Skip to main content

AI assistant

Sign in to chat with this filing

The assistant answers questions, extracts KPIs, and summarises risk factors directly from the filing text.

IONEER LTD Capital/Financing Update 2025

Jun 1, 2025

65129_rns_2025-06-01_eeb47c9b-9954-4902-be28-359092a8ccf9.pdf

Capital/Financing Update

Open in viewer

Opens in your device viewer

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [168 x 42] intentionally omitted <==

Ore Reserve Quadruples for Rhyolite Ridge Project; Reaffirms Robust Project Economics

  • Rhyolite Ridge Ore Reserve more than quadrupled from 60 million tonnes in 2020 to 247 million tonnes , delivering a mine life of 95 years

  • Ore Reserve now contains a total of 1.92 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent and 7.68 Mt of boric acid equivalent

  • Underpinning plans for a large, long-life, low-cost expandable operation , producing lithium carbonate, boric acid and then battery-grade lithium hydroxide

  • Stable co-product - boric acid accounts for an average 25% of annual revenue in the first 25 years; helping ensure positive EBITDA at low lithium prices and EBITDA margin of 65.7% based on average production over first 25 years

  • All-in sustaining cash cost of US$5,745 per metric tonne lithium carbonate equivalent places the Rhyolite Ridge Project in the bottom of the global lithium cost curve

  • Compelling Project economics with an after-tax NPV of US$1.367 billion , and an unlevered, after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) of 14.5%

June 2, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR, Nasdaq: IONR) (Ioneer) is pleased to announce a 308% upgrade to the Ore Reserve estimate for its 100%-owned Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project (‘Rhyolite Ridge’ or the ‘Project’) in Nevada, USA, alongside updated Project economics.

The Ore Reserve has increased by 186.6 million tonnes (Mt) and approximately 48% of the Mineral Resource has been converted into Reserve, now estimated at:

  • 246.6 Mt at 1,464 ppm lithium and 5,444 ppm boron

  • Containing 1.92 Mt of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) and 7.68 Mt of Boric Acid Equivalent (BAE)

“Today’s updated Reserve and Mine Plan reinforces the importance of Rhyolite Ridge’s remarkable mineralogy. Our Ore Reserve estimate of 247 Mt containing a total of 1.92 Mt LCE and 7.68 Mt BAE make it the largest lithium-boron Reserve in the world ,” said Bernard Rowe, Managing Director, Ioneer. “It allows Ioneer to match prevailing market conditions and blend or prioritise ore to produce a valuable boric acid coproduct, whose market is uncorrelated with the Project’s primary lithium product. No other lithium project offers this level of flexibility and economic advantage. In periods of low cycle lithium pricing, like today, we plan to prioritize the high-boron ore production to optimize the relative proportion of total revenue derived from boric acid.”

By prioritising High-Boron (Hi-B) ore in the first 25 years of production, the Project is poised to produce an average of ~19,200 tonnes per annum (tpa) of LCE, and 116,400 tpa of boric acid (see Table 1 ).

The updated Ore Reserve estimate, 95-year mine plan for stage one operations, and Project economics reaffirms Rhyolite Ridge as a highly attractive global Project to produce lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide and boric acid. The updated findings position Ioneer, on an LCE basis, in the lowest cost quartile for lithium

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

production globally with an estimated all-in sustaining cash cost to produce battery grade lithium hydroxide of US$5,745 and a cash cost of C1 $3,858 per tonne net of expected boric acid revenue in the first 25 years.

The Project has a stable overall operating cost structure to produce lithium carbonate and battery grade lithium hydroxide due to the scale and reliability of its boric acid credit. Boron remains one of the most stable natural resource commodities over many decades.

Ioneer has refined Project plans over the past four years and updates now include an Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) Class 2 capital cost estimate (-10%, +15%) with approximately 70% of the Project’s engineering complete. As a result of this and other engineering work including RAM analysis and detailed engineering design, Ioneer has adopted a more conservative approach to plant availability, equipment downtime and maintenance strategies. While this approach reduces bottom line economics, the Company believes it is appropriate for a Project of this type and scale.

The Company now estimates total capital expenditure to complete the Project will be US$1,667.9 million, including a 10% contingency.

Key Parameters

Table 1. Key Parameters

KEY PARAMETERS UNIT YEARS 1-25
AVERAGE
LOM
AVERAGE
PHYSICALS
Ore processing rate Mtpa 2.4 2.6
Total tonnes processed Mt 60.3 246.6
Lithium carbonate grade (equivalent) % 0.95 0.79
Boric acid grade (equivalent) % 6.08 3.21
Recoveries – Lithium carbonate % 85.3 84.9
Recoveries – Lithium hydroxide (year three and beyond) % 96.0 96.0
Recoveries – Boric acid % 79.3 67.9
Lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production1 tpa ~19,200 ~17,200
Boric acid production tpa ~116,400 ~60,400
OPERATING AND CAPITAL COSTS
LCE All-in Sustaining Cost (AISC) (net of boric acid credit) US$/t LCE 5,745 7,511
LCE direct cost (C1) (net of boric acid credit) US$/t LCE 3,858 6,237
Mining cost per ore tonne US$/t 23.5 9.9
Processing cost per ore tonne US$/t 71.1 61.6
Initial capital expenditure (including contingencies) US$M 1,667.9

1 Lithium carbonate is produced in years 1 and 2, converting to lithium hydroxide from year 3 onwards.

2

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

KEY PARAMETERS UNIT YEARS 1-25
AVERAGE
LOM
AVERAGE
Capitalized deferred pre-stripping costs US$M 399.2 692.2
Sustaining capital expenditure US$M 705.1 1,830.0
PRICING ASSUMPTIONS
Lithium hydroxide index price2 US$/t 23,040 23,011
Boric acid price3 US$/t 1,296 1,373
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Annual revenue US$Mpa 618.7 497.1
Annual revenue – Lithium US$Mpa 462.5 414.6
Annual revenue – Boric acid US$Mpa 156.2 82.5
Annual EBITDA US$Mpa 406.4 318.9
Annual EBITDA margin % 65.7 64.2
After-tax unlevered NPV @ 8% real discount rate US$M 1,007.6 1,367.4
After-tax Internal unlevered Rate of Return (IRR) % 14.0 14.5
After-tax levered NPV @ 8% real discount rate US$M 1,139 1,499
After-tax levered Internal Rate of Return (IRR) % 18.1 18.3
Payback period (from start of operations) years 8

The key parameters detailed above do not take into account several opportunities that, when finalised, are expected to materially increase lithium and boron output. Recently completed testwork demonstrated a reduction in leach time from the current three days to two days (reducing the vat cycle from seven to six days) increasing lithium and boron production per unit of acid (Acid Yield) by 7-14% with minimal capital cost and high operating cost leverage. Ioneer intends to adopt this reduction in leach time once a mine plan accounting for the increased throughput is completed.

The prioritisation of Hi-B ore in the first 25 years means a substantial amount of stockpiling of Lo-B ore is required. This is reflected in the materially lower average mining cost for LOM ($9.90) versus Y1-25 ($23.50). Most of the ore being processed in the later years comes from stockpiles. Recent testwork has shown that Lo-B ore can be upgraded by a factor of between 1.4-2.0 times using gravitational concentration, making this material an ideal candidate feed for a future Stage 2 plant dedicated to Lo-B ore. For further information please refer to Company announcement “Ioneer Announces Results of Initial Upgrading Testwork Demonstrating Growth Optionality” dated May 6, 2025.

2 The Lithium Hydroxide forward price curve is sourced from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.

3 The boric acid forward price curve is based on Ioneer’s own internal market study.

3

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

Project Summary

The Rhyolite Ridge Project is a large-scale, greenfield, lithium-boron project being developed on federal lands in southern Nevada in the United States. The Project is located in Esmeralda County, approximately halfway between Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, and is easily accessible via state and county roads. Nevada is consistently rated as one of the world’s most favourable and stable mining jurisdictions.

Rhyolite Ridge’s unique lithium-boron mineralogy is the only known example of this type of deposit globally. The distinct mineralogy allows for low-cost processing of its ore into high-grade lithium and boric acid products using sulphuric acid leaching followed by industry standard evaporation and crystallisation methods.

When completed, the Project will be a large, long-life, low-cost operation and will play a vital role in supplying two critical materials (lithium and boron) essential for a sustainable future. Lithium demand is projected to grow by more than 15% year over year, driven by transportation, energy storage and general electrification. Boron is an increasingly strategic material with more than 70% of global reserves concentrated in Turkey and only one large, mature mine operating outside of that country.

The Project will produce at least three saleable chemical products. The mine will extract and process approximately 2.6 million tonnes of ore per year over a 95-year mine-life. Annual production of lithium and boron is outlined in Figure 2 below. The saleable chemical products are:

  • Lithium Carbonate (Technical Grade) , available from start-up and reprocessed into lithium hydroxide monohydrate from year 3,

  • Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (Battery Grade) from year 3, and

  • Boric Acid (technical grade), available from start-up.

The Rhyolite Ridge ore will be processed by vat acid leaching, impurity removal, evaporation, and crystallization, following a flowsheet developed for this project using known and commercially proven equipment and technology. The process plant flowsheet development has been supported by extensive test work and pilot plant programs (see Figure 1 below). Rhyolite Ridge is the only known lithium deposit globally to be amenable to vat or heap leaching technology.

The Project is designed to be an environmentally friendly operation with on-site power generation, lowwater usage, low emissions, and a modest surface footprint without a tailings dam or solar evaporation ponds.

Rhyolite Ridge will also be the first greenfield mining site in the United States to use automated haul trucks from the outset. Following the success of numerous international implementations, automation is expected to improve safety and reduce operating and capital costs.

4

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [482 x 272] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 1. Rhyolite Ridge process plant diagram colour coded by unit operation

==> picture [476 x 178] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 2. Lithium Carbonate Equivalent and Boric Acid Production years 1-25

While lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide are expected to see exceptional growth, price volatility may continue. The Company is positioned to counter lithium volatility through its boric acid credit. Boric acid demand growth has been stable, is expected to continue, and is uncorrelated with the lithium market. Figure 3 (below) shows boric acid prices have been historically stable when compared to lithium and many other natural resource commodities. Together, the two products enhance the Project’s financial resilience and the ability to maintain profitability through commodity price cycles.

5

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [132 x 8] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----

Historical Price Volatility | 15 Years
----- End of picture text -----

==> picture [450 x 146] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----

53 %
40 %
34 %
30 %
24 %
18 % 17 % 17 %
13 %
Lithium Natural Gas Met Coal Oil Nickel Copper Zinc Aluminum Boric Acid
Carbonate
(Battery
Grade)
----- End of picture text -----

Figure 3. Historical price volatility of commodities over the past 15 years. Source: Ioneer market study and Bloomberg L.P.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Fully permitted and engineering ready

  • Water rights fully secured

  • Closed DOE LPO loan for US$996 million (including capitalised interest during construction of US$28 million[4] ). DOE LPO loan has conditions to first draw.

  • Robust, strategic partner process ready for launch with Goldman Sachs

  • Compelling Project Economics for Stage One of Project

  • All-in Sustaining Cash Cost in the lowest quartile of the Global Cost Curve

  • Well Defined and Reliable Operating Cost and Capital Cost Estimates (AACE Class 2)

  • Long-Life Resource with Optimisation Upside and Verified Expansion Potential

  • US Advantage and Low-Risk, Mining-Friendly Jurisdiction

Capital Cost Overview

The Rhyolite Ridge Project has been successfully completed to international mining project standards by Ioneer and Tier 1 Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) companies Fluor and AtkinsRéalis. An AACE Class 2 capital cost estimates (-10%, +15%) has been produced, with engineering design at 68.5% complete. While Class 3 estimates are typically used for funding approval, Class 2 estimates are required for project cost control. The Class 2 estimate will form the baseline against which actual costs and resources will be monitored for variations to budget and will form part of the change management system.

The AACE Class 2 capital cost estimate covers the period from final investment decision to first production and is reported in Q1 2024 real U.S. dollars, excluding design growth allowances on neat quantities and risk costs. Total equipment pricing, including mine equipment, process/mechanical, electrical and

4 See Company announcement titled, “Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project closes upsized US$996 million loan “, dated 20 January 2025, for further information.

6

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

instruments/controls, is based 63% on firm pricing, and 36% on budget pricing from competitive bidders.

The AACE Class 2 capital cost estimate (Capex) is US$1,667.9 million including a 10% contingency.

Capex increased from the 2020 DFS estimate of US$785 million to the current estimate of US$1,667.9 million. The increase was the result of changes related to escalation, quantity and cost growth. These are illustrated in the financial waterfall in Figure 4 (below).

Changes in design accounted for US$311 million of the Capex increase and were mainly associated with the addition of increased pre-stripping activities including mining equipment down payments and fees, and compliance with DOE loan requirements including compliance with the Davis Bacon Act (labour) and U.S. Cargo Preference Act (freight).

The capital cost estimates present all expected forecasted costs to complete costs for the Project as defined by the scope of work in the basis of estimate. All incurred or sunk costs up to the Report date were excluded. A contingency of 10% was applied to the capital costs estimate using a Monte Carlo simulation to achieve a P65 (the probability at the 65th percentile) confidence level for the estimate.

==> picture [483 x 199] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 4. Capex Financial Waterfall – Rhyolite Ridge Project 2020 to Updated 2024

Sustaining capital expenditure is materially impacted by ground anchoring geotechnical support to ensure slope stability in areas adjacent to where Tiehm’s buckwheat is growing. This additional ground support is required when mining is taking place in specific areas and is not linear over the LOM. During Y4-25, $381m in anchoring is required and a further $783m is required in Y26-95. Ioneer believes it is likely these amounts will reduce significantly through:

  • Obtaining real-time geological information as mining progresses where that data can replace conservative model assumptions

  • Completing successful trials to grow and transplant Tiehm’s buckwheat

  • Modifying pit design (the conceptual pit shell used for the ore reserve estimate aimed to maximise tonnes without minimising ground anchoring)

7

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

Operating Cost Overview

Annual operating costs average a total of US$71.45 per metric ton for the life of the mine and are represented in Figure 5 (below).

==> picture [412 x 272] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 5. Rhyolite Ridge LOM operating costs by contributing areas

Ioneer is positioned, on an LCE basis, in the lowest cost quartile for lithium production globally with an estimated all-in sustaining cash (AISC) cost per LCE tonne of US$5,745 and a C1 cash cost of C1 $3,858 per tonne net of expected boric acid revenue in the first 25 years (See Figure 6 below). C1 cash costs include raw materials, labour, utilities, maintenance materials, supplies, outside services and overburden storage costs. AISC incorporates all C1 cash costs, sustaining capex and estimated interest on the DOE Loan. For the life of mine, C1 cash cost is estimated to be $6,237 per tonne and ASIC cost of $7,511 net of expected boric acid revenue. The unique mineralogy at Rhyolite Ridge, including co-production of boron, allows for the Project to remain globally competitive in various lithium pricing environments.

8

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [464 x 194] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----

20,000
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
Lithium Carbonate Price:
10,000 US $8,570/tonne
8,000 AISC OPEX
Years 1-25: $5,745/t
6,000
4,000 LEGEND
Ioneer
2,000 Other Lithium Operations
-
- 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,300
Illustrative 2025e Production (Kt LCE)
Illustrative 2025e ASIC Operating Expense (US%/t LCE)
----- End of picture text -----

Figure 6. Rhyolite Ridge All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) compared to other Projects (Source: Ioneer internal study and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Lithium Carbonate price estimate Benchmark Mineral Intelligence 30 April 2025 lithium carbonate spot CIF Asia)

Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve

Ioneer engaged the independent services of Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. (IMC) to compile and complete the updated South Basin Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates, which has been verified and approved by their appointed Competent Person in compliance with JORC Code (2012).

The Mineral Resource is estimated at 510 million tonnes, including an Ore Reserve of 247 million tonnes, representing an increase in the Reserve of 308% from the previous estimate. The Mineral Resource is inclusive of the Ore Reserve. The Company expects to mine and process 247 million tonnes over the 95-year mine life at an average annual rate of 2.6 million tonnes per year. The 247 million tonnes represents 48% of the total Mineral Resource of 510 million tonnes.

The current 95-year mine plan is made up entirely of Reserve material (100%), and of that approximately 35% is Proved Ore Reserve. The resource flexibility allows for a potential extension to the life of the mine or expansion opportunities in the future. The Reserve and Resource are subdivided into High-Boron lithium mineralisation and Low-Boron lithium mineralisation as shown in Table 2 and Table 3 below.

Units High-Boron Low-Boron Combined
Reserve
Reserve Tonnes 91.2 155.4 246.6
Li grade ppm 1715 1,318 1,464
B grade ppm 12,329 1,402 5,444
Contained LCE Mt 0.83 1.09 1.92
Contained BAE Mt 6.43 1.25 7.68
Ratio BAE: LCE Ratio 7.7:1 1.1:1 4:1

9

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

Units High-Boron Low-Boron Combined
Resource
Resource Tonnes 178.6 331.8 510.4
Li grade ppm 1,624 2,470 1,461
B grade ppm 11,754 2,607 5,023
Contained LCE Mt 1.54 2.43 3.97
Contained BA Mt 12.00 2.65 14.66
Ratio BA: LCE Ratio 7.8:1 1.1:1 3.7:1

Table 2. Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimates divided into High-Boron and Low-Boron ore types[5]

Metric Lithium Boron Contained Equivalent
Grade2
Contained Equivalent
Grade2
Contained6 Contained6
Tonnes2,7 Grade7 Grade7 Equivalent2Tonnes
Li B Li2CO3 H3BO3 Li2CO3 H3BO3
(ktonnes) (ppm) (ppm) (Wt. %) (Wt. %) (kt) (kt)
Mineral Resource
Total Hi-B Measured 64,380 1,752 12,670 0.93 7.24 600 4,664
Indicated 87,372 1,551 11,280 0.83 6.45 721 5,636
Measured and Indicated 151,752 1,636 11,870 0.87 6.79 1,322 10,300
Inferred 26,873 1,554 11,102 0.83 6.35 222 1,706
Sub-total Hi-B(Stream 1) 178,625 1,624 11,754 0.86 6.72 1,544 12,005
Total Lo-B Measured 87,904 1,464 1,554 0.78 2.10 685 781
Indicated 174,127 1,349 1,517 0.72 1.87 1,250 1,510
Measured and Indicated 262,031 1,387 1,529 0.74 1.94 1,935 2,291
Inferred 69,717 1,323 910 0.70 0.52 491 363
Sub-total Lo-B(Stream 2 & 3) 331,748 2,470 2,607 1.31 3.18 2,426 2,654
Total Measured & Indicated Ore Resource 413,783 1,479 5,321 0.79 12.69 3,969 12,590
Total Inferred Ore Resource 96,590 1,387 3,745 0.74 2.14 713 2,069
Total Mineral Resource 510,373 1,461 5,023 0.78 10.70 4,683 14,659

5 All ore reserve figures represent estimates as of May 2025. Ore reserve estimates are not precise calculations, being dependent on the interpretation of limited information on the location, shape and continuity of the occurrence and on the available sampling results. The totals have been rounded to reflect the relative uncertainty of the estimate. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

10

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

Ore Reserve Ore Reserve
Total Hi-B Proved 39,428 1,823 13,235 0.97 7.57 383 2,984
Probable 51,812 1,632 11,640 0.87 6.66 450 3,448
Sub-total Hi-B(Stream 1) 91,240 1,715 12,329 0.91 7.05 833 6,432
Total Lo-B Proved 46,321 1,358 1,348 0.72 2.04 335 357
Probable 109,065 1,300 1,425 0.69 0.82 755 889
Sub-total Lo-B(Stream 2 & 3) 155,386 1,318 1,402 0.70 1.18 1,089 1,246
Total Proved &Probable Ore Reserve 246,626 1,465 5,445 0.78 9.32 1,922 7,678

Table 3. Summary of 2025 Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimates for Hi-B, Lo-B and combined

Notes:

  1. The statement of estimates of Ore Reserves has been compiled by Mr. Joseph S.C. McNaughton, a Competent Person is a Registered Professional Engineer in State of Arizona. Mr McNaughton is a full-time employee of IMC Inc. and is independent of Ioneer and its affiliates. Mr. Joseph McNaughton is responsible for the estimate, has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code (2012).

  2. The ore reserve estimates the result of determining the measured and indicated resource that incorporates modifying factors demonstrating that it is economically minable, allowing for the conversion to proven and probable. In making this determination, constraints were applied to the geological model based upon a pit optimization analysis that defined a conceptual pit shell limit. The conceptual pit shell was based upon a net value per tonne calculation including a 5,000ppm boron cut-off grade for high boron – high lithium (HiB-Li) mineralization (Stream 1) and a $16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade for low boron (LoB-Li) mineralization below 5,000ppm boron broke into two material types, low clay and high clay material respectfully (Stream 2 and Stream 3). The pit shell was constrained by a conceptual Mineral Resource optimized pit shell for the purpose of establishing reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction based on potential mining, metallurgical and processing grade parameters identified by mining, metallurgical and processing studies performed to date on the Project. The conceptual pit shell was used a guide to the engineered quarry designs used to constrain the Mineral Reserves.

  3. Key inputs in developing the Mineral Resource pit shell included a 5,000ppm boron cut-off grade for HiB-Li mineralization, $16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade for LoB-Li low clay mineralization and LoB-Li high clay mineralization; mining cost of US$1.69 /tonne; G&A cost of US$16.54 /process tonne; plant feed processing and grade control costs which range between US$20.27/tonne and US$98.73/tonne of plant feed (based on the acid consumption per stream and the mineral resource average grades); boron and lithium recovery for Stream 1 of 80.2% and 85.7%; Stream 2 and 3: M5 65% and 78%, B5 80.2% and 85.7%, S5 50% and 88%, L6 37% and 85%, respectively; boric acid sales price of US$1,172.78/tonne; lithium carbonate sales price of US$19,351.38/tonne were selected based on the market analysis.

  4. Ore reserves are based on a block model that is 7.62m x 7.62m30 in plan and 9.14m high. The model block size used for the ore reserve estimate is based on selected mining equipment and approached used within the mine plan. As a result, the dilution and ore loss are incorporated within the block model. On average, the reserve experienced a 308% increase in process tonnage, with lithium and boron grades decreasing by 18% and 65%, respectively. This resulted in a 428% and 167% increase in the tons of contained lithium carbonate and boric acid in the process streams when transitioning from mineral resource to ore reserve.

  5. Ore reserves reported on a dry in-situ basis. The contained and recovered lithium carbonate and boric acid are reported in the table above in metric tonnes. Lithium is converted to equivalent contained tonnes of lithium carbonate using a stochiometric conversion factor of 5.322, and boron is converted to equivalent contained tonnes of boric acid using a stochiometric conversion factor of 5.718. Equivalent stochiometric conversion factors are derived from the molecular weights of the individual elements which make up lithium carbonate and boric acid. The equivalent recovered tons of lithium carbonate and boric acid is the portion of the contained tonnage that can be recovered after processing.

11

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

  1. All ore reserve figures represent estimates as of May 2025. Ore reserve estimates are not precise calculations, being dependent on the interpretation of limited information on the location, shape and continuity of the occurrence and on the available sampling results. The totals have been rounded to reflect the relative uncertainty of the estimate. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

  2. Kt – thousand metric tonnes, MT – million metric tonnes, kst = thousand short tons; Li = lithium; B = boron; ppm= parts per million; Li2CO3 = lithium carbonate; H3BO3 = boric acid. Equivalent lithium carbonate and boric acid grades have been rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent.

Next Steps

  • Secure equity financing to sit alongside U.S. Government debt ($996 million)[6]

  • Final Investment Decision once equity and debt are in place

  • Construction Phase . Expected to take approximately 36 months (including procurement of long lead items)

  • First Production – 36 months from FID[1]

  • Pathway to future growth

This ASX release has been authorised by Ioneer Managing Director, Bernard Rowe.

--ENDS--

Investor Relations

Chad Yeftich Ioneer USA Corporation

Investor Relations (USA) T: +1 775 993 8563 E: [email protected]

Ian Bucknell Ioneer Limited

Investor Relations (AUS) T: +61 434 567 155 E: [email protected]

Media Relations

Daniel Francis, FGS Global

E: [email protected]

6 Note the DOE LPO loan is comprised of $968 million in principal and $28 million in capitalised interest and has conditions to first draw. See Company announcement titled, “Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project closes upsized US$996 million loan “, dated 20 January 2025, for further information.

12

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

Resource and Reserve Estimate Advisers

Ioneer engaged the independent services of Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. (IMC) to compile and complete the updated South Basin Mineral Resource estimate, which has been verified and approved by their appointed Competent Person in compliance with JORC Code (2012).

The February 2025 Mineral Resource estimate is an update to the April 2024 Mineral Resource estimate. The changes to the previous resource estimate (2023 vs 2024) were not material.

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this report that relates to the February 2025 Mineral Resource estimate is based on information compiled by Herbert E. Welhener, a Competent Person who is a Registered Member of the SME (Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration), and is a QP Member of MMSA (the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America). Mr. Welhener is a full-time employee of Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. (IMC) and is independent of Ioneer and its affiliates. Mr. Welhener has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (JORC Code 2012). Mr. Welhener consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this report that relates to the 2025 Ore Reserve estimate is based on information compiled by Joseph McNaughton, a Competent Person who is a certified Professional Engineer (‘PE’) in the US and is a registered professional engineer in the State of Arizona. Mr. McNaughton is a full-time employee of Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. (IMC) and is independent of Ioneer and its affiliates. Mr. McNaughton has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (JORC Code 2012). Mr. McNaughton consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

About Ioneer

Ioneer Ltd is an emerging lithium–boron producer and the 100% owner of the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project. Rhyolite Ridge is the only known lithium-boron deposit in North America, one of only two known such deposits in the world and a linchpin project in Nevada’s burgeoning Lithium Loop.

In October 2024, Ioneer received the final federal permit for the Project from the Bureau of Land Management, concluding the formal federal permitting process which began in early 2020. Rhyolite Ridge closed a US$996 million loan with the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program in January 2025.

Ioneer signed separate offtake agreements with Ford Motor Company and Prime Planet & Energy Solutions (joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic) in 2022 and Korea’s EcoPro Innovation in 2021.

To learn more about Ioneer, visit www.Ioneer.com/investors or find us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

13

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

Important notice and disclaimer

Forward-looking statements

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements and comments about future events,

including Ioneer’s expectations about the Project and the performance of its businesses. Forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as ‘expect’, ‘anticipate’, ‘likely’, ‘intend’, ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘may’, ‘predict’, ‘plan’, ‘propose’, ‘will’, ‘believe’, ‘forecast’, ‘estimate’, ‘target’ and other similar expressions within the meaning of securities laws of applicable jurisdictions. Indications of, and guidance on, the Conditional Commitment, financing plans, future earnings or financial position or performance are also forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and there is a risk that such predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Forward-looking statements are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied on as an indication or guarantee of future performance. Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainty and other factors which can cause Ioneer’s actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates, and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements and many of these factors are outside the control of Ioneer. Such risks include, among others, uncertainties related to the finalisation, execution, and funding of the DOE financing, including our ability to successfully negotiate definitive agreements and to satisfy any funding conditions, as well as other uncertainties and risk factors set out in filings made from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Australian Securities Exchange. As such, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statement. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance and no representation or warranty is made by any person as to the likelihood of achievement or reasonableness of any forwardlooking statements, forecast financial information or other forecast. Nothing contained in this announcement, nor any information made available to you is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise, representation, warranty or guarantee as to the past, present or the future performance of Ioneer.

Except as required by law or the ASX Listing Rules, Ioneer assumes no obligation to provide any additional or updated information or to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise.

14

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

Suite 16.01 Level 16, 213 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 www.Ioneer.com

==> picture [75 x 19] intentionally omitted <==

Key Metrics Comparison

2020 DFS Current Estimate
(Life of Mine)
$1,265 million Unlevered NPV8 $1,367 million
$422 million Avg. LOM Annual Revenue $497 million
20,600 tpa Avg. LOM Annual LCE
Production
17,200 tpa
174,400 tpa Avg. LOM Annual Boric Acid
Production
60,400 tpa
60.0 Mt Ore Processed 246.6 Mt
26 years Life of Project 95 years
$288 million Average Annual EBITDA $319 million
$785.4 million
AACE Class 3 estimate
Capital Costs $1,667.9 million
AACE Class 2 estimate
$202 Sustaining Capex $1,830 million
20.8% Unlevered IRR 14.5%
5.2 years
(from operations)
Payback Period 8.0 years
(from operations)
P50 Confidence Level P65

15

ABN 76 098 564 606 ASX: INR Nasdaq: IONR

==> picture [125 x 30] intentionally omitted <==

Appendix A Mineral Resource Statement and Parameters

A summary of the February 2025 Mineral Resource estimate (inclusive of ore reserves) is provided in the table below.

February 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate for Rhyolite Ridge South Basin (Metric)

Stream Group Classification Tonnage
(ktonnes)
Li
ppm
B
ppm
Li2CO3
Wt. %
H3BO3
Wt. %
Contained Contained
Li2CO3
(ktonnes)
H3BO3
(ktonnes)
Stream 1 (>= 5,000 ppm B) Upper
Zone
B5 Unit
Measured 38,404 1,891 15,282 1.01 8.74 386 3,356
Indicated 38,670 1,743 13,996 0.93 8.00 359 3,095
Inferred 10,627 1,712 10,564 0.91 6.04 97 642
Total 87,701 1,804 14,143 0.96 8.09 842 7,092
Upper
Zone M5
Unit
Measured 4,562 2,350 7,592 1.25 4.34 57 198
Indicated 4,224 2,231 7,450 1.19 4.26 50 180
Inferred 763 2,197 6,515 1.17 3.73 9 28
Total 9,549 2,285 7,443 1.22 4.26 116 406
Upper
Zone
S5 Unit
Measured 3,693 1,419 7,641 0.75 4.37 28 161
Indicated 4,747 1,285 7,415 0.68 4.24 32 201
Inferred 1,572 1,400 6,469 0.75 3.70 12 58
Total 10,012 1,352 7,350 0.72 4.20 72 421
Upper
Zone
Total
Measured 46,659 1,899 13,926 1.01 7.96 471 3,715
Indicated 47,641 1,741 12,760 0.93 7.30 441 3,476
Inferred 12,962 1,703 9,829 0.91 5.62 117 728
Total 107,262 1,805 12,913 0.96 7.38 1,030 7,920
Lower
Zone
L6 Unit
Measured 17,721 1,366 9,362 0.73 5.35 129 949
Indicated 39,731 1,324 9,507 0.70 5.44 280 2,160
Inferred 13,911 1,415 12,288 0.75 7.03 105 977
Total 71,363 1,352 10,013 0.72 5.73 514 4,086
Total
Stream 1
(all
zones)
Measured 64,380 1,752 12,670 0.93 7.24 600 4,664
Indicated 87,372 1,551 11,280 0.83 6.45 721 5,636
Inferred 26,873 1,554 11,102 0.83 6.35 222 1,706
Total 178,625 1,624 11,754 0.86 6.72 1,544 12,005
Stream 2 ($16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade,
Low Clay)
Upper
Zone
B5 Unit
Measured 4,963 2,229 2,213 1.19 1.27 59 63
Indicated 4,734 2,120 2,515 1.13 1.44 53 68
Inferred 3,616 1,715 1,805 0.91 1.03 33 37
Total 13,313 2,050 2,210 1.09 1.26 145 168
Upper
Zone
S5 Unit
Measured 21,087 1,090 1,281 0.58 0.73 122 154
Indicated 26,144 988 1,242 0.53 0.71 138 186
Inferred 11,925 1,003 1,206 0.53 0.69 64 82
Total 59,156 1,027 1,248 0.55 0.71 323 422
Upper
Zone
Total
Measured 26,050 1,307 1,458 0.70 0.83 181 217
Indicated 30,878 1,162 1,437 0.62 0.82 191 254
Inferred 15,541 1,169 1,345 0.62 0.77 97 120
Total 72,469 1,215 1,425 0.65 0.81 469 590
Lower
Zone
Measured 42,663 1,227 1,613 0.65 0.92 279 393
Indicated 114,183 1,206 1,622 0.64 0.93 733 1,059

16

L6 Unit Inferred 44,658 1,277 800 0.68 0.46 304 204
Total 201,504 1,226 1,438 0.65 0.82 1,315 1,657
Total
Stream 2
(all
zones)
Measured 68,713 1,257 1,554 0.67 0.89 460 611
Indicated 145,061 1,196 1,583 0.64 0.90 923 1,313
Inferred 60,199 1,249 941 0.66 0.54 400 324
Total 273,973 1,223 1,434 0.65 0.82 1,783 2,247
Stream
3($16.54/ton
ne net value
cut-offgrade,

Total
Stream 3
(M5
zone)
Measured 19,191 2,203 1,552 1.17 0.89 225 170
Indicated 29,066 2,112 1,187 1.12 0.68 327 197
Inferred 9,518 1,789 716 0.95 0.41 91 39
Total 57,775 2,089 1,231 1.11 0.70 642 407
Grand Total All
Streams and All Units
Measured 152,284 1,585 6,253 0.84 3.58 1,285 5,445
Indicated 261,499 1,417 4,779 0.75 2.73 1,971 7,146
Inferred 96,590 1,387 3,745 0.74 2.14 713 2,069
Total 510,373 1,461 5,023 0.78 2.87 3,969 14,659

Notes:

  1. ktonnes- thousand tonnes (metric); Li= lithium; B= boron; ppm= parts per million; Li2CO3 = lithium carbonate; H3BO3 = boric acid;

  2. Totals may differ due to rounding, Mineral Resources reported on a dry in-situ basis. Lithium is converted to Equivalent Contained Tonnes of Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3) using a stochiometric conversion factor of 5.322, and boron is converted to Equivalent Contained Tonnes of Boric Acid (H3BO3) using a stochiometric conversion factor of 5.718. Equivalent stochiometric conversion factors are derived from the molecular weights of the individual elements which make up Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3) and Boric Acid (H3BO3).

  1. The statement of estimates of Mineral Resources has been compiled by Mr. Herbert E. Welhener, a Competent Person is a Registered Member of the SME (Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration), and is a QP Member of MMSA (the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America). Mr. Welhener is a full-time employee of IMC Inc. and is independent of Ioneer and its affiliates. Mr. Welhener has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (JORC Code 2012).

  2. All Mineral Resource figures reported in the table above represent estimates at February 2025. Mineral Resource estimates are not precise calculations, being dependent on the interpretation of limited information on the location, shape and continuity of the occurrence and on the available sampling results. The totals contained in the above table have been rounded to reflect the relative uncertainty of the estimate.

  3. Mineral Resources are reported in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (The Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code – JORC 2012 Edition).

  4. The Mineral Resource estimate is the result of determining the mineralized material that has a reasonable prospect of economic extraction. In making this determination, constraints were applied to the geological model based upon a pit optimization analysis that defined a conceptual pit shell limit. The conceptual pit shell was based upon a net value per tonne calculation including a 5,000ppm boron cut-off grade for high boron – high lithium (HiB-Li) mineralization (Stream 1) and a $16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade for low boron (LoB-Li) mineralization below 5,000ppm boron broke into two material types, low clay and high clay material respectfully (Stream 2 and Stream 3). The pit shell was constrained by a conceptual Mineral Resource optimized pit shell for the purpose of establishing reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction based on potential mining, metallurgical and processing grade parameters identified by mining, metallurgical and processing studies performed to date on the Project. Key inputs in developing the Mineral Resource pit shell included a 5,000ppm boron cut-off grade for HiB-Li mineralization, $16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade for LoB-Li low clay mineralization and LoB-Li high clay mineralization; mining cost of US$1.69 /tonne; G&A cost of US$16.54 /process tonne; plant feed processing and grade control costs which range between US$20.27/tonne and US$98.73/tonne of plant feed (based on the acid consumption per stream and the mineral resource average grades); boron and lithium recovery for Stream 1 of 80.2% and 85.7%; Stream 2 and 3: M5 65% and 78%, B5 80.2% and 85.7%, S5

17

50% and 88%, L6 37% and 85%, respectively; boric acid sales price of US$1,172.78/tonne; lithium carbonate sales price of US$19,351.38/tonne.

In December 2022, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed Tiehm’s buckwheat as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and has designated critical habitat by way of applying a 500 m radius around several distinct plant populations that occur on the Project site. Ioneer is committed to the protection and conservation of the Tiehm’s buckwheat. The Project’s Mine Plan of Operations, approved by the BLM in October 2024, has no direct impact on Tiehm’s buckwheat and includes measures to minimise and mitigate for indirect impacts within the designated critical habitat areas identified.

The mineral resource pit shell used to constrain the February 2025 Mineral Resource estimate was not adjusted to account for any impacts from avoidance of Tiehm’s buckwheat or minimisation of disturbance within the designated critical habitat. Environmental and permitting assumptions and factors have not been taken into consideration during modifying factors studies for the Project. The tonnes and grade within the avoidance polygons have not been removed from the Mineral Resources for the February 2025 estimate. Environmental and permitting assumptions and factors may be taken into consideration during future modifying factors studies for the Project. These permitting assumptions and factors may result in potential changes to the Mineral Resource footprint in the future.

Comparison with Previous Resource

The Table below presents a summary comparison of the current February 2025 Mineral Resource estimate against the previous Mineral Resource estimate for the Project, prepared by IMC in April 2024 in association with the April 2024 JORC Mineral Resource Statement.

Processing
Stream
Group Classification Tonnes
(M)
Li
(ppm)
B
(ppm)
Li2CO3
(wt. %)
H3BO3
(wt. %)
Li2CO3
(kt)
H3BO3
(kt)
Combined
Streams
February
2025
Resource
Mea + Ind 413.8 1,479 5,321 0.79 3.04 3,256 12,590
Inf 96.6 1,387 3,745 0.74 2.14 713 2,069
Total 510.4 1,461 5,023 0.78 2.87 3,969 14,659
April 2024
Resource
Mea + Ind 258.1 1731 6779 0.9 3.9 2,378 10,004
Inf 93.3 1759 5272 1.0 3.0 873 2,813
Total 351.4 1739 6379 0.9 3.6 3,251 12,817
Variation Mea + Ind 155.7 1,060 2,905 0.56 1.66 878 2,586
Inf 3.3 -4.91 -22.80 -160 -744
Total 159.0 849 2,026 0.45 1.16 718 1,842

The updated February 2025 Mineral Resource estimate has been constrained by applying a 5,000 ppm Boron cut-off grade to HiB-Li mineralisation within the B5, M5, S5 and L6 geological units (Stream 1) as well as a $16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade to LoB-Li low clay mineralisation in the B5, S5 and L6 geological units (Stream 2) and LoB-Li high clay mineralization in the M5 geological unit (Stream 3). All three styles of mineralisation have also been constrained by the application of a single high-level optimised resource pit shell.

18

==> picture [467 x 582] intentionally omitted <==

Relative to the April 2024 Mineral Resource estimate, the updated February 2025 Mineral Resource estimate for the Project reflects an increase in the estimated resource tonnes and grades. The impacts to this increase include:

  • The change in the calculation of acid consumption during processing and accounting for this cost has lowered the process costs; the extraction of calcium (Ca) in seam S5 was reduced from 100% to 80% and in seam L6 from 100% to 89% when Ca <= 10% and 64% when Ca > 10%, based on metallurgical test work, thus lowering the acid consumption.

  • The definition of the resource pit shell includes a G&A cost of $US 16.54/tonne (not included for the April 2024 resource pit shell), but this cost did not negatively impact the size of the resource pit shell.

19

  • The removal of the 1090 ppm Lithium cutoff for Streams 2 and 3, replacing it with a $US 16.54/tonne net value cutoff. This increased the amount of lower grade Lithium tonnage to be included in the mineral resource.

Summary of Resource Estimate Parameters and Reporting Criteria

In accordance with ASX Listing Rules and the JORC Code (2012 Edition), a summary of the material information used to estimate the Mineral Resource is summarised below (for further information please refer to Table 1 in Appendix D).

  • The Rhyolite Ridge Mineral Resource area extends over a north-south strike length of 4,240 m (from 4,337,540 mN – 4,341,780mN), has a maximum width of 2,110m (863,330 mE – 865,440 mE) and includes the 585 m vertical interval from 2,065mRL to 1,480 mRL.

  • The Rhyolite Ridge Project tenements (unpatented mining claims) are owned by Ioneer Minerals Corporation, a company wholly owned by Ioneer Ltd. The unpatented mining claims are located on US federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management ( BLM ).

Geology and Geological Interpretation

  • Lithium and boron mineralisation is stratiform in nature and is hosted within Late Miocene-age carbonate-rich sedimentary rock, deposited in a lacustrine environment in the Basin and Range terrain of Nevada, USA.

Drilling Techniques and Hole Spacing

  • Drill holes used in the Mineral Resource estimate included 50 reverse circulation ( RC ) holes and 110 core holes for a total of 32,530m within the defined mineralisation. The full database for the South Basin contains records for 166 drill holes for 33,519m of drilling.

  • Drill hole spacing is 100m by 100m (or less) over most of the deposit.

  • Drill holes were logged for a combination of geological and geotechnical attributes. The core has been photographed and measured for RQD and core recovery.

Sampling and Sub-Sampling Techniques

  • Drilling was conducted by American Lithium Minerals Inc., the previous owner of the property between 2010 and 2011 and by Ioneer in 2017 to 2019 and 2022 to 2024. For RC drilling, a 12.7-centimetre ( cm ) hammer was used with sampling conducted on 1.52m intervals and split using a rig mounted rotary splitter. The hammer was replaced with a tri-cone bit in instances of high groundwater flow. For diamond core, PQ and HQ core size diameter with standard tube was used. Core recoveries of 93% were achieved by Ioneer at the project. The core was sampled as half core at 1.52m intervals using a standard electric core saw.

Sampling Analysis Method

  • Samples were submitted to ALS Minerals Laboratory in Reno, Nevada for sample preparation and analysis. The entire sample was oven dried at 105˚C and crushed to -2 millimetre ( mm ). A sub-sample of the crushed material was then pulverised to better than 85% passing -75 microns ( µm ) using a LM5 pulveriser. The pulverised sample was split with multiple feed in a Jones riffle splitter until a 100-200 gram ( g ) sub-sample was obtained for analysis.

  • Analysis of the samples was conducted using aqua regia 2-acid for ICP-MS on a multi-element suite. This method is appropriate for understanding sedimentary lithium deposits and is a total method.

  • Standards for lithium and boron and blanks were routinely inserted into sample batches and acceptable levels of accuracy were reportedly obtained. Based on an evaluation of the quality assurance and quality control ( QA/QC ) results all assay data has been deemed by the IMC Competent Person as suitable and

20

fit for purpose in Mineral Resource estimation.

Cut-off Grades

  • The Mineral Resource estimate presented in this Report has been constrained by the application of an optimized Mineral Resource pit shell. The Mineral Resource pit shell was developed using the Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. (IMC) Mine Planning software.

  • The Mineral Resource estimate assumes the use of three processing streams: one which can process ore with boron content greater than 5,000 ppm and two which can process ore with boron content less than 5,000 ppm.

  • The Mineral Resource estimate has been constrained by applying a 5,000 ppm Boron cut-off grade to HiB-Li mineralisation within the B5, M5, S5 and L6 geological units as well as a $16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade to LoB-Li mineralisation in the M5, B5, S5 and L6 geological units.

  • Key input parameters and assumptions for the Mineral Resource pit shell included the following:

  • B cut-off grade of 5,000 ppm for HiB-Li processing stream and no B cut-off grade for LoB-Li processing stream

  • No Li cut-off grade for HiB-Li processing stream and net value cutoff of $16.54/tonne for LoBLi processing stream

  • Overall pit slope angle of 42 degrees in all rock units (wall angle guidance provided by GeoLogic Associates who developed the geotechnical design).

  • Fixed mining cost of US$1.69 /tonne and a variable incremental mining cost of $0.005/tonne per vertical meter from reference elevation of 6,210ft amsl

  • G&A cost of US$16.54/tonne processed

  • Ore processing and grade control costs include a fixed cost per tonne and a variable cost of acid based on the acid consumption rate which is calculated for each block within the mineralized seams. For HiB-Li Processing Stream the fixed cost is $30.50/mt and the acid costs range between $30.93/mt to $52.12/mt based on the average grades per seam. For LoB-Li Processing Streams, the fixed cost ranges between $17.53/mt to $30.80/mt and the acid costs range between $26.33/mt to $50.01/mt based on the average grades per seam.

  • Boron and Li recovery of 80.2% and 85.7% respectively for HiB-Li Processing Stream.

  • Boron Recovery for LoB-Li Processing Stream variable by lithology as follows: 65% in M5 Unit, 80.2% in B5 unit, 50% in S5 unit, and 37.3% in L6 unit.

  • Lithium Recovery for LoB-Li Processing Streams variable by lithology as follows: 78% in M5 unit, 85.7% in B5 unit, 88% in S5 unit, and 85% in L6 unit.

  • Boric Acid sales price of US$1,172.78/tonne.

  • Lithium Carbonate sales price of US$19,351.38/tonne.

  • Sales/Transport costs are included in the G&A cost

Estimation Methodology

  • Drill core samples were assayed on nominal 1.52m lengths and this data set was composited to 1.52m lengths which respected seam contacts and was used for the interpolation of grade data into a 1.52m bench height block model. The data set honoured geological contacts (i.e. assay intervals did not span unit contacts).

  • Based on a statistical analysis, extreme B grade values were identified in some of the units other than the targeted G5, B5, M5, S5, G6, L6 and Lsi units. The units other than these units were not estimated so no grade capping was applied to the drill hole database. The units B5, M5, S5 and L6 are the units of economic interest and the grades in these units and the adjacent units were estimated for completeness when re-blocking to a 9.14m bench height block model used to tabulate the mineral resource.

  • The geological model was developed as a gridded surface stratigraphic model with fault domains included which offset the stratigraphic units in various areas of the deposit. The geological model was developed by GSI under direction of Ioneer and provided to IMC as the geologic basis for grade estimation. IMC has reviewed the geological model and accepts the interpretation.

21

  • Domaining in the model was constrained by the roof and floor surfaces of the geological units. The unit boundaries were modelled as hard boundaries, with samples interpolated only within the unit in which they occurred.

  • The geological model used as the basis for estimating Mineral Resources was developed as a stratigraphic gridded surface model using a 7.6m regularized grid. The grade block model was developed using a 7.6m north-south by 7.6m east-west by 1.52m vertical block dimension (no sub-blocking was applied). The grid cell and block size dimensions represent 25 percent of the nominal drill hole spacing across the model area. The model was reblocked to 9.14 m high blocks (six 1.52m blocks combined vertically) for assigning the economic attributes and tabulating the mineral resource.

  • Inverse Distance Squared (‘ID[2’] ) grade interpolation was used for the estimate, constrained by stratigraphic unit roof and floor surfaces from the geological model. The search direction for estimating grade varied and followed the floor orientation of the seams which changed within some of the fault block domains. The search distances ranged from 533 m in B5 to 229 m in S5. The number of drill hole composites used to estimate the grades of a model block ranges from a minimum of two composites to a maximum of 10 composites, with no more than 3 composites from one drill hole.

  • The density values used to convert volumes to tonnages were assigned on a by-geological unit basis using mean values calculated from 120 density samples collected from drill core during the 2018 and more recent 2022-2023 P1 and P2 drilling programs. The density values by seam ranged from 1.53 grams per cubic centimeter (‘g/cm[3] ’) for S3 to 1.98/cm[3 ] in seam L6. The density analyses performed by geotechnical consultants present during both the 2018 and 2022-2023 drilling programs (P1 and P2) followed a strict repeatable process in sample collection and analysis utilizing the Archimedes-principle (water displacement) method for density determination, with values reported in dry basis. This provided consistent representative data. The 2018 and 2022-2023 data aligned well and proved to be representative across the resource.

Classification Criteria

  • Estimated Mineral Resources were classified as follows:

  • Measured: Between 107 and 122m spacing between points of observation depending on the seam, with sample interpolation from a minimum of four drill holes.

  • Indicated: Between 168 and 244m spacing between points of observation depending on the seam, with sample interpolation from a minimum of two drill holes.

  • Inferred: To the limit of the estimation range (maximum 533m, depending on the seam), with sample interpolation from a minimum of one drill hole (2 composites).

  • The Mineral Resource classification included the consideration of data reliability, spatial distribution and abundance of data and continuity of geology, fault structures and grade parameters.

Mining and Metallurgical Methods and Parameters

  • The Mineral Resource estimate presented in this Report was developed with the assumption that the HiB-Li mineralization within the Mineral Resource pit shell has a reasonable prospect for eventual economic extraction using current conventional open pit mining methods.

  • The basis of the mining assumptions made in establishing the reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction of the HiB-Li mineralization are based on preliminary results from mine design and planning work that is in-progress as part of an ongoing update to the Feasibility Study for the Project based on new information.

  • The basis of the metallurgical assumptions made in establishing the reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction of the HiB-Li (Stream 1) mineralization are based on results from metallurgical and material processing work that was developed as part of the ongoing Feasibility

22

Study for the Project. This test work was performed using current processing and recovery methods for producing Boric acid and Lithium carbonate products.

  • A second process stream (Stream 2) to recover Li from low boron mineralized- low clay (LoB-Li) units has been confirmed. Current results indicate a reasonable process and expectation for economic extraction of the LoB-Li from the S5, B5 and L6 units. This test work was performed using current processing and recovery methods for producing Boric acid and Lithium carbonate products.

  • A third process stream (Stream 3) to recover Li from low boron high clay mineralized (LoB-Li) units has been confirmed. Current results indicate a reasonable process and expectation for economic extraction of the LoB-Li from M5 unit. This test work was performed using current processing and recovery methods for producing Boric acid and Lithium carbonate products.

23

Appendix B Ore Reserve Statement and Parameters

A summary of the 2025 Ore Reserve estimate is provided in the table below. The Ore Reserve is the economically mineable part of the Measured and Indicated Resource. It includes allowances for mining dilution and ore losses in mining. Appropriate assessments and studies have been carried out and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social, and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that the extraction could be reasonably justified. After the application of modifying factors, the Measured and Indicated resources within the engineered pit design have been converted to the following Proven and Probable Reserves:

2025 Ore Reserve Estimate for Rhyolite Ridge South Basin (Metric)

Area Group Classification Metric Lithium Boron Contained
Equivalent
Grade2
Contained
Equivalent
Grade2
Contained6
Equivalent2
Tonnes
Contained6
Equivalent2
Tonnes
Recovered6
Equivalent2
Tonnes
Recovered6
Equivalent2
Tonnes
Tonnes2 Grade7 Grade7
Li B **Li2CO3 ** H3BO3 Li2CO3 H3BO3 Li2CO3 H3BO3
(ktonnes) (ppm) (ppm) (Wt.
%)
(Wt.
%)
(kt) (kt) (kt) (kt)
Stream 1
(>= 5,000 ppm B)
Upper
Zone
B5 Unit
Proven
Probable
Sub-total B5
Unit
27,990
31,456
59,446
1,880
1,742
1,807
15,364
14,169
14,732
1.00
0.93
0.96
8.78
8.10
8.42
280
292
572
2,459
2,549
5,007
240
250
490
1,972
2,044
4,016
Upper
Zone
M5 Unit
Proven
Probable
Sub-total M5
Unit
3,489.3
3,410.5
6,899.8
2,401
2,262
2,332
7,652
7,430
7,542
1.28
1.20
1.24
4.38
4.25
4.31
45
41
86
153
145
298
38
35
73
122.45
116.20
238.64
Upper
Zone
S5 Unit
Proven
Probable
Sub-total S5
Unit
2,237
3,354
5,591
1,326
1,166
1,230
7,754
7,533
7,622
0.71
0.62
0.65
4.43
4.31
4.36
16
21
37
99.17
144.49
243.67
13.53
17.85
31.38
79.54
115.88
195.42
Upper
Zone
(B5, M5
& S5)
Sub-
Total
Proven
Probable
Sub-
total Upper
Zone
33,716
38,221
71,937
1,897
1,738
1,813
14,061
12,985
13,489
1.01
0.93
0.96
8.04
7.43
7.71
340
354
694
2,711
2,838
5,549
292
303
595
2,174
2,276
4,450
Lower
Zone
L6 Unit
Proven
Probable
Sub-
total Lower
Zone
5,712
13,591
19,303
1,389
1,334
1,351
8,357
7,856
8,004
0.74
0.71
0.72
4.78
4.49
4.58
42
97
139
273
611
883
36
83
119
219
490
709
Total
Stream 1
(all
zones)
Proven
Probable
Sub-
totalStream 1
39,428
51,812
91,240
1,823
1,632
1,715
13,235
11,640
12,329
0.97
0.87
0.91
7.57
6.66
7.05
383
450
833
2,984
3,448
6,432
328
386
714
2,393
2,766
5,159
Stream 2
($16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade, Low
Clay)
Upper
Zone
B5 Unit
Proven
Probable
Sub-total B5
Unit
4,525
4,378
8,903
2,220
2,120
2,171
2,144
2,418
2,279
1.18
1.13
1.16
1.23
1.38
1.30
53
49
103
55
61
116
46
42
88
44
49
93
Upper
Zone
S5 Unit
Proven
Probable
Sub-total S5
Unit
13,895
22,183
36,077
1,062
899
962
1,189
1,007
1,077
0.57
0.48
0.51
0.68
0.58
0.62
79
106
185
94
128
222
69
93
163
47
64
111
Upper
Zone
(B5 &
S5)
Sub-
Total
Proven
Probable
Sub-
total Upper
Zone
18,419
26,561
44,980
1,347
1,100
1,201
1,424
1,239
1,315
0.72
0.59
0.64
0.81
0.71
0.75
132
156
288
150
188
338
115
136
251
92
112
204

24

Lower
Zone
L6 Unit
Proven
Probable
Sub-
total Lower
Zone
24,772
68,231
93,003
1,259
1,203
1,217
1,287
1,547
1,478
0.67
0.64
0.65
0.74
0.88
0.84
166
437
603
182
603
786
141
371
512
68
225
293
Total
Stream 2
(all
zones)
Proven
Probable
Sub-
totalStream 2
43,192
94,792
137,983
1,296
1,174
1,212
1,345
1,461
1,424
0.69
0.62
0.65
0.77
0.84
0.81
298
592
890
332
792
1,124
256
507
763
160
337
497
Stream 3
($16.54/tonne
net value cut-
off
grade, High
Clay)
Total
Stream 3
(M5
zone)
Proven
Probable
Sub-total
Stream 3
3,129
14,273
17,403
2,210
2,140
2,153
1,394
1,186
1,224
1.18
1.14
1.15
0.80
0.68
0.70
37
163
199
25
97
122
29
127
156
16
63
79
TOTAL of All Streams, All Seams, and All
Proven & Probable
246,626 1,464 5,444 0.78 3.11 1,922 7,678 1,632 5,735

Notes:

  1. The statement of estimates of Ore Reserves has been compiled by Mr. Joseph S.C. McNaughton, a Competent Person is a Registered Professional Engineer in State of Arizona. Mr McNaughton is a full-time employee of IMC Inc. and is independent of Ioneer and its affiliates. Mr. Joseph McNaughton is responsible for the estimate, has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code (2012).

  2. The ore reserve estimates the result of determining the measured and indicated resource that incorporates modifying factors demonstrating that it is economically minable, allowing for the conversion to proven and probable. In making this determination, constraints were applied to the geological model based upon a pit optimization analysis that defined a conceptual pit shell limit. The conceptual pit shell was based upon a net value per tonne calculation including a 5,000ppm boron cut-off grade for high boron – high lithium (HiB-Li) mineralization (Stream 1) and a $16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade for low boron (LoB-Li) mineralization below 5,000ppm boron broke into two material types, low clay and high clay material respectfully (Stream 2 and Stream 3). The pit shell was constrained by a conceptual Mineral Resource optimized pit shell for the purpose of establishing reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction based on potential mining, metallurgical and processing grade parameters identified by mining, metallurgical and processing studies performed to date on the Project. The conceptual pit shell was used a guide to the engineered quarry designs used to constrain the Mineral Reserves.

  3. Key inputs in developing the Mineral Resource pit shell included a 5,000ppm boron cut-off grade for HiB-Li mineralization, $16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade for LoB-Li low clay mineralization and LoB-Li high clay mineralization; mining cost of US$1.69 /tonne; G&A cost of US$16.54 /process tonne; plant feed processing and grade control costs which range between US$20.27/tonne and US$98.73/tonne of plant feed (based on the acid consumption per stream and the mineral resource average grades); boron and lithium recovery for Stream 1 of 80.2% and 85.7%; Stream 2 and 3: M5 65% and 78%, B5 80.2% and 85.7%, S5 50% and 88%, L6 37% and 85%, respectively; boric acid sales price of US$1,172.78/tonne; lithium carbonate sales price of US$19,351.38/tonne were selected based on the market analysis.

  4. Ore reserves are based on a block model that is 7.62m x 7.62m30 in plan and 9.14m high. The model block size used for the ore reserve estimate is based on selected mining equipment and approached used within the mine plan. As a result, the dilution and ore loss are incorporated within the block model. On average, the reserve experienced a 308% increase in process tonnage, with lithium and boron grades decreasing by 18% and 65%, respectively. This resulted in a 428% and 167% increase in the tons of contained lithium carbonate and boric acid in the process streams when transitioning from mineral resource to ore reserve.

5. Ore reserves reported on a dry in-situ basis. The contained and recovered lithium carbonate and boric acid are reported in the table above in metric tonnes. Lithium is converted to equivalent contained tonnes of lithium carbonate using a stochiometric conversion factor of 5.322, and boron is converted to equivalent contained tonnes of boric acid using a stochiometric conversion factor of 5.718. Equivalent stochiometric conversion factors are derived from the molecular weights of the individual elements which make up lithium carbonate and boric acid. The equivalent recovered tons of lithium carbonate and boric acid is the portion of the contained tonnage that can be recovered after processing.

6. All ore reserve figures represent estimates as of May 2025. Ore reserve estimates are not precise calculations, being dependent on the interpretation of limited information on the location, shape and continuity of the occurrence and on the available sampling results. The totals have been rounded to reflect the relative uncertainty of the estimate. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

  1. Kt – thousand metric tonnes, MT – million metric tonnes, kst = thousand short tons; Li = lithium; B = boron; ppm= parts per million; Li2CO3 = lithium carbonate; H3BO3 = boric acid. Equivalent lithium carbonate and boric acid grades have been rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent.

Comparison with Previous Ore Reserve

The table below presents a summary comparison of the 2025 Ore Reserve estimate presented above, against the previous March 2020 Ore Reserve estimate.

25

Group Classification Tonnes
(Mt)
Li
(ppm)
B
(ppm)
Li2CO3
(wt. %)
H3BO3
(wt. %)
Li2CO3
(kt)
H3BO3
(kt)
May 2025
Reserve
Proved 85.7 1,753 9,356 0.9 5.3 239 1,369
Probable 160.9 1,676 5,211 0.9 3.0 598 1,999
Total 246.6 1,697 6,356 0.9 3.6 837 3,368
March 2020
Reserve
Proved 29.0 1,900 16,250 1.0 9.3 290 2,700
Probable 31.5 1,700 14,650 0.9 8.4 280 2,620
Total 60.0 1,800 15,400 1.0 8.8 580 5,310
Variation Proved 56.7
(+196%)
-328 -9,436 -0.16 -5.4 1,002 3,823
Probable 129.4
(+411%)
-293 -9,935 -0.15 -5.7 1,439 5,063
Total 186.1
(+308%)
-331 -9,973 -0.17 -5.7 2,441 8,886

Compared with the 2020 estimate, the updated 2025 Ore Reserve estimate has been:

  • revised with 35% of the Reserve now in the Proved category

  • Proven and Probable increased by 186.1mt to a total of 246.6mt, representing a 308% tonnage increase for the total Ore Reserve

  • overall lithium grade has decreased by 18% and the boron grade has decreased by 65%.

  • The changes to the previous ore reserve estimate primarily relate to 1) inclusion of lowboron lithium mineralisation in the Ore Reserve estimate for the first time 2) additional drilling completed 3) avoidance of Tiehm’s buckwheat and Cave Springs in the mine plan 4) additional ore streams to process plant.

Summary of Reserve Estimate Parameters and Reporting Criteria

In accordance with ASX Listing Rules and the JORC Code (2012 Edition), a summary of the material information used to estimate the Ore Reserve is summarised below (for further information please refer to Table 1 in Appendix D).

Mineral Resource Estimate for Conversion to Ore Reserves

The Ore Reserves are based on an updated February 2025 Mineral Resource by IMC Competent Person. The Mineral Resource reported for the M5, B5, S5 and L6 domains is outlined in Appendix A, and the Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of the Ore Reserves.

Cut-off Parameters

A cut-off grade of 5,000 ppm boron cut-off grade for HiB-Li mineralization (Stream 1), a $16.54/tonne net value cut-off grade for LoB-Li low clay mineralization (Stream2) and a $16.54/tonne net value cutoff for LoB-Li high clay mineralization (Stream3). The formula for calculating “Net Value” is as follows: (Value of Saleable Lithium Product + Value of Saleable Boron Product) – Processing Cost = “Net Value”.

Mining Method and Assumptions

The Rhyolite Ridge Project is designed to use conventional truck-shovel methods for operation.

Geotechnical quarry slope designs were completed with designed bench height of 9.14m and catch bench width between 6.8m to 8.8m (depending on rocktype). A phased approach to the quarry design has been used to develop the mine plan. The ore production to the processing facility is planned at a target rate of approximately 6,900 tpd (2.6 Mt/y), which is constrained by plant acid consumption of approximately 3,500 tpd (1.28 Mt/y). The life of mine plan indicates an expected mine life of approximately 96 years under the target annual production rate.

Five separate overburden storage facilities were designed to contain the 765.9 Mt of overburden and nonore grade material to be removed from quarry. Four overburden storage facilities were located external to the quarry and the fifth one will be the quarry itself.

26

An autonomous haulage system and conventional support equipment were considered for estimating quarry equipment requirements, labor requirements, capital costs, and operating costs. The use of autonomous haulage in mining and quarry operations has proven to be reliable, safe, and cost effective in the long term.

IMC performed numerous pit targeting exercises under various scenarios and assumptions to identify the economic extents of the LOM Quarry using the 9.14m mine planning geological block model and Hexagon MinePlan® software’s quarry optimization capabilities. These pit targeting exercises formed the basis of IMC’s subsequent quarry designs.

Key inputs influencing the pit targeting exercise included:

  • Modifying factors;

  • Unit costs, including mining, processing, and sales costs;

  • Metallurgical recovery;

  • Sales prices;

  • Cut-off grades;

  • Geotechnical criteria, including overall quarry slopes;

  • Other external constraints such as the locations of buckwheat, permit boundaries, public utilities and infrastructure.

Modifying factors were applied to the in-situ block model to estimate tonnages and grades that can be expected from the mining process.

Due to the geology and varying geotechnical constraints in the quarry area, differing inter-ramp slope angles were used in the quarry optimization based upon GLA initial geotechnical recommendations (GeoLogic, 2024). Based on the pit targeting criteria, IMC performed nested quarry optimizations at static input costs and incremental revenue factors ranging from 10% to 110% of the base selling prices using the Lerchs-Grossmann algorithm to test the sensitivity of the deposit to selling prices and identify the best 50 years of process feed.

Based upon the results of this pit targeting exercise, approximately the first 60 years of production are contained within a pit design that targets a 15% revenue factor quarry shell was chosen as a basis for the development of the first six phases. The LOM quarry design contains roughly 246 Mt of ore, which equates to a mine life of approximately 96 years at an average production rate of 2.6 Mtpa ore. .

Stated Ore Reserves have only been reported from the Measured and Indicated Resource categories with Modifying Factors applied.

Processing Method and Assumptions

The process flowsheet and process plant assumptions developed for the 2020 FS by Fluor, and the subsequent metallurgical optimization and flowsheet derisking programs completed between 2020 and 2025 were used for this Ore Reserve estimate. In-depth metallurgical test work and pilot plant programs were performed over the 18-month duration of the 2020FS where over 27 tonnes of ore to optimise the process flowsheet. Metallurgical programs completed between 2020 and 2025 focussed of process optimization and addressed specific risk areas associated with blending other orezones into the process, mine plan variability and startup. These programs were successful in derisking the flowsheet and demonstrating other orezones may be processed without major engineering modifications or material impacts to overall system recovery. The Lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) circuit was successfully tested and produced battery grade LHM material from technical grade lithium carbonate based on Rhyolite Ridge specific chemistries.

Ore will be processed by ore sizing, vat acid leaching, impurity removal, evaporation, and crystallisation using a flowsheet developed specifically for the Project to generate technical-grade

27

lithium carbonate and technical grade boric acid. Test work has also confirmed that refining the technical-grade lithium carbonate (>98.5% purity) into battery-grade lithium hydroxide Monohydrate (>56.5% purity) is technically and commercially feasible via a liming route (a well-established and widely used conversion route in the Lithium industry). The integrated LHM conversion plant does not form part of the initial scope of the Rhyolite Ridge project to allow time for stable operations to be achieved. The LHM conversion facility will be installed following startup with conversion operations to commence in year 3.

Environmental

The Project is designed to be a sustainable, environmentally sensitive operation with no grid energy requirements, low water usage, low emissions, and a modest surface footprint.

The permits deemed critical to the advance of the overall Project include the Bureau of Land Management (‘BLM’) Plan of Operations, the State of Nevada Water Pollution Control Permit (‘WPCP’) Nevada Bureau of Air Pollution Control Class II Operating Permit, and State of Nevada Reclamation Permit which are required to construct, operate, and close a mining facility in Nevada. Ioneer currently holds and maintains compliance with all of these permits.

Other ancillary state and local operating permits are required for specific components of the Project construction and operations and will be submitted as the project advances through construction to commissioning.

In October 2024, Ioneer received its federal permit for the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project from the BLM. The formal Record of Decision (ROD) approving the Project’s Mine Plan of Operations follows the publication of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the BLM, which incorporated public feedback received during the April-June 2024 open comment period, and concludes the rigorous and comprehensive formal federal permitting process, which began in early 2020. Ioneer’s pre-permitting work began in early 2019 and, in December 2022, the company formally entered the final stages of the NEPA review, as required by all projects on federal lands.

As part of the final EIS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees the administration of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), also formally released the ESA Section 7 Biological Opinion concluding Rhyolite Ridge will not jeopardise Tiehm’s buckwheat or adversely modify its critical habitat. The Project, as permitted, will not directly impact Tiehm’s buckwheat and any indirect impacts will be minimized, monitored and mitigated for. Project-related disturbance will be a maximum of 21% (191 acres) of the designated critical habitat.

Infrastructure

The Project is currently in the development stage, and no site-specific infrastructure has been built to date. Sufficient land exists to locate all proposed infrastructure required for the Project, including haul roads, highwall support structures, Overburden Storage Facilities (‘OSFs’), Spent Ore Storage Facility (‘SOSF’), Contact Water Ponds (‘CWPs’), the processing plant (‘which includes processing structures and facilities’), maintenance facilities, warehousing, shipping and receiving, fuel island, Sulphuric Acid Plant (‘SAP’), Steam Turbine Generator (‘STG’) responsible for power generation/transmission, and administrative buildings.

The entire facility is not connected to the Nevada state power grid. Utilizing Steam generated from the Sulphuric acid plant, and waste heat boiler, a steam turbine generator “STG” will be installed to generate 42 mega Watts of electricity. Two backup diesel generators will also be available to provide black-start capability and provide power to essential systems should the STG be down.

The Project has been designed to be an environmentally sensitive operation with low water usage and water recycling and reuse where possible. There is sufficient water available to meet processing and

28

dust control requirements.

Revenue Factors

The revenue factors used in the economic analysis were based on work performed for the 2020FS. Annual saleable lithium carbonate, and boric acid tonnages reflect the head grade dictated by the mine plan and anticipated metallurgical recoveries estimated from test work. Based on this test work, the recovery of boron to boric acid and lithium to lithium carbonate vary based on the process stream and the seam. The average recoveries used for the calculation of the net value are shown in the table below.

Seam Boron to Boric Acid Boron to Boric Acid Lithium to Lithium Carbonate Lithium to Lithium Carbonate
Stream 1 Streams 2 & 3 Stream 1 Streams 2 & 3
M5 80.2% 65.0% 85.7% 78.0%
B5 80.2% 80.2% 85.7% 85.7%
S5 80.2% 50.0% 85.7% 88.0%
L6 80.2% 37.3% 85.7% 85.0%

The Rhyolite Ridge processing facilities were designed to produce technical grades of boric acid and lithium carbonate (purities of 99.9-100.9% H3BO3 eq and 98.5% Li2CO3, respectively). The stream 1 material is characterized as having boron grades > 5,000 ppm, which is mostly seen in the B5, M5, and L6 mineralized units where boron grades exceed 5,000 ppm. Lithium-bearing zones with boron content < 5,000 ppm, primarily in the L6, M5 and S5 mineralized units, are identified as stream 2 and stream 3. These recoveries have been applied to reflect the cumulative recovery of the unit processes that span from vat leaching to product production. Leaching test work on stream 2 material demonstrated comparable lithium extractions when using the vat leaching method. Boron extractions were observed to be lower in stream 2 material which was attributed to the lower boron head grade. The lower boron leach recovery in stream 2 is an issue of extraction, and not of permeability, washability or co-precipitation, it is therefore not expected to impact the boron extraction from stream 1 when streams are blended. For blended feedstock the head boron grade and overall boron extraction has been adjusted to reflect the proportions of stream 1,2 and 3 material. Lithium carbonate and boric acid tonnages have been estimated using stochiometric conversion factors based on the lithium and boron grades.

