Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is currently pre-revenue and has an accumulated deficit of 52.6 million in FY 2024, indicating a significant increase in losses year-over-year [26] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was 2.4 million higher than the previous year, driven primarily by increased general and administrative costs [26] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to 0.9 million at the end of FY 2024, reflecting improved liquidity [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has incurred substantial operating losses as it prepares for commercial production of battery-grade lithium, with operating expenses expected to rise as personnel are recruited [26] - Net cash used in operating activities totaled 0.9 million in the prior year, indicating increased investment in operations and hiring [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro outlook for lithium remains strong, with global demand expected to more than double by 2030, driven by sectors such as electric vehicles and energy storage [4] - The evolving landscape of U.S. trade policies and tariffs has introduced volatility, but also highlights the strategic advantage of domestic operations for the company [6][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing one of the largest lithium refineries in America, aimed at addressing the domestic refining capacity shortage and aligning with federal clean energy priorities [5] - The focus is on building a resilient supply chain for critical minerals, with efforts to engage with policymakers and align with national initiatives [10][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views current market conditions as a generational opportunity, emphasizing the importance of domestic lithium production amid geopolitical uncertainties [5][8] - The company is optimistic about the support from the U.S. government for critical minerals, which is expected to benefit its operations and align with national security goals [9][36] Other Important Information - The company has secured necessary permits for construction, including a general stormwater permit, and has confirmed that no industrial wastewater permit is required due to its closed-loop system [15][46] - A key service agreement has been executed with Oklahoma Gas and Electric to develop a dedicated electric substation, ensuring scalable power for the facility [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for the final report of the engineering study - The company expects to release the final report of the engineering study within the current quarter [30][33] Question: Impact of federal support on green energy initiatives - Management believes that the prioritization of American mineral security under the new administration creates opportunities that may outweigh pressures on green energy initiatives [34][36] Question: Progress on securing feedstock for domestic supply - The company is well advanced in discussions regarding multiple supply opportunities for lithium feedstock, with a receptive market for domestic refining [44] Question: Outstanding permits needed before construction - The company has made substantial progress on permitting and is permitted to move forward with construction, having received necessary stormwater and minor air permits [45][46] Question: Increase in operating cash flow - The increase in operating cash flow is attributed to project development costs and operational cost increases related to going public and additional hires [51][52] Question: DLE equipment pilot facilities - The company has observed a ramp-up in upstream activity related to DLE technology and is using proven off-the-shelf technology for its midstream processing facility [56][58] Question: Sourcing of equipment and technology - The company is making efforts to source equipment domestically and has established guardrails to exclude equipment from foreign entities of concern, while some machinery may still be sourced from friendly jurisdictions [60]
Stardust Power Inc.(SDST) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript