Jinjianqiao MOU for Financing and Offtake
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
11
ASX Announcement 8 January 2026
Jinjianqiao MOU for Financing and Offtake
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Strategic supply chain partnership: Fujian Jinjianqiao New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and
Chariot Resources Ltd (ASX: CC9) have signed a non-binding MOU regarding potential
collaboration on Chariot’s Nigerian lithium projects.
• Offtake: The MOU contemplates the potential sale and delivery of direct shipping ore (DSO) from
the projects to a collection point at Sagamu, Nigeria. Upon completion of satisfactory due
diligence, Jinjianqiao may seek to reach an agreement of terms with Chariot for long-term
exclusive offtake of spodumene concentrate (or other lithium-bearing products) involving one of
Chariot’s four Nigerian projects.
• Potential Funding Support: Jinjianqiao and Chariot have agreed to discuss credit lines and
offtake prepayment financing that could support project exploration and development, facilitating
expanded production at the Nigerian projects.
• Nigeria-based processing: Jinjianqiao and Chariot have agreed to evaluate the development of a
lithium processing facility in Nigeria to convert ore into spodumene concentrate.
• Strategic lithium supply chain partner: Jinjianqiao is a China-based lithium trader, with an
established Africa-to-China sourcing and distribution network. Jinjianqiao sold approximately
90,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate and ore in 2025, with volumes expected to double in 2026.
Chariot Resources Ltd (ASX: CC9) (“Chariot” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has entered
into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with Fujian Jinjianqiao New Energy
Technology Co., Ltd. (“Jinjianqiao”) to explore cooperation opportunities. The collaboration will focus
on potential offtake of lithium ores and concentrates from Chariot’s Nigerian lithium projects,
financing arrangements and development of local lithium processing capacity in Nigeria.
Jinjianqiao’s integrated “one-stop” capability across import logistics, processing support,
inspection/testing, warehousing and sales, together with strategic cooperation links to downstream
processing capacity, aligns with Chariot’s objective to rapidly progress its Nigerian projects toward
commercialisation. In addition, the MOU expressly contemplates potential financing mechanisms to
support project development and assist in accelerating a pathway toward production.
2
Jinjianqiao: Corporate Profile
Jinjianqiao is a China-based lithium trading house focused on lithium ores and spodumene
concentrate that supports Africa-to-China lithium supply chains and has existing operations in Nigeria.
Jinjianqiao marketed and distributed approximately 90,000 tonnes of lithium concentrates and ores
in 2025, with volumes projected to double in 2026. Jinjianqiao is positioned as a “one-stop” service
partner spanning import, processing, testing, warehousing and sales.
Jinjianqiao’s team brings more than 16 years’ experience in lithium mineral selection and operational
execution across the supply chain. Jinjianqiao’s principal shareholder is also the owner of a ~1 million
tonne lithium concentrate plant and lithium salt conversion line, strengthening Jinjianqiao’s access to
downstream battery materials processing. Jinjianqiao’s integrated offering affords miners an
opportunity to accelerate commercialisation and broaden their market access by providing a
streamlined route from the mine to downstream battery supply chains, with the support of
established logistics and quality assurance.
Key Terms of the MOU
Non-Binding
The MOU is not legally binding and does not create any obligation to proceed with any transaction.
Any binding agreement will require separate negotiation and approval.
Although not explicitly stated in the MOU, the execution of any binding agreements pursuant to the
MOU is not possible until the Chariot completes its acquisition of the Nigerian projects (as announced
to the ASX on 3 December, 20251
).
Chariot anticipates completing the acquisition of the Nigerian projects in the first quarter of calendar
year 2026.
Offtake Agreement
The MOU contemplates the potential sale and delivery of direct shipping ore (DSO) from one or more
of the projects to a collection point at Sagamu, in Nigeria.
Upon satisfactory due diligence, and subject to negotiation and agreement on terms, Jinjianqiao would
potentially be able to select one of Chariot’s four Nigerian lithium projects as a “Selected Project” for
offtake. For the Selected Project, Jinjianqiao would be able to secure long-term, exclusive priority
offtake of spodumene concentrate (or other lithium-bearing products). The spodumene concentrate
pricing for any future offtake will reference a mutually agreed index recognised by the international
market (for material of ~5.5–6.2% Li₂O grade).