Price forecasts for lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide were obtained from a range of market research companies, investment banks, and other reputable sources. For the financial model of the Project, price forecasts rather than the current or historical prices were used. This approach allows to better account for future market conditions and potential price trends, providing a more accurate financial assessment for the Project.

The offtake agreement prices of lithium chemicals are based on the delivered price formula using the battery-grade lithium hydroxide index price from the Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (Q1, 2025) batterygrade lithium hydroxide price forecast. Though the offtake agreements are for 3 and 5 years, we have continued the price formula through the mine life. The lithium hydroxide index price forecast (in real terms) ranges from US$9,928/t to US$25,00/t between 2025 and 2040. The model assumes a flat price from 2040 through the remainder of the mine life.

In line with major borate supplier, Rio Tinto Minerals, Ioneer boric acid price forecasts were based on internal analysis of historical prices and volumes extracted from Datamyne’s trade data, import prices and volumes from Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and China, customers and dealers’ interviews, China Boron Association data, and Internal market equilibrium assumptions. The price forecast for boric acid ranges from US$830/t to US$1,400/t between 2025 and 2040. The model assumes a flat price from 2040 through the remainder of the mine life.

29

Costs

The capital and operating cost estimates used as inputs into the economic analysis that formed the basis of the Ore Reserve estimate are based on work completed for the Reserve update. The capital cost estimate has an estimated accuracy of +15%/-10% and a contingency of 10% and engineering design is ~70 % complete. All capital costs were expressed in Q1 2024 US dollars. The total initial capital costs were estimated at US$1,667.9 million. The estimate reflects the Project’s EPCM execution strategy and baseline project schedule. Capital costs for various Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) codes were independently developed by third parties and consolidated by Fluor. More than 1,500 deliverables were produced during the 2024FS to support the capital costs estimate.

The capital cost estimate covers the period from final investment decision to first production and is reported in Q1 2024 real US dollars. It was assumed that 20% of the workforce will be local and 80% will travel from outside the region and will be eligible for travel subsistence. The contractors selected to execute the Project will adhere to Davis Bacon prevailing wage rates for the State. The labour productivity factor selected for the Project was 1.0 and was applied to all base construction work hours for all Project labour. Contractor quotes for civil works were used to confirm the unit rates and the productivity used in the capital cost estimate. These rates were also benchmarked with historical data from similar projects in the region (reference benchmark report from Fluor). Pre-assembly and modularization strategies, where feasible, have been considered and are reflected in the estimates. A per diem allowance of US$110/day for 80% of the direct labor and 90% of the indirect labor force was included for living-out and travel expenses.

Total equipment pricing, including mine equipment, process/mechanical, electrical and instruments/controls, is based as 63% on firm price, and 36% on budget price from competitive bidders. The balance of equipment pricing, representing 1% of total equipment cost, is based on historical data. The capital cost estimates present all expected forecast to complete costs for the Project as defined by the scope of work in the basis of estimate, while any spent or sunk costs up to the Report date were excluded. A contingency of 10% was applied to the capital costs estimate using a Monte Carlo simulation to achieve a P65 (i.e., the probability at the 65th percentile) confidence level for the estimate and P50 for schedule according to the model and ranges established by Fluor. The estimate, including contingency, has an expected accuracy range of +15%/-10% as per the basis of estimate.

Capital costs for the mining equipment and the process plant mobile equipment are based on a firm quote and a leasing strategy contract with Caterpillar, and other selected equipment vendors. The costs for a twoyear lease plus 20% lease down payment and fees are included in the capital cost estimate. The remaining lease costs are included in the sustaining capital estimates. Capital costs for the haul roads, overburden storage facilities, spent ore storage facility, the processing plant (which includes processing structures and facilities), maintenance facilities, warehousing, shipping and receiving, fuel island, sulfuric acid plant, steam turbine generator, and administrative buildings were estimated from material take-off quantities developed by various third parties. Each of the above has an engineering design that supports the FS level of design maturity.

Economic

The financial analysis, carried out for the feasibility study and updated for this Report, was conducted using a discounted cash flow analysis. This method calculates annual cash flows (based on a calendar year) using various sources of inputs, including operating expenses, capital expenses (both initial and sustaining), pricing forecasts, run-of-mine ore production, processing rates, etc. The annual cash flows are based on revenue in a specific period (calendar year) minus the projected expenses or taxes associated with life-of-mine operations. The result is then discounted using the discount rate that adjusts the cash flows for the time value of money. This method produces the present value of the expected future cash flows, also known as net present value (NPV).

The economic analysis and sensitivities were completed using ±15% variation in one variable at a time. There was no sensitivity analysis performed for two variables or multi-variable. Note that the equation

30

to determine revenue is based on a linear relationship between prices of the metal (either lithium or boric acid) and the corresponding recovery rate. This linear relationship forces the sensitivities to be equal

The Project’s total cash flows result in post-tax cash flow of US$23.2 billion total for the 96-year life-of-mine.

The Project’s key financial metrics are shown below.

Item Unit Description
Revenue US$ million 47,225
Pre-tax cash flow US$ million 26,114
Post-tax cash flow US$ million 23,234
Unlevered post-tax net present value US$ million 1,367
Unlevered post-tax internal rate of return % 14.45%
Payback period (including construction) Years 11
Mine life Years 96
Ore Processing period Years 95

31

APPENDIX C – FIGURES

Appendix C contains the following Figures:

  1. North and South Basin plan showing the location of drill holes, Resource and tenement boundary.

  2. South Basin plan showing outlines of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources

  3. South Basin South- North Cross Section looking West

  4. South Basin Cross Section Looking North

  5. South Basin plan showing outlines of Proved and Probable Ore Reserves

32

==> picture [466 x 698] intentionally omitted <==

33

==> picture [467 x 705] intentionally omitted <==

34

35

==> picture [756 x 414] intentionally omitted <==

36

==> picture [770 x 460] intentionally omitted <==

37

38

==> picture [528 x 688] intentionally omitted <==

39

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

APPENDIX D – JORC TABLE 1

The following table provides a summary of important assessment and reporting criteria used at the Ioneer Ltd. Rhyolite Ridge Project (the Project) for the reporting of exploration results and Lithium-Boron Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves in accordance with the Table 1 checklist in The Australasian Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2012 Edition). Table 1 is a checklist or reference for use by those preparing Public Reports on Exploration Results, Mineral Resources, and Ore Reserves.

JORC TABLE 1

SECTION 1 SAMPLING TECHNIQUES AND DATA

(Criteria listed in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Sampling
Techniques
Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random
chips, or specific specialised industry standard
measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under
investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or
handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should
not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling
• The nature and quality of the sampling from the various sampling
programs includes the following:
• Reverse circulation (RC) Drilling: a sample was collected every
1.52 metre (m) from a 127-millimetre (mm) diameter drill hole
and split using a rig-mounted rotary splitter. Samples, with a
mean weight of 4.8 kilograms (kg) were submitted to ALS
Minerals laboratory in Reno, NV where they were processed for
assay. RC samples represent 49% of the total intervals sampled
to date.
• Core Drilling: Core samples were collected from HQ (63.5 mm
core diameter) and PQ (85.0 mm core diameter) drill core, on a
mean interval of 1.52 m, and cut using a water-cooled diamond
blade core saw. Samples, with a mean weight of 1.8 kg, were
submitted to ALS where they were proceeded for assay.
• Drill Hole Deviation: Inclined core drill holes were surveyed to
obtain downhole deviation by the survey company (International
Directional Services, LLC) or drilling company (Idea Drilling,
Alford Drilling, IG Drilling, Boart Long Year, Major Drilling,) with
a downhole Reflex Mems Gyros and Veracio TruShot tools and,
for all but three of the drill holes. One drill hole could not be
surveyed due to tool error (SBH-72), and two were intentionally
surveyed using an Acoustic Televiewer (SBH-60, SBH-79).
• Trenches: In addition to sampling from drill holes, samples were
collected from 19 mechanically excavated trenches in 2010. The
trenches were excavated from the outcrop/subcrop using a
backhoe and or hand tools. Chip samples were then collected from
the floor of the trench. Due to concerns with correlation and
reliability of the results from the trenches, The Competent Person

1

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
has not included any of this data in the geological model or Mineral
Resource estimate.
Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample
representivity and the appropriate calibration of any
measurement tools or systems used.
• Measures taken to ensure sample representivity include the
following:
• Due to the nature of RC samples, lithological boundaries are not
easily honoured; therefore, continuous 1.52 m sample intervals
were taken to ensure as representative a sample as possible.
Lithological boundaries were adjusted as needed by a senior
Ioneer geologist once the assay results were received.
• Core sample intervals were selected to reflect visually
identifiable lithological boundaries wherever possible, to ensure
sample representivity. In cases where the lithological
boundaries were gradational, the best possible interval was
chosen and validated by geochemical assay results.
• All chip and core sampling were completed by or supervised by a
senior Ioneer geologist. The senior Ioneer, Newfield’s and WSP
geologists referenced here, and throughout this Table 1, have
sufficient relevant experience for the exploration methods
employed, the type of mineralization being evaluated, and are
registered professional geologists in their jurisdiction; however, they
are not Competent Persons according to the definition presented in
JORC as they are not members of one of the Recognized
Professional Organization” included in the ASX list referenced by
JORC.
• The Competent Person was not directly involved during the
exploration drilling programs and except for observing sampling
procedures on two drill holes during the site visit (August 10, 2023),
was not present to observe sample selection. Based on review of
the procedures during the site visit and subsequent review of the
data, it is the opinion of the Competent Person that the measures
taken to ensure sample representivity were reasonable for the
purpose of estimating Mineral Resources.
Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are
Material to the Public Report. In cases where ‘industry
• Aspects of the determination of mineralization included visual
identification of mineralized intervals by a senior Ioneer geologist
using lithological characteristics including clay and carbonate
content, grain size and the presence of key minerals such as
Ulexite (hydrated sodiumcalciumboratehydroxide) and Searlesite

2

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
standard’ work has been done this would be relatively
simple (eg ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1
m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30
g charge for fire assay’). In other cases more explanation
may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that
has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or
mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant
disclosure of detailed information
(sodium borosilicate). A visual distinction between some units,
particularly where geological contacts were gradational was initially
made. Final unit contacts were then determined by a senior Ioneer
geologist once assay data were available.
• The Competent Person was not directly involved during the
exploration drilling programs; however, the visual identification of
mineralized zones and the process for updating unit and
mineralized contacts was reviewed with the Ioneer senior geologist
during the site visit. The Competent Person evaluated the identified
mineralized intervals against the analytical results and agrees with
the
methodology used by
Ioneer to determine material
mineralization.
Drilling
techniques
Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer,
rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc..) and details
(e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of
diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core
is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.).
• Both RC and core drilling techniques have been used on the
Project. Exploration drilling programs targeting Lithium-Boron (Li-
B) mineralization on the Project have been implemented by
American Lithium Minerals Inc. (2010-2012) and Ioneer (formerly
Global Geoscience) in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023.
• Prior to 2018, all RC drilling was conducted using a 127 mm
hammer. All pre-2018 core drill holes were drilled using HQ sized
core with a double-tube core barrel.
• For the 2018-2023 drilling programs, all core holes (vertical and
inclined) were tricone drilled through unconsolidated alluvium, then
cored through to the end of the drill hole. A total of 91 core holes
were drilled, 64 holes were PQ diameter and 27 were drilled as HQ
diameter. Drilling was completed using a triple-tube core barrel (split
inner tube) which was preferred to a double-tube core barrel (solid
inner tube) as the triple-tube improved core recovery and core
integrity during core removal from the core barrel.
Drill sample
recovery
Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample
recoveries and results assessed.
• Prior to 2017, chip recovery was not recorded for the RC drilling
therefore the Competent Person cannot comment on drill sample
recovery for this period of drilling.
For the 2017 RC drilling program, the drill holes were geologically
logged as they were being drilled; however, no estimates of chip
recoveries were recorded. Therefore, the Competent Person
cannot comment on drill sample recovery for this period of drilling.
• For the 2010-2012 and 2016 core drilling programs, both core
recovery androckqualityindex(RQD)wererecordedforeach

3

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
cored interval. Core recovery was determined by measuring the
recovered linear core length and then calculating the recovered
percentage against the total length of the core run from the drill
advance. The core recovery for all the drilling ranged from 0% to
100%, with over 65 % of the drill holes having greater than 80%
mean core recovery. The core recovery values were recorded by
the logging geologist and reviewed by the senior Ioneer geologist.
The majority of the 2010-2012 and 2016 core drill holes reported
greater than 95% recovery in the B5, M5 and L6 mineralized
intervals.
• For the 2018-2019 drilling program, both core recovery and RQD
were recorded for each cored interval. Core recovery was
determined by measuring the recovered linear core length and then
calculating the recovered percentage against the total length of the
core run from the drill advance. The core recovery for all the drilling
ranged from 41% to 100%, with over 65% of the drill holes having
greater than 90% mean core recovery. The core recovery values
were recorded by the logging geologist and reviewed by the senior
Ioneer geologist. In the target mineralized intervals (M5, B5 & L6),
the mean core recovery was 86% in the B5, 87% in the M5 and 95%
in the L6 units, with most of the drill holes reporting greater than
90% recovery in the mineralized intervals.
• The Competent Person considers the core recovery for the 2023,
2022, 2018- 2019, 2016 and 2010-2012 core drilling programs to
be acceptable based on statistical analysis which identified no
grade bias between sample intervals with high versus low core
recoveries. On this basis, the Competent Person has made the
reasonable assumption that the sample results are reliable for use
in estimating Mineral Resources.
Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure
representative nature of the samples.
• Chip recoveries were not recorded for the 2010-2012 and 2017
RC drilling programs, and there is no indication of measures taken
to maximize sample recovery and ensure representative nature of
samples.
• No specific measures for maximizing sample recovery were
documented for the 2010-2012 and 2016 core drilling programs.
• During the 2018-2023 drilling programs, Ioneer used a triple-tube
core barreltomaximize samplerecovery and ensure

4

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
• representative nature of samples. The use of triple-tube was originally
used during the 2018 drill program. A triple-tube core barrel generally
provides improved core recovery over double-tube core barrels,
resulting in more complete and representative intercepts for core
logging, sampling and geotechnical evaluation. It also limited any
potential sample bias due to preferential loss/gain of material.
Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery
and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred
due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.
• Chip recovery was not recorded for the 2010-2012 and 2017 RC
drilling program and, therefore, there is no basis for evaluating the
relationship between grade and sample recovery for samples from
these programs.
• Based on the Competent Person’s review of the 2010-2012, 2016 and
2018-2019, 2022-2023 core drilling recovery and grade data there
was no observable relationship between sample recovery and grade.
Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically
and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support
appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining
studies and metallurgical studies.
• All core and chip samples have been geologically logged to a level of
detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, such that
there are lithological intervals for each drill hole, with a correlatable
geological/lithological unit assigned to each interval.
• The 2018-2019 and 2022-2023 drilling were also geotechnically
logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource
estimation.
• The Competent Person has reviewed all unit boundaries in
conjunction with the Ioneer senior geologist, and where applicable,
adjustments have been made to the mineralized units based on the
assay results intervals to limit geological dilution.
Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. • The RC and core logging were both qualitative (geological/lithological
descriptions and observations) and quantitative (unit lengths, angles
of contacts and structural features and fabrics).
Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography. • All chip trays and Core photography was completed on every core
drill hole for the 2010-2012, 2016, 2018-2019 and 2022-2023 drilling
programs.
The total length and percentage of the relevant
intersections logged.
• Prior to 2018, a total length of 8,900 m of RC drilling and 6,000 m of
core drilling was completed for the Project, 100% of which was
geologically logged by a logging geologist and reviewed by the senior
Ioneer geologist.
• For the 2018-2019 drilling, a total length of 548 m of RC drilling and

5

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary

The total length and percentage of the relevant
intersections logged. (Con’t)
• 9,321 m of core drilling was completed for the Project, 100% of
which was geologically logged by a logging geologist and reviewed
by the senior Ioneer geologist
• For the 2018-2019 drilling, 86% of the 9,321 m of core was
geotechnically logged by an engineering geologist/ geotechnical
engineer and reviewed by the senior Ioneer geologist.
• For the 2022-2023 drilling, 100% of the 7,362m of core was
geotechnically logged by an engineering geologist/ geotechnical
engineer and reviewed by the senior Ioneer geologist
The Competent Person reviewed the geological core logging and
sample selection for two drill holes.
If core, whether cut or sawn and whether
quarter, half or all core taken.
• The following sub-sampling techniques and sample selection
procedures apply to drill core samples:
• During the 2010-2012 and 2016 program, core samples were
collected on a mean 1.52 m down hole interval and cut in two
halves using a manual core splitter. The entire sample was
submitted for analysis with no sub-sampling prior to submittal.
• During the 2018-2019 drilling program, core samples were
collected for every 1.52 m down hole interval and cut using a
water-cooled diamond blade core saw utilizing the following
methodology for the two target units. For the M5 unit, ½ core
samples were submitted for assay, while the remaining ½ core
was retained for reference. For the B5 unit, ¼ core samples
were submitted for assay, while ¼ was reserved for future
metallurgical test work and ½ core was retained reference.
• During the 2022-2023 drilling programs, core samples were
collected for target units every 1.52 m down hole interval. Target
units were cut using a water-cooled diamond blade core saw
utilizing the following methodology for the target units. For the
M4, M5, B5, S5 and L6 unit, ½ core samples (HQ) or ¼ core
samples (PQ) were submitted for assay, while the remaining ½-
¾ core was retained for reference.

6

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Sub-sampling
techniques
and sample
preparation
Sub-sampling
techniques
and sample
preparation
If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all
core taken.
If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and
whether sampled wet or dry.
• The following sub-sampling techniques and sample selection
procedures apply to drill core samples:
• During the 2010-2012 and 2016 program, core samples were
collected on a mean 1.52 m down hole interval and cut in two
halves using a manual core splitter. The entire sample was
submitted for analysis with no sub-sampling prior to submittal.
• During the 2018-2019 drilling program, core samples were
collected for every 1.52 m down hole interval and cut using a
water-cooled diamond blade core saw utilizing the following
methodology for the two target units. For the M5 unit, ½ core
samples were submitted for assay, while the remaining ½ core
was retained for reference. For the B5 unit, ¼ core samples
were submitted for assay, while ¼ was reserved for future
metallurgical test work and ½ core was retained for reference.
• During the 2022-2024 drilling programs, core samples were
collected for target units every 1.52 m down hole interval. Target
units were cut using a water-cooled diamond blade core saw
utilizing the following methodology for the target units. For the
M4, M5, B5, S5 and L6 unit, ½ core samples (HQ) or ¼ core
samples (PQ) were submitted for assay, while the remaining ½-
¾ core was retained for reference.
• The following sub-sampling techniques and sample selection
procedures apply to RC Chip Samples:
• Pre-2017 RC chips samples were collected using a wet rotary
splitter approximately every 1.52 m depth interval. Two samples
were collected for every interval (one main sample and one
duplicate). Only the main sample was submitted for analysis.
2017 RC chip samples were collected using a wet rotary splitter
attached to a cyclone. One, approximately 10 kg, sample was
collected every 1.52 m depth interval. All samples were
submitted for analysis.

7

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
For all sample types, the nature, quality and
appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.
• The Competent Person considers the nature, type and quality of the
sample preparation techniques to be appropriate based on the
general homogeneous nature of the mineralized zones and the
drilling methods employed to obtain each sample (i.e., RC and
core).
Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling
stages to maximise representivity of samples.
• Quality control procedures adopted for sub-sampling to maximize
representivity include the following:
• During 2016-2017 and 2018-2023 drilling programs, field
duplicate/replicate samples were obtained. For the 2017 and
2023 RC drilling, a duplicate sample was collected every 20th
sample. For the 2016 and 2018-2023 core drilling programs two
¼ core samples were taken at the same time and were analysed
in sequence by the laboratory to assess the representivity.
• Twin drill holes at the same site were drilled during the 2010-
2012 drilling program. The twin drill hole pairing comprises one
RC drill hole (SBH-04) and one core drill hole (SBHC-01). The
Competent Person recommends twinning additional drill hole
pairs as part of any future pre-production or infill drilling
programs to allow for a more robust review of sample
representivity.
• The
Competent
Person
reviewed
the
results
of
the
duplicate/replicate sampling and twin drill holes. For the
duplicate/replicate samples, the R2value is 0.99, which is very
good. Visual observation of the lithological intervals and the assays
for the twin drill holes show that they are very similar, despite the
difference in drilling techniques.
Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is
representative of the in situ material collected, including for
instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.
• The Competent Person considers the samples to be representative
of the in-situ material as they conform to lithological boundaries
determined during core logging. A review of the primary and
duplicate sample analyses indicates a high degree of agreement
between the two sample sets (R2value of 0.99).
Whether sample sizes are appropriate to thegrain size of • The Competent Person considers the sample sizes to be

8

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
the material being sampled. appropriate given the general homogeneous nature of the
mineralized zones. The two main types of mineralization are lithium
mineralization with high boron >/=5,000 parts per million (ppm)
(HiB-Li) and lithium mineralization with low boron <5,000 ppm
(LoB-Li). The HiB-Li mineralization occurs consistently throughout
the B5, M5 and L6 target zones, while LoB-Li mineralization occurs
throughout the M5, S5 and L6 units, and is not nuggety or confined
to discreet high-grade and low-grade bands.
Quality of
assay data
and
laboratory
tests
The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying
and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique
is considered partial or total.
• The nature and quality of the assaying and laboratory procedures
used include the following:
• All RC and core samples were processed, crushed, split, and
then a sub-sample was pulverized by ALS Minerals in Reno,
Nevada.
• All sub-samples were analysed by Aqua Regia with ICP mass
spectrometry (ICP-MS) finish for 51 elements (including Lithium
(Li)) and Boron (B) by Na2O2 fusion/ICP high grade analysis
(>/=10,000 ppm B).
• Additionally, 95% of the 2018-2019 samples were analysed for
Inorganic Carbon and 30% were analysed for Fluorine (F).
• The laboratory techniques are total.
• The Competent Person considers the nature and quality of the
laboratory analysis methods and procedures to be appropriate for
the type of mineralization.
For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF
instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the
analysis including instrument make and model, reading
times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc..
• Not applicable to this Report, no geophysical tools, spectrometers,
handheld XRF instruments were used on the Project.
Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g.
standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks)
and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of
bias) and precision have been established.
• The following Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)
procedures were adopted for the various drilling programs:
• During the 2010-2012 program, Standard Reference Material
(SRM) samples and a small number of field blanks were also
inserted regularly into the sample sequence to QA/QC of the
laboratory analysis.
• For 2016-2017 program, a duplicate sample was collected every
20th primary sample. Field blanks and SRM’s were also inserted
approximately every 25 samples to assess QA/QC.
• During the 2018-2019 and 2022-2023 programs, QA/QC samples
comprising 1 field blank and 1 SRM standard inserted into each

9

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary





Quality of assay
data and
laboratory
(Con’t)
• sample batch every 25 samples. Submission of field duplicates,
laboratory coarse/pulp replicates and umpire assays were
submitted in later stages of the 2018-2019 and 2022-2023 drilling
programs.
• The Competent Person reviewed the SRM, field blanks and field
duplicates and determined the following:
• SRMs: Review of the five SRMs used determined that there was a
reasonable variability for Li between the upper and lower control
limits (± 2 standard deviation (SD)), however B shows an overall
bias towards lower than expected values (i.e. less than the mean)
for all sample programs. For each of the 5 SRMs, there were some
sample outliers (both low and high); however, the majority fell within
the control limits. It is recommended that two additional SRM
samples be added which have grades between current high and low
grade samples and are closer to the cutoff range for boron ( 5,000
ppm).
• Field Blanks: Review of the field blanks indicate that there is some
variability in both the Li and B results. There are several samples
that return higher than expected values, with an increased number
being from the 2018-2019 drilling program. Further review is
required to determine if this is a result of the material used for field
blanks (coarse dolomite) or a problem with the laboratory analysis.
• Field Duplicates: No field duplicates were submitted for the pre-
2018 drilling programs. Review of the 230 field duplicate sample
pairs from the 2018-2019 drilling program determined that there was
a strong correlation between each pair, as evidenced by an R2value
of 0.99 for Li.
• Umpire Laboratory Duplicates: 20 assay pulp rejects were sent from
ALS to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) in Sparks, NV for umpire
laboratory analysis in 2018 Review of the 20 umpire duplicate pairs
found a strong correlation between each pair, with B returning an
R2 value of 0.98. 44 Assay pulp rejects were sent from ALS to
American Assay Laboratories in Sparks, NV for umpire laboratory
analysis in 2024. Review of the 44 umpire duplicate pairs returned
similar results
• The Competent Person reviewed the control charts produced for
each SRM, field blank and field duplicate, and determined that there
was an acceptable level of accuracy and precision for each for the

10

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

purpose of estimating Mineral Resources.

