E. Grippo
Name:		Gary Grippo
Title:		Vice President and Treasurer


LITHIUM NEVADA CORP. (the “Borrower”)


By:
Name:
Title:


THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY (the “Secretary”) acting through his or her duly authorized designate


By:
Name:		Hernan T. Cortes
Title:		Director
		Loan Guarantee Origination Division
		Loan Programs Office


FEDERAL FINANCING BANK (“FFB”)


By:
Name:		Gary Grippo
Title:		Vice President and Treasurer


LITHIUM NEVADA CORP. (the “Borrower”)


By:		/s/ Pablo Mercado
Name:		Pablo Mercado
Title:		Director & Treasurer


THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY (the “Secretary”) acting through his or her duly authorized designate


By:
Name:		Hernan T. Cortes
Title:		Director
		Loan Guarantee Origination Division
		Loan Programs Office


FEDERAL FINANCING BANK (“FFB”)


By:
Name:		Gary Grippo
Title:		Vice President and Treasurer


LITHIUM NEVADA CORP. (the “Borrower”)


By:
Name:
Title:


THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY (the “Secretary”) acting through his or her duly authorized designate


By:		/s/ Hernan T. Cortes
Name:		Hernan T. Cortes
Title:		Director
		Loan Guarantee Origination Division
		Loan Programs Office


SECRETARY OF ENERGY
acting through his or her
duly authorized designate


By:

Name:		Hernan T. Cortes

Title:		Director
		Loan Guarantee
		Origination Division
		Loan Programs Office

Date:		October 28, 2024


Note Issue Date	Maximum Principal Amount
October 28, 2024	$1,970,000,000.00 plus an additional maximum capitalized interest amount of $289,687,000.00