1
https://www.chariotcorporation.com/announcements/7292987
3
The production of spodumene concentrate at any meaningful scale would require the completion of:
• exploration (including drilling) and development activities;
• definition of a JORC-compliant resource;
• metallurgical studies;
• evaluation of toll processing options and ore transportation logistics;
• other technical studies; and
• the securing of any necessary permits.
Nigerian Lithium Processing Plant
Chariot will collaborate with Jinjianqiao to evaluate the design, construction and operation of a lithium
processing plant in Nigeria. The parties envision that the facility would enable run-of-mine ore to be
upgraded on-site into spodumene concentrate.
Funding Support
The MOU contemplates discussions on potential financing support from Jinjianqiao, which could
include credit lines or offtake prepayment financing to fund exploration of the projects and,
ultimately, the development of one of the Nigerian projects.
Due Diligence
Jinjianqiao will conduct thorough technical and commercial due diligence on Chariot’s Nigerian
projects as part of the MOU. Successful completion of due diligence to Jinjianqiao’s satisfaction is a
precondition to entering into any binding offtake or investment agreements.
Exclusivity and Negotiation Period
The MOU is non-exclusive and Chariot remains free to engage in discussions with other parties
regarding its Nigerian projects. However, if Jinjianqiao formally selects a project for offtake (thereby
designating it as a Selected Project), both parties intend to enter a period of exclusive negotiations
(for up to 90 days) focused on that project. During this exclusivity window, Chariot and Jinjianqiao will
work in good faith to finalize definitive agreements such as a binding offtake contract and any related
arrangements.
Term and Termination
The MOU became effective upon execution by both parties and may be terminated by either party
with 30 days’ notice. In addition, the MOU terminates automatically upon execution of a definitive
agreement.
Authorised on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Shanthar Pathmanathan
Executive Chairman & Managing Director
Chariot Resources Ltd
4
Important Notice
Statements in this announcement are made only as of the date of this announcement unless
otherwise stated and the information in this announcement remains subject to change without notice.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither Chariot nor any of its affiliates, related bodies
corporate, their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors and agents or any other person
accepts any liability as to or in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the information,
statements, opinions or matters (express or implied) arising out of, contained in or derived from this
announcement or any omission from this announcement or of any other written or oral information
or opinions provided now or in the future to any person.
This announcement may contain some references to forecasts, estimates, assumptions and other
forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations, estimates and
projected outcomes are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that they will be
achieved.
5
About Chariot
Chariot Resources Limited is a mineral exploration company focused on discovering and developing
high-grade and near surface lithium opportunities focused principally in the United States and Nigeria.
In addition to the recently announced acquisition of a Nigerian lithium portfolio which has yet to close,
Chariot has twelve (12) lithium projects, including two core projects in the United States (the “Core
Projects”) and a number of exploration pipeline projects which Chariot majority owns and operates.
The Core Projects include Chariot’s Black Mountain Project (which is prospective for hard rock lithium)
in Wyoming, USA and the Resurgent Project (which is prospective for claystone lithium) in Nevada and
Oregon, USA. Initial survey results from the Core Projects indicate high-grade lithium mineralisation
at surface.
The Nigerian portfolio of hard-rock lithium assets consists of four project clusters (Fonlo, Gbugbu,
Iganna, and Saki) in the Oyo and Kwara states which cover approximately 254 square kilometers and
are comprised of 8 exploration licences and 2 small-scale mining leases. These assets represent one
of the largest portfolios of lithium assets in the country and have a history of significant artisanal
lithium mining. Chariot anticipates completing the acquisition of the Nigerian portfolio in the first
quarter of this calendar year.
Chariot also holds an interest in six exploration pipeline projects located in Wyoming, USA, including
the Copper Mountain Project, the South Pass Project and four other hard rock lithium projects.
Chariot also holds an interest in applications for seven (7) exploration licences in the highly prospective
Southern Cross Greenstone Belt, Western Australia. The Southern Cross Greenstone Belt, one of
Western Australia’s most significant gold-producing regions with over 150 mines, is now emerging as
a key region for LCT pegmatites.
Chariot holds an interest in a hard rock lithium project in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe project licences
are in the process of being relinquished.
In addition, Chariot holds a portfolio interest in certain properties prospective for claystone hosted
lithium located in the State of Nevada in the United States through its interest in Mustang Lithium LLC.
Share your feedback
Discover