11

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Verification of
sampling and
assaying
The verification of significant
intersections by either
independent or alternative
company personnel.
• Significant intersections have been verified by visual inspection of the
drill core intervals by at least two Ioneer geologists for all drilling
programs.
The use of twinned holes. • One pair of twin drill holes at the same site were drilled during the
2010-2012 drilling program. The twin drill hole pairing comprises
one RC drill hole (SBH-04) and one core drill hole (SBHC-01).
• The Competent Person reviewed and assessed two drill holes and
the variance for thickness and grade parameters were within
acceptablelevels.
Documentation of primary data,
data entry procedures, data
verification, data storage
(physical and electronic)
protocols.
• For the 2022-2023 drilling programs, the field protocols utilized in
the 2018-2019 drilling program were reviewed by both Ioneer and
WSP. These protocols were refined and improved to assure proper
compliance. Formal Documentation and enforcement by WSP and
Ioneer personnel actively involved in the program.
• For the 2018-2019 drilling program, Newfields developed a series
of field protocols covering all aspects of the exploration program,
including surveying, logging, sampling and data documentation.
These protocols were followed throughout the 2018-2019 drilling
program. Formal documentation of field protocols does not exist
prior to the 2018-2019 program; however, the same senior
personnel were involved in the earlier programs and field protocols
employed were essentially the same as those documented in the
2018-2019 protocols.
• Primary field data was captured on paper logs for the 2010-2012
drilling program, then transcribed into Microsoft (MS) Excel files.
For the 2016 through 2019 drilling, all field data was captured
directly into formatted MS Excel files by logging geologists. All
primary field data was reviewed by the senior Ioneer geologist.
• 2019 Data was stored in digital format in a MS Access database.
This database was compiled, updated and maintained by Newfields
personnel during the 2018-2019 drilling program.
• In 2024 drill data including assays and drill logs were transitioned
to a Hexagon Torque database. This data is updated and
maintained by Ioneer.
Documentation of primary data,
data entry procedures, data
verification, data storage
(physical and electronic)
protocols
• The Competent Person used the relevant information from various
tabular data files provided by Ioneer and Newfields in a MS Access
database, which was reviewed and verified by the Competent
Person prior to inclusion in the geological model.

12

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Discuss any adjustment to assay data. • There has been no adjustment to assay data.
Location of data
points

Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes
(collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings
and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.
• Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes is as
follows:
• All inclined core drill holes were surveyed to obtain downhole
deviation using a downhole Reflex Mems Gyros tool, except for
SBH-72, which could not be surveyed due to tool error. Two
core drill holes (SBH-60, SBH-79) were surveyed using an
Acoustic Televiewer instead of the Gyros tool.
• All 2018-2019 drill hole collars were surveyed using a
differentially corrected GPS (DGPS).
• Locatable pre-2018 drill holes that were previously only
surveyed by handheld GPS have been re-surveyed in 2019
using DPGS. Some pre-2018 drill holes could not be located by
the surveyor in 2019, and the original locations were assumed
to be correct.
• Upon completion, drill casing was removed, and drill collars were
marked with a permanent concrete monument with the drill hole
name and date recorded on a metal tag on the monument.
Specification of the grid system used. • All pre-2018 and 2018-2019 drill holes were originally surveyed
using handheld GPS units in UTM Zone 11 North, North American
Datum 1983 (NAD83) coordinate system. Pre-2018 drill holes were
re-surveyed using DPGS in NAD83 in 2017/2018.
• All 2018-2019 drill holes and locatable pre-2018 drill holes were re-
surveyed in 2019 using DPGS in NAD83 coordinate system. All
surveyed coordinates were subsequently converted to Nevada
• State Plane Coordinate System of 1983, West Zone (NVSPW 1983)
for use in developing the geological model. Those holes that could
not be located had the original coordinates converted to NVSPW
1983 and their locations verified against the original locations.
• All 2022-2023 holes were surveyed Nevada State Plane Coordinate
System of 1983, West Zone (NVSPW 1983) for use in developing
the geological model.
Quality and adequacy of topographic control. • The quality and adequacy of the topographic surface and the
topographic control is very good based on comparison against
survey monuments, surveyed drill hole collars and other surveyed
surface features.

13

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Quality and adequacy of topographic control. (Con’t) •A 2018 satellite survey with an accuracy of ± 0.17 m was produced
for the Project by PhotoSat Information Ltd. The final report
generated by PhotoSat stated that the difference between the
satellite and Ioneer provided ground survey control points was less
than 0.8 m.
• The topographic survey was prepared in NAD83, which was
converted to NVSPW 1983 by Newfields prior to geological
modelling.
Data spacing
and
distribution
Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. • Drill holes are generally spaced between 90 m and 170 m on east-
west cross-section lines spaced approximately 180 m apart. There
was no distinction between RC and core holes for the purpose of
drill hole spacing.
• For the 2018-2023 drilling program, there were multiple
occurrences where several inclined drill holes were drilled from the
same drill pad and oriented at varying angles away from each other.
The collar locations for these inclined drill holes drilled from the
same pad varied in distance from 0.3 m to 6.0 m apart; intercept
distances on the floors of the target units were typically in excess of
90 m spacing.
Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to
establish the degree of geological and grade continuity
appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve
estimationprocedure(s) and classifications applied.
• The spacing is considered sufficient to establish geological and
grade continuity appropriate for a Mineral Resource estimation.
Whether sample compositing has been applied. • Samples were predominately (91%) 1.52 m intervals honouring
lithological boundaries. The sample intervals were composited to
1.52m lengths, respecting the seam contacts to regularize the
database used for grade estimation. The 1.52 m sample length
represents the modal value of the sample length distribution and the
1.52m vertical block height in the model.
Orientation of
data in relation
to geological
structure
Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling
of possible structures and the extent to which this is known,
considering the deposit type.

• Drill holes were angled between -45 and -90 degrees from
horizontal and at an azimuth of between 0- and 350-degrees.
• Inclined drill holes orientated between 220- and 350-degrees
azimuth introduced minimal sample bias, as they primarily
intercepted the mineralization at angles near orthogonal (94 drill
holes with intercept angles between 70-90 degrees) to the dip of
• the beds, approximating true-thickness.

14

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the
orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to
have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed
and reported if material.
• Inclined drill holes orientated between 0- and 220-degrees azimuth,
especially those that were drilled at between 20- and 135-degrees
azimuth, generally intercepted the beds down dip (14 drill holes with
intercept angles between 20-70 degrees), exaggerating the
mineralized zone widths in these drill holes.
Sample
security
The measures taken to ensure sample security. • The measures taken to ensure sample security include the
following:
• For the 2010-2012 drill holes, samples were securely stored on-
site and then collected from site by ALS. Chain of custody forms
were maintained by ALS.
• For the 2016-2017 drill holes, samples were securely stored on-
site and then collected from site by ALS and transported to the
laboratory by truck. Chain of custody forms were maintained by
ALS.
• For the 2018-2019 and 2022-2023 drill holes, core was
transported daily by Ioneer and/or Newfields personnel from the
drill site to the Ioneer secure core shed (core storage) facility in
Tonopah. Core awaiting logging was stored in the core shed
until it was logged and sampled, at which time it was stored in
secured sea cans inside a fenced and locked core storage
facility on site. Samples were sealed in poly-woven sample
bags, labelled with a pre-form numbered and barcoded sample
tag, and securely stored until shipped to or dropped off at the
ALS laboratory in Reno by either Ioneer or Newfields personnel.
Chain of custody forms were maintained by either Newfields or
Ioneer and ALS.
Audits
or
reviews
The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques
and data.
• There were no audits performed on the RC sampling or for the pre-
2018 drilling programs.
• The Competent Person reviewed the core and sampling techniques
during a site visit in August 2023. The Competent Person found that
the sampling techniques were appropriate for collecting data for the
purpose of preparing geological models and Mineral Resource
estimates.

15

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

SECTION 2 REPORTING OF EXPLORATION RESULTS

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Mineral
tenement and
land tenure
status
Type, reference name/number, location and ownership
including agreements or material issues with third parties
such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties,
native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national
park and environmental settings.
• The mineral tenement and land tenure for the South Basin of
Rhyolite Ridge (the Project) comprise 386 unpatented Lode Mining
Claims (totalling approximately 3,150 hectare (Ha)); claim groups
SLB, SLM and RR, spatial extents of which are presented in maps
and tables within the body of the Report are held by Ioneer Minerals
Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ioneer. The Competent
Person has relied upon information provided by Ioneer regarding
mineral tenement and land tenure for the Project; the Competent
Person has not performed any independent legal verification of the
mineral tenement and land tenure.
• The Competent Person is not aware of any agreements or material
issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships,
overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness
or national park and environmental settings relating to the 386 Lode
Mining Claims for the Project.
• The mineral tenement and land tenure referenced above excludes
241
additional
unpatented
Lode
Mining
Claims
(totaling
approximately 2,000 Ha) for the North Basin which are located
outside of the current South Basin Project Area presented in this
Report. These additional claims are held by Ioneer subsidiaries
(NLB claim group; 160 claims and BH claim group; 81 claims).
The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting
along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence
to operate in the area.
• There are no identified concerns regarding the security of tenure nor
are there any known impediments to obtaining a license to operate
within the limits of the Project. The 386 unpatented Lode Mining
Claims for the Project are located on federal land and are
administered by the United States Department of the Interior -
Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Exploration Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other • There have been twoprevious exploration campaigns targetingLi-

16

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
done by other
parties
parties. B mineralization at the Project site.
• US Borax conducted surface sampling and drilling in the 1980s,
targeting B mineralization, with less emphasis on Li mineralization.
A total of 44 drill holes (totalling approximately 14,900 m) were
drilled in the North Borate Hills area, with an additional 16 drill holes
(unknown total meterage) in the South Basin area. These drill holes
were not available for use in the current Study.
• American Lithium Minerals Inc and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals
National Corporation (JOGMEC) conducted further Li exploration in
the South Basin area in 2010-2012. The exploration included at
least 465 surface and trench samples and 36 drill holes (totalling
approximately 8,800 m), of which 21 were core and 15 were RC.
Data collected from this program, including drill core, was made
available to Ioneer. The Competent Person reviewed the data
available from this program and believes this exploration program,
except for the trench data, was conducted appropriately and the
information generated is of high enough quality to include in
preparing the current geological model and Mineral Resource
estimate.
• Due to concerns regarding the ability to reliably correlate the
trenches with specific geological units as well as concerns regarding
representivity of samples taken from incomplete exposures of the
units in the trenches, the Competent Person does not feel the trench
sample analytical results are appropriate for use and has excluded
them from use in preparing the geological model and Mineral
Resource estimate.
Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. • The HiB-Li and LoB-Li mineralization at Rhyolite Ridge occurs in
two separate late-Miocene sedimentary basins; the North Basin and
the South Basin, located within the Silver Peak Range in the Basin
and Range terrain of Nevada, USA. The South Basin is the focus of
the Study presented in this Report and the following is focused on
the geology and mineralization of the South Basin.
• The South Basin stratigraphy comprises lacustrine sedimentary
rocks of the Cave Spring Formation overlaying volcanic flows and
volcaniclastic rocks of the Rhyolite Ridge Volcanic unit. The Rhyolite
Ridge Volcanic unit is dated at approximately 6 mega-
annum(Ma)and comprises rhyolite tuffs,tuff breccias and flows.

17

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
The Rhyolite Ridge Volcanic rocks are underlain by sedimentary
rocks of the Silver Peak Formation.
• The Cave Spring Formation comprises a series of 11 sedimentary
units deposited in a lacustrine environment, as shown in the
following table. Within the study area the Cave Spring Formation
can reach total thickness in excess of 400 m. Age dating of overlying
units outside of the area and dates for the underlying Rhyolite Ridge
Volcanic unit bracket deposition of the Cave Spring Formation
between 4-6 Ma; this relatively young geological age indicates
limited time for deep burial and compaction of the units. The Cave
Spring Formation units are generally laterally continuous over
several miles across the extent of the South Basin; however,
thickness of the units can vary due to both primary depositional and
secondary structural features. The sedimentary sequence generally
fines upwards, from coarse clastic units at the base of the formation,
upwards through siltstones, marls and carbonate units towards the
top of the sequence.
• The key mineralized units are in the Cave Spring Formation and are,
from top to bottom, the M5 (high-grade Li, low- to moderate- grade
B bearing carbonate-clay rich marl), the B5 (high-grade B,
moderate-grade Li marl), the S5 (low- to high Li, very low B) and the
L6 (broad zone of laterally discontinuous low- to high- grade Li and
B mineralized horizons within a larger low-grade to barren sequence
of siltstone-claystone). The sequence is marked by a series of four
thin (generally on the scale of several meters or less) coarse
gritstone layers (G4 through G7); these units are interpreted to be
pyroclastic deposits that blanketed the area. The lateral continuity
across the South Basin along with the distinctive visual appearance
of the gritstone layers relative to the less distinguishable sequence
of siltstone-claystone-marl that comprise the bulk of the Cave Spring
Formation make the four grit stone units good marker horizons
within the stratigraphic sequence.
• The Cave Springs Formation is unconformably overlain by a unit of
poorly sorted alluvium, ranging from 0 to 40 m (mean of 20 m) within
the Study Area. The alluvium is unconsolidated and comprises sand
through cobble sized clasts (with isolated
occurrences of large boulder sized clasts)of the Rhyolite Ridge

18

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Volcanic Rocks and other nearby volcanic units.
• Structurally, the South Basin is bounded along its western and
eastern margins by regional scale high angle faults of unknown
displacement, while localized steeply dipping normal, reverse and
strike-slipfaults transect the Cave Springformation throughout the

19

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
the basin. Displacement on these faults is generally poorly known
but most appear to be on the order of tens of meters of displacement
although several located along the edge of the basin may have
displacements greater than 30 m. Major fault structures within the
basin tend to have a series of minor faults associated with them.
These tend to have smaller offset than the parent fault structure.
Along the western side, South Basin is folded into a broad, open
syncline with the sub-horizontal fold axis oriented approximately
north-south. The syncline is asymmetric, moderate to locally steep
dips along the western limb. The stratigraphy is further folded,
including a significant southeast plunging syncline located in the
southern part of the study area.
• HiB-Li and LoB-Li mineralization is interpreted to have been
emplaced by hydrothermal/epithermal fluids travelling up the basin
bounding faults; based on HiB-Li and LoB-Li grade distribution and
continuity it is believed the primary fluid pathway was along the
western bounding fault. Differential mineralogical and permeability
characteristics of the various units within the Cave Spring Formation
resulted in the preferential emplacement of HiB-Li bearing minerals
in the B5 and L6 units and LoB-Li bearing minerals in the M5, S5
and L6 units. HiB-Li mineralization occurs in isolated locations in
some of the other units in the sequence, but with nowhere near the
grade and continuity observed in the aforementioned units.
Drill hole
Information
A summary of all information material to the understanding
of the exploration results including a tabulation of the
following information for all Material drill holes:
o easting and northing of the drill hole collar
o elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea
level in feet) of the drill hole collar
o dip and azimuth of the hole
o down hole length and interception depth
o hole length.
• Exploration Results are not being reported.
• A summary table providing key details for all identified drill holes for
the Project is presented by type and drilling campaign in the
following table:

20

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis
that the information is not Material and this exclusion does
not detract from the understanding of the report, the
Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the
case.
• Of the 166 drill holes reviewed, 162 (50 RC and 112 core) were
included in the geological model and 4 were omitted. One RC twin
hole was omitted in favour of the cored hole at the same location.
Three water/geotechnical drill holes were omitted due to a lack of
lithology and quality data relevant to the geological model.
Data
aggregation
methods
In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging
techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations
(e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually
Material and should be stated.
• Exploration Results are not being reported.
• All grade parameters presented as part of the Mineral Resource
estimates prepared by IMC are presented as mass weighted
grades.
• Drill core samples are predominately 1.52 m lengths (91%) and this
data set composited to regularized 1.52m lengths, respecting seam
contacts and used for the interpolation of grade data into the block
model. The data set honoured geological contacts (i.e. composite
intervals did not span unit contacts). The data set is the 1.52 m
composited developed from the drill hole assay database.
• No minimum bottom cuts or maximum top cuts were applied to the
thickness or grade data used to construct the geological models. No
interpolation was applied to B and Li grade data for units other than
the targeted units (G5, M5, B5, S5, G6, L6 and Lsi; discussed further
in the Estimation and Modelling Techniques section of this Table 1).
• A cut-off grade of 5,000 ppm B for the HiB-Li mineralization and
16.54/tonne net value for the LoB-Li mineralization was applied
during the Mineral Resource tabulation for the purpose of
establishing reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction
based on high level mining, metallurgical and processing grade
parameters identified by mining, metallurgical and processing
studies performed to date on the Project.
Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of
high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results,
the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated
and some typical examples of such aggregations should
be shown indetail.
• Not applicable as individual intercepts or Exploration Results are
not being reported.
The assumptions used for any reporting of metal
equivalent values should be clearly stated.
• Metal equivalents were not used in the Mineral Resource
estimates prepared by IMC.

21

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Relationship
between
mineralisation
widths and
intercept
lengths
These relationships are particularly important in the
reporting of Exploration Results.
• All drill hole intercepts presented in the Report are down hole
thickness not true thickness. As discussed in the Orientation of Data
section of this Table 1, most drill hole intercepts are approximately
orthogonal to the dip of the beds (intercept angles between 70-90
degrees).
If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill
hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.
• Based on the geometry of the mineralization, it is reasonable to treat
all samples collected from inclined drill holes at intercept angles of
greater than 70 degrees as representative of the true thickness of
the zone sampled.
If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are
reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect
_(e.g. ‘down hole length, true width not known’). _
• Not applicable as individual down hole intercepts or Exploration
Results are not being reported.
Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and
tabulations of intercepts should be included for any
significant discovery being reported These should include,
but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations
and appropriate sectional views.
• Appropriate plan maps and sections are appended to the Report.
Balanced
reporting
Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results
is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and
high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid
misleading reporting of Exploration Results.
• Exploration Results are not being reported.
Other
substantive
exploration
data
Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should
be reported including (but not limited to): geological
observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical
survey results; bulk samples – size and method of
treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density,
groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics;
potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
• Surficial geological mapping performed by a senior Ioneer geologist
was used in support of the drill holes to define the outcrops and
subcrops as well as bedding dip attitudes in the geological
modelling. Mapped geological contacts and faults were imported
into the model and used as surface control points for the
corresponding beds or structures.
• Magnetic and Gravity geophysical surveys were performed and
interpreted to inform the geological model, particularly in the
identification of faulting and geologic structures.
Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for
lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-
_out drilling). _
• Additional in-fill drilling and sampling may be performed based on
the results of current mining project studies
Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible
extensions, including the main geological interpretations
and future drilling areas, provided this information is not
commercially sensitive.
• Refer to Figure 1 in the body of this report.

22

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

SECTION 3 ESTIMATION AND REPORTING OF MINERAL RESOURCES

(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in section 2, also apply to this section.)

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary
Database
integrity
Measures taken to ensure that data has not been corrupted
by, for example, transcription or keying errors, between its
initial collection and its use for Mineral Resource estimation
purposes.
• Measures taken to ensure the data has not been corrupted by
transcription or keying errors or omissions included recording of drill
hole data and observations by the logging geologists using
formatted logging sheets in Microsoft (MS) Excel. Data and
observations entered into the logging sheets were reviewed by
senior Ioneer geologists prior to importing into Torque Database
• IMC evaluated the tabular data provided by Ioneer for errors or
omissions as part of the data validation procedures described in the
following section.
Data validation procedures used. • IMC performed data validation on the drill hole database records
using available underlying data and documentation including but not
limited to original drill hole descriptive logs, core photos and
laboratory assay certificates. Drill hole data validation checks were
performed using a series of in-house data checks to evaluate for
common drill hole data errors including, but not limited to, data gaps
and omissions, overlapping lithology or sample intervals,
miscorrelated units, drill hole deviation errors and other indicators of
data corruption including transcription and keying errors.
• Database assay values for every sample were visually compared to
the laboratory assay certificates to ensure the tabular assay data
was free of errors or omissions by Golder for the 2020 resource
estimate. IMC compared database to certificates for about 20% of
the phase 2 and 3 drill holes and found no errors.
Site visits Comment on any site visits undertaken by the Competent
Person and the outcome of those visits.
• The IMC Competent Person Herbert E. Welhener made a personal
site inspection, this visit was performed on the Project site on
August 10th 2023 for the Project.
During the site visit the IMC Competent Person visited the Ioneer
core shed in Tonopah NV, and the South Basin area of the Rhyolite
Ridge Project site, which is the focus of the current exploration and
resource evaluation efforts by Ioneer.

23

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary
• The IMC Competent Person observed the active drilling, logging
and sampling process and interviewed site personnel regarding
exploration drilling, logging, sampling and chain of custody
procedures.
• The outcome of the site visit was that the IMC Competent Person
developed an understanding of the general geology of the Rhyolite
Ridge Project. The IMC Competent Person was also able to visually
confirm the presence of a selection of monumented drill holes from
each of the previous drilling programs as well as to observe drilling,
logging and sampling procedures during the current drilling program
and to review documentation for the logging, sampling and chain of
custody protocols for previous drilling programs.
If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why this is
_the case. _
• Not applicable.
Geological
interpretation
Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of) the
geological interpretation of the mineral deposit.
• The IMC Competent Person is confident that the geological
interpretation of the mineral deposit is reasonable for the purposes
of Mineral Resource estimation.
Nature of the data used and of any assumptions made. • The data used in the development of the geological interpretation
included drill hole data and observations collected from 112 core
and 50 RC drill holes, supplemented by surface mapping of
outcrops and faults performed by Ioneer personnel. Regional scale
public domain geological maps and studies were also incorporated
into the geological interpretation.
• It is assumed that the mineralized zones are continuous between
drill holes as well as between drill holes and surface mapping. It is
also assumed that grades vary between drill holes based on a
distance-weighted interpolator.
The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations on Mineral
Resource estimation.
• There are no known alternative interpretations.
The use of geology in guiding and controlling Mineral
Resource estimation.
• Geology was used directly in guiding and controlling the Mineral
Resource estimation. The mineralized zones were modelled as
stratigraphically controlled HiB-Li and LoB-Li deposits. As such, the
primary directions of continuity for the mineralization are
horizontallywithin thepreferentiallymineralized B5,M5,S5 and L6

24

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary
geological units.
The factors affecting continuity both of grade and geology. • The primary factor affecting the continuity of both geology and grade
is the lithology of the geological units. HiB-Li mineralization is
favourably concentrated in marl-claystone of the B5 and L6 units
and LoB-Li in the M5, S5 and L6 units. Mineralogy of the units also
has a direct effect on the continuity of the mineralization, with
elevated B grades in the B5 and M5 units associated with a distinct
reduction in carbonate and clay content in the units, while higher Li
values tend to be associated with elevated carbonate content in
these units and sometimes k-felspar.
• Additional factors affecting the continuity of geology and grade
include the spatial distribution and thickness of the host rocks which
have been impacted by both syn-depositional and post- depositional
geological processes (i.e. localized faulting, erosion and so forth).
Dimensions The extent and variability of the Mineral Resource
expressed as length (along strike or otherwise), plan width,
and depth below surface to the upper and lower limits of
the Mineral Resource.
• The Mineral Resource evaluation presented in this Report covers
an area of approximately 458 Ha within the South Basin of Rhyolite
Ridge. The Mineral Resource plan dimensions, defined by the
spatial extent of the B5 unit Inferred classification limits, are
approximately 3,650 m North-South by 1,400 m East-West. The
upper and lower limits of the Mineral Resource span from surface,
where the mineralized units outcrop locally, through to a maximum
depth of 420 m below surface for the base of the lower mineralized
zone (L6 unit).
• Variability of the Mineral Resource is associated primarily with the
petrophysical and geochemical properties of the individual
geological units in the Cave Spring Formation. These properties
played a key role in determining units that were favourable for
hosting HiB-Li and LoB-Li mineralization versus those that were not.
Estimation and
modelling
techniques

The nature and appropriateness of the estimation
technique(s) applied and key assumptions, including
treatment of extreme grade values, domaining,
interpolation parameters and maximum distance of
extrapolation from data points. If a computer
assisted estimation method was chosen include a
description of computer software and parameters
used.
• Geological modelling and Mineral Resource estimation for the
Project was performed under the supervision of the Competent
Person
• Based on a statistical analysis, extreme B grade values were
identified in some of the units other than the targeted B5, M5, S5
and L6 units. Boron, Lithium and the other elements were
estimated in only units B5, M5, S5 and L6, and the adjacent units
ofG5, G6 andLsi.Gradesinthe adjacent unitswereincorporated

25

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary Commentary
Estimation and
modelling
techniques
into the re-blocked model with a 9.14m bench height (combined six
1.52 m benches).
• The geological model was developed as a gridded surface
stratigraphic model by NewFields and Ioneer and provided to IMC
as surfaces and solids. The stratigraphically constrained grade
block model was developed using Hexagon and IMC software,
which are computer-assisted geological, grade modelling, and
estimation software applications.
• Domaining in the model was constrained by the roof and floor
surfaces of the geological units. The unit boundaries were modelled
as hard boundaries, with samples interpolated only within the unit in
which they occurred. The impact of faulting is represented in fault
blocks which generated sub-sets of the seam units. The faulting
altered the orientation of the seam floors and was used during the
grade estimation process. Grade continuity is assumed across
faults which in some cases offset the seams in a vertical direction.
A larger vertical window was used during grade estimation to allow
estimation of grades across faults, still limited to the seam being
estimated.
• Keymodelling and estimationparametersincluded thefollowing:
Estimation Parameter Description
Estimation Block Size 7.62 x 7.62 x 1.524 m
Estimation Method Inverse Distance Squared
Seams for Grade Estimation G5, M5, B5, S5, G6, L6, Lsi
Maximum search distance, G5 305 x 305 x 61 m
Maximum search distance, M5 533 x 305 x 61 m
Maximum search distance, B5 533 x 305 x 61 m
Maximum search distance, S5 229 x 229 x 61 m
Maximum search distance, G6 229 x 229 x 61 m
Maximum search distance, L6 305 x 305 x 61 m
Maximum search distance, Lsi 305 x 305 x 61 m
Minimum & Maximum samples 2 and 10
Maximum samples per hole 3

26

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary Commentary Commentary Commentary Commentary Commentary Commentary Commentary Commentary Commentary

The availability of check estimates, previous
estimates and/or mine production records and
whether the Mineral Resource estimate takes
appropriate account of such data.
The Table below presents a summary comparison of the
current February 2025 Mineral Resource estimate
against the previous Mineral Resource estimate for the
Project, prepared by IMC in April 2024.
H3BO3
ktonnes
12,590
2,069
14,659
10,004
2,813
12,817
2,586
-744
1,842
Processin
g Streams
Group Class Contained
Tonnage Li B Li2Co3 H3BO3 Li2Co3 H3BO3
ktonnes ppm ppm Weight
%
Weight
%
ktonnes ktonnes
Combined
Streams
February
2025
Resource
Meas +
Ind
413,783 1,479 5,321 0.79 3.04 3,256 12,590
Infer 96,590 1,387 3,745 0.74 2.14 713 2,069
Total 510,373 1,461 5,023 0.78 2.87 3,969 14,659
April
2024
Resource
Meas +
Ind
258,079 1,731 6,779 0.92 3.88 2,378 10,004
Infer 93,324 1,759 5,272 0.94 3.01 873 2,813
Total 351,403 1,739 6,379 0.93 3.65 3,251 12,817
Variation Meas +
Ind
155,704 1,060 2,905 0.56 1.66 878 2,586
Infer 3,266 -4.91 -22.80 -160 -744
Total 158,970 849 2,026 0.45 1.16 718 1,842
• There has been no HiB-Li or LoB-Li production on the
Project to date.
The assumptions made regarding recovery of by-
products.
• No by-products are being considered for recovery at
present.
Estimation of deleterious elements or other non-
grade variables of economic significance (e.g.
sulphur for acid mine drainage characterisation).
• In addition to Li and B, the geological model also included
10 additional non-grade elements (Sr, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Rb,
Cs, Mo, Fe, Al) to allow for calculation of acid consumption
values for the metallurgical process. No deleterious
elements were estimated.
In the case of block model interpolation, the
block size in relation to the average sample
spacing and the search employed.
• The stratigraphic gridded surface model was developed
using a
7.62 m regularized grid. The grade block model was
developed from the stratigraphic model using a 7.62 m
North-South by 7.62 m East-West by 1.52 m vertical block
dimension with no sub-blocks. The block size dimensions
represent 12 percent of the closer spaced drill hole spacing
and 6 percent of the wider spaced spacing across the model

27

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary
area. Grade interpolation into the model blocks was
performed using anInverse Distance Squared (ID2) interpolator
with unique search distances for each of the 7 seams being
estimated as shown in the table above. The same search
parameters were used for all of the elements being estimated (B, Li,
Sr, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mo, Fe, Al) within each of the seams.
Any assumptions behind modelling of selective mining
units.
• The mining selective vertical unit of 9.14m is based on the selected
mining equipment. The 1.52 m bench block model was re-blocked
after grade estimation to 9.14m bench height blocks keeping the
horizontal dimensions the same at 7.62 by 7.62m.
• The re-blocked 9.14m was developed in the following steps:

Seams and fault block domains were assigned to the model
from the surfaces and solids files;

Tonnes per block from the 1.52 m model were added
together;

Grades were weighted averaged by tonnes per 1.52 m blocks;

Class was assigned by majority; when equal number of 1.52m
blocks were present, the lower class was assigned;

Fault block domains with no drill data and received grade
estimates from surrounding data received a classification of
inferred.
Any assumptions about correlation between variables. • No assumptions or calculations relating to the correlation between
variables were made at this time.
Description of how the geological interpretation was used
to control the resource estimates.
• The geological interpretation was used to control the Mineral
Resource estimate by developing a contiguous stratigraphic model
(all units in the sequence were modelled) of the host rock units
deposited within the basin, the roof and floor contacts of which then
served as hard contacts for constraining the grade interpolation.
Grade values were interpolated within the geological units using
only samples intersected within those units.
Discussion of basis for using or not using grade cutting or
capping.
• Grade capping or cutting was not applied for the targeted
mineralized units B5, M5, S5 and L6, and adjacent units included in
the estimation process as a statistical analysis of the grade data
indicated there was no bias or influence by extreme outlier grade
values.
• Mineral Resources were not estimated for the other units. Grades
have been estimated for adjacent units to allow for potential mining
dilution.

28

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary

The process of validation, the checking process used, the
comparison of model data to drill hole data, and use of
reconciliation data if available.
The geological model validation and review process involved visual
inspection of drill hole data as compared to model geology and
grade parameters using plan isopleth maps and approximately 300
m spaced cross-sections through the model. Drill hole and model
values were compared statistically along with grade estimates using
polygon and ordinary kriging approaches.
• No reconciliation data is available because the property is not in
production.
Moisture Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or with
natural moisture, and the method of determination of the
moisture content.
• The estimated Mineral Resource tonnages are presented on a dry
basis.
• A moisture content evaluation needs to be done as part of future
analytical programs.
Cut-off
parameters
The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality
parameters applied.
• The Mineral Resource estimate presented in this Report has been
constrained by the application of an optimized Mineral Resource pit
shell. The Mineral Resource pit shell was developed using the IMC
Mine Planning software.
• The Mineral Resource estimate assumes the use of three
processing streams: one which can process ore with boron content
greater than 5,000 ppm and two which can process ore with boron
content less than 5,000 ppm.
• Key input parameters and assumptions for the Mineral Resource pit
shell included the following:
• B cut-off grade of 5,000 ppm for HiB-Li processing stream and
no B cut-off grade for LoB-Li processing stream
• No Li cut-off grade for HiB-Li processing stream and $16.54/t net
value cutoff for LoB-Li processing stream
• Overall pit slope angle of 42 degrees (wall angle guidance
provided by Geo-Logic Associates who developed the
geotechnical design).
• Mining cost of US$1.69/tonne based on recent studies by Ioneer.
• G&A cost of US$16.54/tonne processed based on recent studies
by Ioneer.
• Ore processing and grade control costs vary by process
stream and seam unit and are divided into fixed cost and the
cost of acid consumption. Shown below are the costs based
on the average grades of the acid consuming elements in
the Mineral Resource:
• Stream 1 (HiB-Li): fixed process cost = $30.50/mt and acid

29

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary
costs range between $33.93/mt and $52.12/mt based on the
average grades of the acid consuming elements in each
seam.
Streams 2 & 3 (LoB-Li): both the fixed and acid costs vary
by seam with the fixed cost ranging between $15.19.mt to
$30.80/mt and the acid costs range between $5.08/mt and
$67.93/mt.

• Boron and Li recovery of 80.2% and 85.7% respectively for HiB-Li
Processing Stream .
• Boron Recovery for LoB-Li Processing Stream variable by
lithology as follows: 65% in M5 Unit, 80.2% in B5 unit, 50% in S5
unit, and 37% in L6 unit.
• Lithium Recovery for LoB-Li Processing Stream variable by
lithology as follows: 78% in M5 unit, 85.7% in B5 unit, 88% in S5
unit, and 85% in L6 unit.
• Boric Acid sales price of US$1,172.78/tonne.
• Lithium Carbonate sales price of US$19,351.380/tonne.
• Sales/Transport costs are included in theprocess fixed cost/t.
Mining
factors or
assumptions
Assumptions made regarding possible mining methods,
minimum mining dimensions and internal (or, if applicable,
external) mining dilution. It is always necessary as part of
the process of determining reasonable prospects for
eventual economic extraction to consider potential mining
methods, but the assumptions made regarding mining
methods and parameters when estimating Mineral
Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the
case, this should be reported with an explanation of the
basis of the mining assumptions made.
• The Mineral Resource estimate presented in this Report was
developed with the assumption that the HiB-Li and LoB-Li
mineralization within the Mineral Resource pit shell, as described in
the preceding section, has a reasonable prospect for eventual
economic extraction using current conventional open pit mining
methods.
• Except for the Mineral Resource pit shell criteria discussed in the
preceding section, no other mining factors, assumptions or mining
parameters such as mining recovery, mining loss or dilution have
been applied to the Mineral Resource estimate presented in this
Report.

30

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary





Metallurgical
factors or
assumptions
The basis for assumptions or predictions regarding
metallurgical amenability. It is always necessary as part of
the process of determining reasonable prospects for
eventual economic extraction to consider potential
metallurgical methods, but the assumptions regarding
metallurgical treatment processes and parameters made
when reporting Mineral Resources may not always be
rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported
with an explanation of the basis of the metallurgical
assumptions made.
• The basis of the metallurgical assumptions made in establishing the
reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction of the HiB-
Li mineralization are based on results from metallurgical and
material processing work that was developed as part of the ongoing
Feasibility Study for the Project. This test work was performed using
current processing and recovery methods for producing Boric acid
and Lithium carbonate products
A second process stream to recover Li from low boron mineralized
(LoB-Li) units is being developed. Current results indicate a
reasonable process and expectation for economic extraction of the
LoB-Li from the S5, M5 and L6 units. This test work was performed
using current processing and recovery methods for producing Boric
acid and Lithium carbonate products.
Environment-
al factors or
assumptions
Assumptions made regarding possible waste and process
residue disposal options. It is always necessary as part of
the process of determining reasonable prospects for
eventual economic extraction to consider the potential
environmental impacts of the mining and processing
operation. While at this stage the determination of potential
environmental impacts, particularly for a greenfields
project, may not always be well advanced, the status of
early consideration of these potential environmental
impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have not
been considered this should be reported with an
explanation of the environmental assumptions made.
The project will require waste and process residue disposal.
Assumptions have been made that all environmental requirements
will be achieved through necessary studies, designs and permits.
• Currently, baseline studies and detailed designs have been
completed for both waste and process residue disposal facilities.
• In December 2022, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) listed Tiehm’s buckwheat as an endangered species
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and has designated
critical habitat by way of applying a 500 m radius around several
distinct plant populations that occur on the Project site. Ioneer is
committed to the protection and conservation of the Tiehm’s
buckwheat. The Project’s Mine Plan of Operations was submitted to
the BLM in July 2022. In October 2024, Ioneer received its federal
permit for the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project from the BLM.
The formal Record of Decision (ROD) follows the issuance in
September 2024 of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
by the BLM As part of the final EIS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, which oversees the administration of the Endangered
Species Act (ESA), also formally released the ESA Section 7
Biological Opinion concluding Rhyolite Ridge will not jeopardise
Tiehm’s buckwheat or adversely modify its critical habitat.
• The mineral resource pit shell used to constrain the February 2025,
mineral resource estimate was not adjusted to account for any
impacts from avoidance of Tiehm’s buckwheat or minimisation of
disturbance within the designated critical habitat. Environmental
and permitting assumptions and factors will be taken into

31

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary
consideration during future modifying factors studies for the Project.
These permitting assumptions and factors may result in potential
changes to the Mineral Resource footprint in the future.
Bulk density • The density values used to convert volumes to tonnages were
assigned on a by-geological unit basis using mean values
calculated from 120 density samples collected from drill core
during the 2018-2019 and the 2023-2024 drilling programs. The
density analyses were performed using the water displacement
method for density determination, with values reported in dry
basis.
Whether assumed or determined. If assumed, the
basis for the assumptions. If determined, the method
used, whether wet or dry, the frequency of the
measurements, the nature, size and
representativeness of the samples.
• The application of assigned densities by geological unit assumes
that there will be minimal variability in density within each of the units
across their spatial extents within the Project area. The use of
assigned density with a very low number of samples, as is the case
with several waste units, is a factor that increases the uncertainty
and represents a risk to the Mineral Resource estimate confidence
The bulk density for bulk material must have been
measured by methods that adequately account for void
spaces (vugs, porosity, etc.), moisture and differences between
rock and alteration zones within the deposit.

The Archimedes-principle method for density determination
accounts for void spaces, moisture and differences in rock type.

32

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary Commentary Commentary Commentary
Bulk density
(Con’t)
Discuss assumptions for bulk density estimates used in the
evaluation process of the different materials.
Density values were assigned for all geological units in the model,
including mineralized units as well as overburden, interburden and
underburden waste units. By-unit densities were assigned in the
grade block model based on the block geological unit code as
follows:
Mean of
Modeled
Density
Seams
(gm/cm3)
Q1
1.80
S3
1.53
G4
1.62
M4
1.86
G5
1.65
M5
1.64
B5
1.78
S5
Mineralized/
Interburden
1.84
G6
Interburden
1.85
L6
Mineralized
1.98
Lsi
1.98
G7
1.86
Tbx
1.86
Mineralized
Underburden
Overburden
Modeled
Seams
Mean of
Density
(gm/cm3)
Q1 Overburden 1.80
S3 1.53
G4 1.62
M4 1.86
G5 1.65
M5 Mineralized 1.64
B5 1.78
S5 Mineralized/
Interburden
1.84
G6 Interburden 1.85
L6 Mineralized 1.98
Lsi Underburden 1.98
G7 1.86
Tbx 1.86

33

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary
Classification The basis for the classification of the Mineral Resources into
varying confidence categories.
• The Mineral Resource estimate for the Project is reported here in
accordance with the “Australian Code for Reporting of Exploration
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” as prepared by the
Joint Ore Reserves Committee (the JORC Code, 2012 Edition).
• IMC performed a statistical and geostatistical analysis for the
purpose of evaluating the confidence of continuity of the geological
units and grade parameters. The results of this analysis were
applied to developing the Mineral Resource classification criteria for
the 1.52m bench height block model.
• Estimated Mineral Resources were classified as follows:
• Measured: Between 107 and 122 m spacing between points of
observation depending on the seam, with sample interpolation from
a minimum of four drill holes.
• Indicated: Between 168 and 244 m spacing between points of
observation, with sample interpolation from a minimum of two drill
holes.
• Inferred: To the limit of the estimation range (maximum 533 m,
depending on the seam), with sample interpolation from a minimum
of one drill hole.
• The class was assigned from the 1.52m model to the 9.14m model
by majority of the six 1.52m blocks combined to one 9.14m block,
with the following exceptions:

If equal number of two classes (3 blocks and 3 blocks)
the lower class was assigned,

If the block is located within a fault block of a particular
seam that has no drill data or less than two holes and
was assigned grades from surrounding data, the class
was set to inferred.
Whether appropriate account has been taken of all
relevant factors (i.e. relative confidence in
tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data,
confidence in continuity of geology and metal values,
quality, quantity and distribution of the data).
• The Mineral Resource classification has included the consideration
of data reliability, spatial distribution and abundance of data and
continuity of geology and grade parameters
Whether the result appropriately reflects the Competent
Person’s view of the deposit.
• It is the Competent Persons view that the classification criteria
applied to the Mineral Resource estimate are appropriate for the
reliability and spatial distribution of the base data and reflect the
confidence of continuity of the modelled geology and grade
parameters.

34

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 explanation Commentary
The results of any audits or reviews of Mineral Resource
estimates.
• Beyond high level review for the purpose of understanding the
Project history, no formal audits or reviews of previous or historical
Mineral Resource estimates were performed as part of the scope of
work; Mineral Resource estimation evaluation is limited to the
estimate prepared by IMC and presented in this Report.
Where appropriate a statement of the relative accuracy and
confidence level in the Mineral Resource estimate using an
approach or procedure deemed appropriate by the
Competent Person. For example, the application of
statistical or geostatistical procedures to quantify the
relative accuracy of the resource within stated confidence
limits, or, if such an approach is not deemed appropriate, a
qualitative discussion of the factors that could affect the
relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate.
• IMC performed a statistical and geostatistical analysis and applied
Mineral Resource classification criteria to reflect the relative
confidence level of the estimated Mineral Resource tonnes and
grades estimated globally across the model area for the Project.
Audits or
reviews
The statement should specify whether it relates to global or
local estimates, and, if local, state the relevant tonnages,
which should be relevant to technical and economic
evaluation. Documentation should include assumptions
made and the procedures used.
• The Mineral Resource tonnes and grade have been estimated
globally across the model area for the Project.
Discussion of
relative
accuracy/
confidence
These statements of relative accuracy and confidence of the
estimate should be compared with production data, where
available.

• Reconciliation against production data/results was not possible as
the Project is currently in the development stage and there has been
no production on the Project to date.

35

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

SECTION 4 ESTIMATION AND REPORTING OF ORE RESERVES

SECTION 4 ESTIMATION AND REPORTING OF ORE RESERVES SECTION 4 ESTIMATION AND REPORTING OF ORE RESERVES SECTION 4 ESTIMATION AND REPORTING OF ORE RESERVES
(Criteria listed in section 1, and where relevant in sections 2 and 3, also apply to this section.)
Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Mineral
Resource
estimate for
conversion to
Ore Reserves
Description of the Mineral Resource estimate used as a
basis for the conversion to an Ore Reserve.
• The February 2025 Mineral Resource estimate is based on information
compiled by Herbert E. Welhener, a Competent Person is a Registered
Member of the SME (Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration), and is
a QP Member of MMSA (the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America).
Mr. Welhener is a full-time employee of Independent Mining Consultants,
Inc. (IMC) and is independent of Ioneer and its affiliates. Mr. Welhener has
sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of
deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as
a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian
Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore
Reserves’ (JORC Code 2012). Mr. Welhener consents to the inclusion in this
report.
• The May 2025 Mineral Reserve estimate is based on information compiled
by Joseph S.C. McNaughton, a Competent Person is a Registered PE
(Professional Engineer) in the state of Arizona. Mr. McNaughton is a full-time
employee of Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. (IMC) and is independent
of Ioneer and its affiliates. Mr. McNaughton has sufficient experience that is
relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration
and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as
defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’ (JORC Code
2012). Mr. McNaughton consents to the inclusion in this report.
Clear statement as to whether the Mineral Resources are
reported additional to, or inclusive of, the Ore Reserves.
• The Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of the Ore Reserves.
Site visits Comment on any site visits undertaken by the Competent
Person and the outcome of those visits.
• The IMC Competent Person Herbert E. Welhener and Joseph Mc Naughton
made personal site inspections, this visit was performed on the Project site on
August 10th 2023 for the Project.
• During the site visit the IMC Competent Persons visited the Ioneer core shed
in Tonopah NV, and the South Basin area of the Rhyolite Ridge Project site,
which is the focus of the current
exploration and resource evaluation efforts by Ioneer.
• The IMC Competent Persons observed the active drilling, logging and
sampling process and interviewed site personnel regarding exploration drilling,
logging, sampling and chain of custody procedures.
• The outcome of the site visit was that the IMC Competent Persons developed
an understanding of the general geology of the Rhyolite Ridge Project. The
IMC Competent Person was also able to visually confirm the presence of a
selection of monumented drill holes from each of the previous drilling programs
as well as to observe drilling, logging and sampling procedures during the
current drilling program and to review documentation for the logging, sampling
and chain of custody protocols for previous drilling programs.

36

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
• During the site visit, the Competent Person confirmed that the type
of data was applicable for Ore Reserve estimation. The Competent
Person observed project surface conditions for the purpose of
understanding project boundaries, physical characteristics of the
resource for determining appropriate extraction methodology.
drainage and infrastructure requirements, appropriate locations for
overburden storage facilities (OSFs), as well as access from the
proposed quarry to the proposed process plant site location.
If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why this
_is the case. _
• Not Applicable
Study status The type and level of study undertaken to enable
Mineral Resources to be converted to Ore Reserves.
• As part of the May 2025 Ore Reserves estimate, an open-pit mine
plan was developed that was technically achievable and
economically viable. The mine plan considered material Modifying
Factors such as dilution and ore loss, various boundary
constraints, processing recoveries and all costs associated with
mining, processing, transportation and selling product.
The Code requires that a study to at least Pre-
Feasibility Study level has been undertaken to convert
Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves. Such studies will
have been carried out and will have determined a mine
plan that is technically achievable and economically
viable, and that material Modifying Factors have been
considered.
• The 2024FS was undertaken to convert Mineral Resources to
Ore Reserves. The 2024FS determined a mine plan that is
technically achievable and economically viable, and that material
Modifying Factors were considered.
• The Mineral Resources have been converted to Ore Reserves by
means of an open-pit optimisation and pit design supported by
geotechnical studies undertaken by Geo-Logic Associates
(GLA). Only Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources have
been included in the Ore Reserves. Modifying factors have been
applied as stated below.
Cut-off
parameters
The basis of the cut-off grade(s) or quality
parameters applied.
• IMC applied a two-phase approach to defining the cut-off grade,
including a grade-tonnage evaluation and an economic evaluation.
• The grade tonnage evaluation limited the stream 1 process feed to
material with boron grades >5,000 ppm boron cut-off grade for high
boron – high lithium (HiB-Li) mineralization (M5, B5, L6) and net
value (net of process) cut-off grade of $16.54/t for low boron (LoB-
Li) mineralization below 5,000 ppm boron which is split into two
material types: low clay and high clay material, respectfully, Stream
2 and Stream 3.

37

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Mining factors
or
assumptions
The method and assumptions used as reported in the
Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility Study to convert the
Mineral Resource to an Ore Reserve (i.e. either by
application of
appropriate factors by optimisation or by preliminary or
detailed design).
• This Ore Reserve estimate is based on work completed for a
2025FS. The ore reserve was developed from the 9.14m(30ft)
mine planning block model and is the total of all proven and
probable category ore that is planned for processing.
• The mineral ore reserve was estimated by tabulating the
contained tonnage of measured and indicated mineral resources
(proven and probable ore reserves) within the designed final pit
geometry at the planned cut-off grade. The final pit design and the
internal phase (pushback) designs were guided by the results of
the Lerchs-Grossmann algorithm, project constraints, and other
relevant factors. Multiple quarry design objectives and constraints
were incorporated into the pit targeting exercise, resulting in five
pushback designs that guided the mine planning. These phase
designs had a significant impact on various outcomes, including
the final quarry designs, the quarrying approach, and the
corresponding mine production plan.
• Modifying Factors (listed below) and GLA’s geotechnical
recommendations listed below IMC’s pit design was further
analysed by GLA to check for pit slope stability. The analysis
found that the pit design is predicted to be in a stable
configuration
The choice, nature and appropriateness of the
selected mining method(s) and other mining
parameters including associated design issues such
as pre-strip, access, etc
• The deposit is to be mined by open-pit mining methods with 9.14
metre (m) bench heights using 27 cubic metre (m3) wheel loader,
and 136-tonne autonomous haul trucks (AHTs). This is the most
appropriate mining method for extraction of the resource due to
the moderately steep dip of the deposit, moderate stripping ratio,
mining equipment access requirements to remove overburden
and extract ore, and rock properties of the various stratigraphic
units present in the deposit.
• The planned quarry area includes problematic adversely oriented
bedding conditions where very low strength materials (i.e. layers
M4, M5a, M5, and B5) daylight on the proposed slope faces. GLA
notes that there are some aspects of the quarry design that are
based on limited geotechnical laboratory testing, in particular, the
northern extents of the LOM quarry limits.

38

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Mining factors
or assumptions
The assumptions made regarding geotechnical parameters
(e.g. pit slopes, stope sizes, etc), grade control and pre-
production drilling.
• Geo-Logic Associates (GLA) completed the geotechnical quarry
slope designs, which included limit equilibrium stability and
kinematic stability evaluations, including structurally controlled
failures and toppling evaluations. The planned quarry area includes
problematic adversely oriented bedding conditions where very low
strength materials (i.e. layers M4, M5a, M5, and B5) daylight on the
proposed slope faces. The results of the kinematic and backbreak
analyses indicate that these factors would not control the quarry
designs. The inter-ramp angle (IRA) results from the backbreak
and kinematic analyses for the LOM quarry was 42° in all materials
other than Alluvial, alluvial material has an IRA of 35°. The ground
anchor support structure recommended by GLA is included within
the pit design and mine plan prepared by IMC.
The assumptions made regarding geotechnical parameters
(e.g. pit slopes, stope sizes, etc), grade control and pre-
production drilling.
• Control of blasting will be extremely important as production
progresses; especially where steeply dipping materials are present.
The potential need for controlled blasting techniques near the final
quarry wall may be required during normal operations. Such
techniques may include buffer blasting, trim blasting, pre-splitting,
post-split blasting, and line drilling. GLA recommends that radar
monitoring and prisms be implemented, at a minimum, for
increased safety and productivity, as well as for protection of the
Tiehm’s buckwheat population

39

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Mining factors
or assumptions
The major assumptions made and Mineral Resource
model used for pit and slope optimisation (if appropriate).
• Pit optimisations were performed on September 2024
Mineral Resource model, IMC performed numerous pit
targeting exercises under various scenarios and assumptions
to identify the economic extents of the LOM Quarry using the
9.14m mine planning geological block model and Hexagon
MinePlan® software’s quarry optimization capabilities. Using
the above geotechnical parameters and applied recovery,
pro-forma mining cost, processing cost, transportation cost
and sales price assumptions listed below:
• Boron cut-off grade of 5,000 ppm (Stream 1)
• Boron cutoff grade < 5,000 ppm and Net value of $16.54/t
(Stream 2 & 3)
• Boron recovery of between 37.3% to 80.2%, based on process
stream and seam.
• Lithium recovery between 78.0% to 88.0%, based on process
stream and seam.
• Mining cost of US$1.69 per tonne (t)
• Additional haulage cost of US$0.0059/t per vertical metre
• Average Processing cost of US$69.49/t
• Transportation cost of US$159.84/t
• Boric Acid sales price of US$1,172.78/tonne
• Lithium Carbonate sales price of US$19,351.38/tonne
The mining dilution factors used. • Mining will be done on a horizontal 9.14m high bench. It is assumed
that no split benches will be mined. To incorporate the estimate of
dilution and ore loss from adjacent seams, a 9.14m bench height
block model was developed for use in the mine plan and tabulation
of the Ore Reserves. The steps to develop this block model are:
• Composite the drill hole assay database to a 9.14m composite length
which respects the 9.14m benches. The seam data was assigned on
a majority of the composite length. Drill holes with a dip flatter than 45
degrees were composited as down hole 9.14m lengths.
• The geologic solids and surfaces were assigned to the block model
with a block size of 7.62 by 7.62 meter in plan and 9.14m high. In
instances where a model block intersected more than one seam, the

40

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
• seam with the majority of the block volume was assigned to the total
block.
• Tonnages, grades and confidence clasification was
The mining recovery factors used. • The mining recovery factor assumes the use of front end loaders
and dozers outfitted with high- precision GPS and integrated FMS
and competent operators mining on a 9.14m bench. The recovery
and losses are assumed to be incorporated into the 9.14m bench
height model used to tabulate the ore reserve and mine plan
tonnages and grades.
Any minimum mining widths used. • Due to the continuous thickness of the B5 and L6 seams within the
designed pit, no minimum mining thickness was applied in the Ore
Reserves estimate.
The manner in which Inferred Mineral Resources are
utilised in mining studies and the sensitivity of the
outcome to their inclusion.
• Stated Ore Reserves have only been reported from the Measured
and Indicated Resource categories with Modifying Factors applied.
The infrastructure requirements of the selected mining
methods.
• The Project is currently in the design stage, and no site-specific
infrastructure has been built to date. Infrastructure required for the
Project includes haul roads, ground anchoring highwall support
structure, Overburden Storage Facilities (OSFs), Spent Ore Storage
Facility (SOSF), Contact Water Ponds (CWPs), the processing plant
which includes processing structures and facilities, maintenance
facilities, warehousing, shipping and receiving, fuel island, Sulphuric
Acid Plant (SAP), Steam Turbine Generator (STG) responsible for
power generation/transmission, and administrative buildings.

41

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Metallurgical
factors or
assumptions
The metallurgical process proposed and the
appropriateness of that process to the style of
mineralization.
• The Rhyolite Ridge Li-B ore is unique, and no reference installations
exist for processing this type of ore. Advanced scientific investigative
and confirmatory test work was therefore required to optimise the
process flowsheet for the 2020FS. Bench and pilot plant testing
were conducted at Kemetco Research, Inc. (Kemetco) in
Richmond, British Columbia, and overseen by Norm Chow and
Anca Nacu PhD with Kemetco; Patrick Glynn P.E., Jaegan Mohan
and Kyle Marte, PEng with Fluor; and Peter Ehren and Michael
Osborne with Ioneer. Kappes Cassiday Associates (KCA)
performed baseline metallurgical test work for vat leaching test
work, FLSmidth performed crushing and filtration test work, and
Veolia performed evaporation and crystallisation test work that
formed the basis of the 2020FS.
• Ore will be processed by ore sizing, vat acid leaching, impurity
removal, evaporation, and crystallisation using a flowsheet
developed specifically for the Project to generate technical-grade
lithium carbonate and boric acid. Test work has also confirmed that
refining the technical-grade lithium carbonate to battery-grade lithium
hydroxide is technically and commercially feasible through a liming
route. No impediments have been identified to the technical and
commercial feasibility for conversion of the technical-grade lithium
carbonate to battery-grade lithium carbonate through the
bicarbonation route.
• Key process engineering deliverables completed include the block
flow diagram (BFD), process flow diagrams (PFDs), process design
criteria, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and heat and
mass balance (summarized on the PFDs). The heat and mass
balance has been compiled using the Metsim process simulation
software package and is a fully integrated model comprising all
major process unit operations and recycle streams. The model
tracks all elements/compounds of interest throughout the process.
Notably lithium wash losses, which can be significant in lithium brine
flowsheets, are estimated through detailed modelling of all
dewatering and wash unit operations.

42

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
• An on-site SAP will produce commercial-grade sulphuric acid for vat
leaching the ore. The selection of the technology for the large SAP is
based on a proven operating design and specialty technology
provider. The SAP is a double conversion, double adsorption system
that has proven to be reliable and predictable.
Whether the metallurgical process is well-tested
technology or novel in nature.
• The Rhyolite Ridge Li-B ore is unique, and no reference installations
exist for processing this type of ore. Advanced scientific investigative
and confirmatory test work was therefore required to optimise the
process flowsheet. Bench and pilot plant testing were performed by
Kemetco, KCA performed baseline metallurgical test work for vat
leaching test work, FLSmidth performed crushing and filtration test
work, and Veolia performed evaporation and crystallisation test work
that formed the basis of the 2020FS. However, the proposed
metallurgical process uses known and commercially proven
equipment and technology and is ready for commercialisation.
The nature, amount and representativeness of
metallurgical test work undertaken, the nature of the
metallurgical domaining applied and the corresponding
metallurgical recovery factors applied.
• The Rhyolite Ridge Li-B ore is unique, and no reference installations
exist for processing this type of ore. Advanced scientific investigative
and confirmatory test work was therefore required on bulk samples
taken from the outcrop and on core samples. Bench and pilot plant
testing were performed by Kemetco, KCA performed baseline
metallurgical test work for vat leaching test work, FLSmidth
performed crushing and filtration test work, and Veolia performed
evaporation and crystallisation test work that formed the basis of the
2020FS. The metallurgical testing programs were fit for purpose and
no standardized test methods were used to govern testing programs.
Test work was structured and guided using the general principles
and definition of the CIM Best Practice Guidelines for mineral
processing. At a finer level each metallurgical laboratory has their
own standard operating procedures (SOPs) and use a wide range of
standards for individual test procedures and assaying. A list of these
procedures has not been compiled. The majority of metallurgical test
work has been performed on material from the South Basin, which
was the focus of the 2020FS and the proposed location of the
quarry, though some test work has also been done on core from the
North Basin where operations could potentially expand in the future.

43

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary Commentary



In-depth metallurgical test work and pilot plant programs were
performed over the 18-month duration of the 2020FS on over 27
tonnes of material (primarily limited to the B5 unit) to optimise the
process flowsheet. Some metallurgical test work is still ongoing to
confirm and further reduce risk of specific areas in the process
flowsheet. The results from the test work will be incorporated and
updated during the detailed engineering phase, over the next year,
based on the criticality of the effect on the current design.
The process flowsheet was customised to the metallurgical and
chemical characteristics of the unique Rhyolite Ridge ore to reflect
each unit operation of the proposed Rhyolite Ridge processing
facilities. This extensive effort has resulted in achieving a high level
of confidence in the process flowsheet and reducing process risk and
uncertainty. The major unit operations of the Rhyolite Ridge
flowsheet have been operated at pilot plant scale on over 27 tonnes
of material. The metallurgical test work is representative of the
process planned for treating the Rhyolite Ridge ore delivered from
the mine.
Based on the metallurgical test work, corresponding recoveries for
lithium and for boron to be applied to all ore planned to be mined
based on stream and seam as follows.
Seam
Boron to Boric Acid
Lithium to Lithium Carbonate
Stream 1
Streams 2 & 3
Stream 1
Streams 2 & 3
M5
80.2%
65.0%
85.7%
78.0%
B5
80.2%
80.2%
85.7%
85.7%
S5
80.2%
50.0%
85.7%
88.0%
L6
80.2%
37.3%
85.7%
85.0%
These figures are cumulative recoveries for the unit processes that
span from vat leaching to product production.

44

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Any assumptions or allowances made for deleterious
elements.
• In addition to lithium and boron, deleterious elements including
magnesium, calcium, aluminium, potassium, and iron impact the
amount of sulphuric acid consumed by processing plant feed
material and annual ore throughputs. The process plant design is
based on maximising the sulphuric acid output by the SAP. The ore
throughput through the processing plant is therefore variable to
counter the effect of varying acid consumptions to give a constant
annual acid consumption. The ore throughput of the process plant is
based on achieving the maximum ore throughput anticipated in the
mine planonamonthly basis.
The existence of any bulk sample or pilot scale test
work and the degree to which such samples are
considered representative of the orebody as a
whole.
• Extensive test work and pilot plant programs were performed as part
of the 2020FS on bulk samples taken from the outcrop and on core
samples. The majority of metallurgical test work has been performed
on material from the proposed quarry location in the South Basin,
which was the focus of the 2020FS. Most test work was performed on
B5. Test work has been performed on over 27 tonnes of material, and
the samples are representative of the ore body as a whole.
For minerals that are defined by a specification, has
the ore reserve estimation been based on the
appropriate mineralogy to meet the specifications?
• Kemetco, KCA, FLSmidth, and Veolia have performed sufficient
bench scale and pilot plant test work to indicate that technical grade
lithium carbonate with 99% purity, battery-grade lithium hydroxide with
99.5% purity, and boric acid with 99.9% purity can be produced from
the Rhyolite Ridge ore. The Ore Reserves are of the mineralogy that
the plant is designed to process and support these specifications
based on metallurgical test work.
Environmental The status of studies of potential environmental
impacts of the mining and processing operation.
Details of waste rock characterisation and the
consideration of potential sites, status of design
options considered and, where applicable, the status
of approvals for process residue storage and waste
dumps should be reported.
• The Project is designed to be a sustainable, environmentally
sensitive operation with no grid energy requirements, low water
usage, low emissions, and a modest surface footprint.
• The BLM permitting process required compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); The NEPA requirements included
baseline reports for 14 different resource areas of the Project,
including air quality, biology, cultural resources, groundwater,
recreation, socioeconomics, soils, and rangeland.
• Baseline environmental studies were performed as part of the
2020FS. Updates to the air quality impacts assessment, and
groundwater were completed in 2023 and 2024.
• The permits deemed critical to the advance of the overall Project
included the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Plan of
Operations, the State of Nevada Water Pollution Control Permit
(WPCP) required to construct, operate, and close a mining facility,
and the Nevada Bureau of Air Pollution Control air quality permit.
Ioneer has received these three critical permits as of October
2024.

45

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Mine Plan of Operations,
and State of Nevada Bureau of Mining Regulation and
Reclamation (BMRR) – Nevada Reclamation Permit –
applications were submitted to both agencies and the BLM
determined the application complete on August 26, 2020. An
amended version of the applications was submitted to the BLM
and BMRR in July 2022.
• The State of Nevada Bureau of Air Pollution Control – Air Quality
Permit – was obtained on June 14, 2021 (AP1099-4256).
• The State of Nevada BMRR – Water Pollution Control Permit
(required to construct, operate, and close a mining facility) – was
obtained on July 1, 2021 (NVN-2020107).
• The Plan of Operations filing triggered the environmental review
process under the NEPA that is expected to follow an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) pathway. The NEPA process was guided by
the 2023 implemented requirements in the NEPA regulations under
40 Code of Federal Regulations 1500 and other U.S. Department of
Interior guidance, as well as the BLM Battle Mountain District
Instruction that streamline the overall environmental review and
permitting processes. The BLM selected a third-party EIS contractor
in September 2020. That contractor subsequently commenced
preliminary NEPA work for the BLM, including assessing the
adequacy of the baseline data for use in the EIS. The BLM
published a Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS in December 2022.
Scoping was completed in the first quarter of 2023. The Draft EIS
was completed in April 2024 and the Notice of Availability was
published in the second quarter of 2024. In October 2024, Ioneer
received its federal permit for the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron
Project from the BLM. The formal Record of Decision (ROD) follows
the issuance in September 2024 of the final Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) by the BLM, which incorporated public feedback
received during the April-June 2024 open comment period.
• Ioneer has focused its efforts to date on preparing permits for the
initial phases of the quarry south of the county road estimated to
allow for the first 20 years, and little work has been done to date on
preparing permit applications for the larger LOM, which is effectively
an expansion of the current planned quarry. The permitting process
for the LOM Quarryshould begin afterpermits for the initial stages of

46

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

the quarry have been approved. Based on the current mine plan, the LOM Quarry permits will need to be secured by the end of the twentieth year of production, which is currently slated for 2046. • A geochemistry study was conducted as part of the 2020FS to assess acid rock drainage ( ARD ), metals leaching ( ML ), and salinity generation potential of all major lithologic units and residual process materials. The study also aimed to understand mineral composition and geochemical controls on water quality, evaluate potential impacts from the project and associated protection measures and provide information to support geochemical models and evaluations for water quality predictions. Overburden and ore samples were collected from existing exploration drill core and 137 samples representing 15 different units were geochemically analysed to characterise the potential of these materials to generate acidic drainage or to leach metals based on regulatory guidance documents published by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection ( NDEP ) and the Nevada BLM. Testing included acid-base accounting ( ABA ), net acid generation pH, short-term leach testing by meteoric water mobility procedure, bulk elemental content, X-ray diffraction, optical mineralogy, and humidity cell testing ( HCT ). While most Project materials are non-potentially acid generating ( nonPAG ), HCTs for all major lithologic units are required because a post-closure quarry lake will develop. A geochemistry study was conducted by Piteau in 2023 to support the application to modify the Project's existing WPCP NEV2020107 issued August 24, 2021. The updated Geochemical Report was completed and submitted to NDEP with the modification application submitted July 17, 2024Two ex-pit OSFs have been designed to accommodate the storage of overburden and low-grade M5 material, namely, the South OSF and the North OSF. The South OSF is located to the south of the quarry. This site was selected due to its proximity to the quarry to minimise haul distances and prevent sterilisation of Mineral Resources; as well as not move the OSF out of critical habitat. The North OSF is located approximately 1.1 kilometres ( km ) northwest of the quarry between the quarry limits and the processing plant. The North OSF site was selected due to boundary restrictions and the location of the Cave Springs Formation outcroppings. In-pit storage of overburden and lowgrade M5 material can commence as soon as sufficient pit floor space is available and the orientation of the advancing mining face becomes conducive to in-pit backfilling. The initial South OSF with an estimated three years of capacity was designed to a relative

47

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
accuracy and confidence level consistent with a Feasibility Study,
whereas the North OSF, and In-Pit Overburden Backfill (IOB) designs
were performed to a relative accuracy and confidence level consistent
with a Pre-Feasibility Study. To date, no additional issues have been
identified that would materially impact the proposed locations of the
South and North OSFs.
• A tail gas scrubber will be installed on the SAP to remove remaining
sulphur dioxide (SO2) from the gas stream to make certain that
environmental emissions requirements are met.
• Process residue will be stacked in a Spent Ore Storage Facility
(SOSF) located 1.6 km south of the processing plant that has been
designed to store a composite consisting of leached ore from the vats
plus sulphate salts generated in the evaporation and crystallisation
circuits. This material is suitable for dry stacking, so there is no need
for a conventional tailings dam. A double-sided, textured high-density
polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane liner will provide containment and
will be protected by a granular layer to facilitate long-term drainage.
The SOSF engineering has been completed to a detailed design level
with drawings issued for construction as this level of engineering
completion is required by regulatory authorities and will be submitted
as part of the overall permitting process. To date, no issues have been
identified that would materially impact the proposed location of the
SOSF.
Infrastructure
The existence of appropriate infrastructure: availability of
land for plant development, power, water, transportation
(particularly for bulk commodities), labour,
accommodation; or the ease with which the infrastructure
can be provided, or accessed.

•The Project is currently in the development stage, and no
site-specific infrastructure has been built to date.
•Sufficient land exists to locate all proposed infrastructure required for
the Project, including haul roads, ground anchoring highwall support
structures, Overburden Storage Facilities (OSFs), Spent Ore Storage
Facility (SOSF), Contact Water Ponds (CWPs), the processing plant
(which includes processing structures and facilities), maintenance
facilities, warehousing, shipping and receiving, fuel island, Sulphuric
Acid Plant (SAP), Steam Turbine Generator (STG) responsible for
power generation/transmission, and administrative buildings.
•The STG will generate 42 mega-Watts (‘MW’) of electricity using
steam generated by the waste heat boiler in the SAP. The STG
power generation will exceed the power requirements to run the
entire facility and will be separate from the Nevada state power grid

48

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Infrastructure
(con’t)
.
Two backup diesel generators will also be available to provide black-
start capability and provide power to essential systems should the
STG be down. The Project has been designed to be an
environmentally sensitive operation with low water usage and water
recycling and reuse where possible. There is sufficient water
available to meet processing and dust control requirements.
• The Rhyolite Ridge site is currently accessed from the cities of Reno
and Las Vegas, Nevada from Nevada Stage Highway 264 and the
unpaved Hot Ditch and Cave Springs county roads. Ioneer is working
with Esmeralda County officials in developing a traffic management
plan that will integrate new access roads to the facility with the
existing county roads in the area. Consideration will be given to
make certain that the safety of all users of county roads is not
compromised through development of the Project.
• Nevada is considered one of the world’s most favourable and stable
mining jurisdictions, and there is a high degree of experienced,
competent, and skilled personnel available to meet workforce
requirements for the Project.
A workforce camp is not foreseen for use in housing Owner
personnel. Ioneer staff conducted a study of local housing options,
Local housing, apartments, motels, and recreational vehicle (RV)
sites were located, evaluated, and quantified. Only a very limited
amount of accommodation is available in the nearest residential
next closest available accommodations are in the city of Tonopah,
Nevada, which is roughly 1.5 hours to the Project site. A few inactive
RV sites were located near the site, but re-activation potential was
not evaluated, and these sites are limited to 25 by regulation due to
needs for infrastructure for larger RV areas. Due to the potential
areas, the small town of Dyer, Nevada, and Bishop, California. The
need to develop housing, Ioneer may contribute individual housing
support, which is included in the operating costs estimate for those
employees hired before turnover. In addition, Ioneer may invest over
two years in local housing infrastructure under the assumption that
roughly 20% of the Ioneer workforce will be local hires and an
additional 20% of employees will be drive-in/drive-out.
• A project execution plan has been developed based on an
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM)

49

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
• delivery framework. Project execution is based on continuing with the
same companies (Fluor, SNC-Lavalin, MECS, Kemetco, KCA,
FLSmidth, Veolia, EM Strategies, NewFields, and Trinity) that
completed the FS to maintain continuity and retain project
knowledge. In addition to new service providers like IMC & GLA.
Construction of processing plant, SAP, and SOSF facilities is
planned to be facilitated by various consultants and contractors with
Ioneer oversight, whereas construction of the mine haul roads and
initial box-cut is planned to be performed by Ioneer.
Costs The derivation of, or assumptions made, regarding
projected capital costs in the study.
• The capital cost estimate is based on work completed to update the
2020FS to an AACE Class 2 capital cost estimate with an accuracy
range of -10%/+15% to produce an updated 2024FS, where
engineering design is ~70% complete. The estimate reflects the
Project’s EPCM execution strategy and baseline project schedule.
• Capital costs for various Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) codes
were independently developed by third parties and consolidated by
Fluor. More than 1,500 deliverables were produced during the
2024FS to support the capital costs estimate.
• The capital cost estimate covers the period from 2024FS completion
to commissioning and is reported in first Quarter (Q1) 2024 real US
dollars without allowances for escalation or currency fluctuation. The
estimate does not include sunk costs.
A contingency of 10% was applied to the capital costs estimate
using a Monte Carlo simulation to achieve a P65 (i.e., the
probability at the 65th percentile) confidence level for the estimate
and P50 for schedule according to the model and ranges
established by Fluor. The estimate, including contingency, has an
expected accuracy range of +15%/-10% as per the basis of
estimate. The capital schedule for mining equipment includes new
equipment required to meet production targets of the 96-year mine
plan and replacement equipment based on useful service lives
provided by the vendor or based on other industry standards.
Rebuilds have also been included in the capital schedule at regular
intervals based on rebuild lives provided by the vendor or other
industry standards.
• Capital costs of mining equipment were derived from quotes
received in April 2024 from an equipment vendor with offices in

50

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
• Nevada. Taxes for the AHTs were estimated using a tax rate of
6.85%, but freight and assembly costs were assumed to remain
unchanged from the conventional haul truck.
• The capital cost estimates are not 100% equity based. Capital cost
estimates for new and replacement mining equipment assume that
90% of the total equipment cost inclusive of the base cost, taxes,
freight, and assembly would be financed and included in the
operating costs estimate based on terms provided by the equipment
manufacturer. The 20% down payment for equipment was included
in the capital costs estimate.
Capital costs for the haul roads, OSFs, SOSF, CWPs, the
processing plant (which includes processing structures and
facilities), maintenance facilities, warehousing, shipping and
receiving, fuel island, SAP, STG, and administrative buildings were
estimated from material take-off (MTO) quantities developed for the
2024FS by various third parties. Each of the above have an
engineering design that is at least 30% complete with some items
with a level of design maturity completed to detailed engineering
and issued for construction.
• The methodology used to estimate operating costs • Operating costs are based on Ioneer’s basis of operating cost
estimates dated March 2024 and their latest operating cost
estimate model.
• Sustaining capital costs have been included in the operating costs
estimate.
• Operating cost estimates for the quarry and processing plant were
developed by Ioneer and Fluor and consolidated by Fluor for input
into the cash flow model.
• Direct mine operating costs are zero-based and developed from first-
principles from the mine plan production statistics using
methodologies consistent with a 2024FS. Except for blasting and
preventative maintenance, all production tasks are assumed to be
self-performed by the owner (Ioneer). Mine mobile equipment will be
monitored and maintained through a through Master Service
Agreement with the Empire Southwest Caterpillar dealership. The
contract includes cost of service, management, supplies, and parts
management. Operation costs and component sustainable capital
costs were based on a firm bid. Blasting is assumed to be performed
by a qualified subcontractor.

51

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
• Hourly operating costs for equipment were based on vendor
guidelines and supported by budgetary quotes for consumable
items from local vendors, including fuel, diesel exhaust fluid,
lubricants and greases, rubber tyres, ground-engaging tools,
and wear parts. Hourly undercarriage and general repair and
replacement parts were estimated from a third-party cost
database and escalated to 2019 US dollars.
• Annual costs for an integrated Fleet Management System
(FMS) have been included based on a budgetary quote
provided by a local vendor. Based on information
provided by the equipment vendor, an annual license fee
was applied to each AHT required to meet production in a
given year.
• The mine was assumed to operate two-shifts-per-day, 365
days per year with no scheduled off days for the first 19 years
of production. The mine was then assumed to transition to a
one-shift-per-day basis from Year 20 through the remaining
mine life.
• Labour costs assume 12-hour shifts with 2,080 straight-time
hours and 104 overtime hours worked each year.
• Labour wages are fully burdened and were developed based
on a survey of local mining wages.
• Costs for the “License Team” and Caterpillar “Run Team”
personnel required to remotely monitor the AHTs each shift
and make sure they are performing to specifications have
been included in the mine operating costs.
• Costs for the “License Team” and Caterpillar “Run Team”
personnel required to remotely monitor the AHTs each shift
and make sure they are performing to specifications have
been included in the mine operating costs.
• Mining equipment financing costs are included in the operating costs.
For the purposes of the estimate, 80% of the total equipment cost
inclusive of the base cost, taxes, freight, and assembly are assumed
to be financed based on terms provided by the equipment
manufacturer. The 20% down payment was included in the capital
costs estimate.
• Processing costs spent ore removal and SOSF costs, SAP costs,
and other indirect operating costs were estimated by Fluor and

52

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
• SNC Lavalin from first principles using the ore production schedule
from the mine plan. These costs were estimated using
methodologies consistent with a 2020FS and included quoted firm
pricing from major reagent suppliers, quoted freight costs from
transport firms, and workforce costs based on industry norms for
salary and wage data within the region consistent with the mine
workforce costs. Reasonable scenarios for other requirements such
as outsourced services with quoted rates or estimates were also
included. Quantities of reagents were established during pilot
testing with ore.
Allowances made for the content of deleterious elements. • No penalties for deleterious elements were forecast in the economic
analysis.
The source of exchange rates used in the study. • Exchange rates not applicable
Derivation of transportation charges. • Transportation charges for all significant materials were
derived from quotes. Historical data were used for some minor
charges.
The basis for forecasting or source of treatment and
refining charges, penalties for failure to meet
specification, etc.
• Not applicable.
The allowances made for royalties payable, both
Government and private.
• Net proceeds (in the form of taxes) were included in the
economic analysis. No royalties are paid to private
organisations or individuals.
The derivation of, or assumptions made regarding
revenue factors including head grade, metal or
commodity price(s) exchange rates, transportation
and treatment charges, penalties, net smelter
returns, etc.
• The revenue factors used in the economic analysis were based on
work performed for the 2020FS and updated in Q1 2025.
• Annual saleable lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and boric acid
tonnages reflect the head grade dictated by the mine plan and
anticipated metallurgical recoveries estimated from test work.
• Price forecasts for lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide were
obtained from a range of market research companies, investment
banks, and other reputable sources. For the financial model price
forecasts rather than the current or historical prices were used. This
approach allows to better account for future market conditions and
potential price trends, providing a more accurate financial
assessment.
• The offtake agreement prices of technical-grade lithium
carbonate are based on the delivered price formula using the

53

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

battery-grade lithium hydroxide index price from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (Q1, 2025) battery-grade lithium hydroxide price forecast. The offtake price formulas are the agreed price index minus the agreed conversion cost and discount, the agreed price index minus the agreed discount minus the agreed conversion cost, or the agreed price index minus the conversion cost.

54

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary



The derivation of, or assumptions made regarding revenue
factors including head grade, metal or commodity price(s)
exchange rates, transportation and treatment charges,
penalties, net smelter returns, etc. (Con’t)



• The estimated price for boric acid was based on an analysis by Ioneer’s
Sales and Marketing team using 1) Ioneer current contracts, and 2)
based on internal analysis of historical prices and volumes extracted
from Datamyne’s trade data, import prices and volumes from Japan,
South Korea, Southeast Asia, and China, customers and distributors’
interviews, China Boron Association data, and Internal market
equilibrium assumptions.
• No exchange rates were applied to metal or commodity prices. All
commodity prices are transacted and stated in US Dollars.
• Transportation charges for all significant materials were derived from
quotes in Q4 2024. Historical data were used for some minor charges
not derived from quotes.
• No penalties were forecast in the economic analysis.
The derivation of assumptions made of metal or commodity
price(s), for the principal metals, minerals and co-products.

• The revenue factors used in the economic analysis were based on
work performed for the 2020FS and updated in Q1 2025.
• Price forecasts for lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide were
obtained from a range of market research companies, investment
banks, and other reputable sources. For the financial model price
forecasts rather than the current or historic prices were used. This
allows to better account for future market conditions and potential price
trends, providing amore accuratefinancialassessment.

55

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary


Revenue
factors
• The offtake agreement prices of lithium chemicals are based on the
delivered price formula using the battery-grade lithium hydroxide index
price from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (Q1 2025) battery-grade
lithium hydroxide price forecast. The offtake price formulas are the
agreed price index minus the agreed conversion cost and minus
discount, or the agreed price index minus the agreed discount minus
the agreed conversion cost, or the agreed price index minus
conversion cost. In year three Ioneer will construct a Lithium
Hydroxide facility at site allowing the battery grade lithium hydroxide
price to be realized thus eliminating the conversion cost.
• The estimated price for boric acid used in the economic analysis was
based on an analysis by Ioneer’s Sales and Marketing team using 1)
Ioneer current contracts, and 2) based on internal analysis of historical
prices and volumes extracted from Datamyne’s trade data, import
prices and volumes from Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and
China,
customers
and
distributors
interviews,
China
Boron
Association data, and Internal market equilibrium assumptions.
Market
assessment
The demand, supply and stock situation for the particular
commodity, consumption trends and factors likely to affect
supply and demand into the future.
• Market demand and supply trends for lithium products and borates
were completed by Ioneer’s Sales & Marketing team.
• Ioneer’s efforts were led by Yoshio Nagai, Ioneer’s Vice President of
Sales & Marketing. Mr. Nagai has more than 30 years of experience in
the chemical and mining industry sales and marketing, most recently
as Sales Vice President of Rio Tinto Minerals, accountable for borates,
salt, and talc products in Asia and the USA.
• Lithium

Lithium extraction produces lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide,
lithium chloride, butyl lithium, and lithium metal. Lithium carbonate
can be produced with different qualities, such as industrial grade
(typically ≥98.5% purity), technical grade (≥99% purity), and battery
grade (≥99.5% purity). Some industrial-grade lithium carbonate
(i.e., from brines in China) has a lower purity than 95%. Industrial-
grade and technical-grade lithium carbonate are typically used for
glass, fluxing agents, ceramics, and lubricants. Battery-grade
lithium carbonate and hydroxide are used to produce lithium-ion
battery cathodes.
• Lithium Supply Demand Balance -The current market demand for
lithium is substantial, driven primarily by the increasing adoption of
electric vehicles (EVs) and the growing use of lithium-ion batteries in
various applications, including consumer electronics and energy
storage systems. While the lithium market is experiencing price

56

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

pressures due to the market oversupply, the market is forecasted to enter a market deficit from 2030, and the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by the ongoing shift towards electric mobility and renewable energy storage solutions. • Lithium demand will increase from 1.45 Mt in 2025 to 2.445 Mt in 2030 and 4.37 Mt in 2040 (Wood Mackenzie, Q1 2025).

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation The most significant growth is expected in battery-grade lithium
hydroxide. It is forecasted to increase by a CAGR of 9.46%,
reaching 969 kt by 2030 and 2.09 Mt by 2040. It is driven by the
increased adoption of medium to higher-density cathodes,
providing higher density and a more extended range.
Battery-grade lithium carbonate is expected to grow at a CAGR of
6.7%, reaching 1.26 Mt by 2030 and 1.97 Mt by 2040. This growth
will be driven by the global market adoption of lower-density, less
expensive lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes.
•According to Wood Mackenzie’s “all-case scenario,” the battery-grade
lithium chemicals market is expected to be oversupplied over the
next five years, with the surplus peaking in 2026/2027 and then a
shortage starting in 2030 (Wood Mackenzie, Q1 2025). In contrast,
Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (Q1 2025) forecasts a market
surplus from 2025 to 2028 and a deficit beginning in 2029. It is
essential to consider the new supply risks in market balance
forecasting.
Boric acid
Large-scale borate commercial production is confined to five main
areas of the world: Turkey, the southwest US, the Andes belt of

57

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

South America, Northeast China, and the eastern region of Russia.
The borates market is supplied principally by two major players, Eti
Maden (Eti) and Rio Tinto, though there are other smaller players.
The term “borates” describes a commercial source of chemical
boric oxide (B2O3) in the form of sodium borate compounds,
minerals, refined (i.e., boric acid), calcined, or specialty forms of
borate.

Borate is typically refined, but some producers sell some of the raw
or concentrated minerals as a substitute for the refined product at a
lower price.
• Borates have more than 300 applications, including specialty glasses
(i.e., borosilicate and TFT glasses), fiberglass, ceramics, insulation,
agricultural,
industrial/chemical,
pesticides,
cleaning
products,
cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals










Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
o
Boric Acid Supply-Demand Balance The 2024 boric acid
demand was estimated at 1,138 ktpy at a 78% utilization rate
of the nameplate capacity of 1,45 ktpy, with a historic
industry capacity utilization rate of 85%. Demand is
expected to grow at a minimum of 3% (compound annual
growth rate, CAGR) through 2040. The growth of borate
demand is relative to the growth of global gross domestic
product (GDP).
o
The utilization rate is expected to increase through 2040 and
exceed historic capacity utilization of 85%, reaching 86% by
2033, and 100% by 2037. Additional boric acid will be
required from 2033, when the utilization rate exceeds 85%.

Boric acid demand may fluctuate as customers switch between
various borate products, considering price, product availability, and
technologydevelopments.

58

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

A customer and competitor analysis along with the
identification of likely market windows for the product.

Customer and competitor analyses were performed as part of the
2020FS and updates in Q1 2025.

Lithium
o
The major producers of lithium concentrates and brine,
such as Albemarle, Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile
(SQM), and Ganfeng Lithium, continue to promote
production capacity expansion (Wood Mackenzie, Q1
2025). Albemarle is undertaking an expansion project to
increase its production capacity from 184.1 ktpy in 2025 to
282.8 ktpy in 2035; however, it is delaying and adjusting
production due to the existing oversupply market. SQM
will increase its production capacity from 242.8 ktpy in
2025 to 274.4 ktpy in 2035. The largest Chinese producer,
Ganfeng Lithium, is also expected to increase its
production capacity from 190.9 ktpy in 2025 to 309.7 ktpy
in 2035, surpassing Albemarle and becoming the largest
lithium supplier.
o
Existing producers have experienced extreme price
volatility over the past few years and are expected to take
a proactive approach to impact the lithium market in the
future.
o
Lithium prices have recently declined, and as a result,
some existing spodumene producers have temporarily or
permanently been shut down, and new greenfield
producers are delaying or suspending the project.

59

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary

o
Lithium prices are anticipated to rebound as demand
continues to grow. The offtake agreements have been
secured with four customers in the lithium-ion battery
sector, with diversified customers in various industrial
sectors, such as cathode manufacturers, battery makers,
and OEMs who will further process the carbonate and
convert it to battery-grade lithium.
o
A lithium compound operating cost curve was developed as
part of the 2020FS, updated in Q1 2025. If Ioneer can
produce as anticipated, all-in cost per tonne, it will be at the
competitive end of the cost curve.
• Boric acid

The borates market is supplied principally by two major players,
Eti and Rio Tinto, though other smaller players exist. Eti, a Turkish
state-owned mining and chemicals company, is the world’s largest
borate supplier by market share and Proven Ore Reserves and
holds 72% of worldwide borate reserves. Rio Tinto has a large
borate product portfolio but has not announced any plans to
expand borate production. However, they have built a pilot plant to
produce lithium from mine waste with a plan to invest additional
money to produce a small amount of borate as a by-product of
lithium production if the associated pilot production of boric acid is
successful, but with no progress update. MCC Russian Bor CJSC
(Bor) in south-eastern Russia supplies 6% of boric acid demand
and is regarded as the best quality in terms of impurities. However,
Bor has historically struggled with production due to financial and
employee relationship issues and has faced sanctions from
Western countries. In addition to Rhyolite Ridge, five other boron
greenfield projects worldwide are in various exploration and
engineering development stages. These greenfield projects are
the Rio Tinto Jadar project, which was stopped due to local
protests, the 5E/Fort Cady project in California, the Magdalena
Basin project in Mexico, the Pobrdje project in Serbia, and some
exploration work in the Balkans. The Fort Cady project is expected
to commence production in 2028, subject to financing, while
production of the other projects is delayed or cancelled.

60

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Price and volume forecasts and the basis for
these forecasts.


Lithium

Consensus price (in real terms) and volume forecasts for
lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide are based on Q1 2025
Benchmark
Mineral
Intelligence
Lithium
report,
an
internationally recognized research organization that have
focused on lithium supply and demand studies, providing
short and long-term forecasts. Suppliers and customers use
their information/data sets to make pricing decisions.

Price forecasts rather than the current or historic prices were
used. This approach allows to better account for future market
conditions and potential price trends, providing a more
accurate and forward-looking financial assessment.

The Ioneer prices of technical-grade lithium carbonate are
based on the delivered price formula using the battery-grade
lithium hydroxide index price.

Benchmark Mineral Intelligences’ price forecast for:
o
battery-grade lithium hydroxide in real terms ranges from
US$9,/t to US$25,00/t between 2025 and 2040. The
average price from 2025 to 2040 is US$21,099/t.
o
Lithium demand will increase from 1.45 Mt in 2025 to 2.45
Mt in 2030 and 4.37 Mt in 2040 (Wood Mackenzie, Q1
2025).

The most significant growth is expected in battery-grade
lithium hydroxide. It is forecasted to increase by a CAGR of
9.46%, reaching 969 kt by 2030 and 2.09 Mt by 2040, driven
by the increased adoption of medium to higher-density
cathodes, providing higher density and longer range.
• Battery-grade lithium carbonate is expected to grow at a CAGR
of 6.7%, reaching 1.26 Mt by 2030 and 1.97 Mt by 2040. This
growth will be driven by the global market adoption of lower-
density, less expensive lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes.

Boric acid
• The boric acid market is less clear, and there are no reliable
market intelligence providers, therefore requiring expertise. In

61

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

line with major borate supplier Rio Tinto Minerals, Ioneer boric acid price forecasts were based on internal analysis of historical prices and volumes extracted from Datamyne’s trade data, import prices, and volumes from Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and China, customers and dealers’ interviews, China Boron Association data, and Internal market equilibrium assumptions.

62

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
o
2024 average delivered boric acid price (CIF and FOB
West Coast) was US$848/t.
o
Price arbitration exists between regions, and by customer
size results in wider price ranges.
o
Ioneer’s price forecast is based on demand and supply
assumptions.
o
Trend analysis was used as the methodology for price
forecasting. The price forecast ranges from US$830/t to
US$1,400/t between 2025 and 2040, with an average
price of US$1,172.78/t.
o
The 2024 boric acid demand was estimated at 1,138 ktpy
at a 78% utilization rate of the nameplate capacity of 1,45
ktpy, with a historic industry capacity utilization rate of
85%. Demand is expected to grow at a minimum of 3%
(compound annual growth rate, CAGR) through 2040. The
growth of borate demand is relative to the growth of global
gross domestic product (GDP).
o The utilization rate is expected to increase through 2040
and exceed historic capacity utilization of 85%, reaching
86% by 2033, and 100% by 2037.

Additional boric acid will be required from 2033, when the utilization
rate reaches 91%, exceeding historic capacity rate of 85%.

For industrial minerals the customer specification,
testing and acceptance requirements prior to a supply
contract.

Lithium carbonate: Ioneer technical grade specification is approved
under all four offtake agreements.

Boric acid: Ioneer technical grade boric acid specification is of
the highest quality, comparable to leading quality supplier Rio Tinto.

Received pre-approval based on pilot production samples from
major customers. Major customers must undergo a large-scale
commercial production trial for final product approval. Note that
some customers only require lab tests to confirm the specifications
for product approval.

63

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary Commentary Commentary Commentary
Economic
The inputs to the economic analysis to produce the net
present value (NPV) in the study, the source and
confidence of these economic inputs including
estimated inflation, discount rate, etc.
The production schedule and associated capital and operating
costs estimates were analyzed using an economic model
developed by Ioneer. Inputs into the economic analysis include the
capital and operating costs, saleable lithium carbonate, and boric
acid tonnages, commodity price and revenue forecasts, and
transportation and management costs. An AACE Class 2 cost
estimate with an accuracy range of -10% / +15% was produced for
the 2024FS, and engineering design is ~70% complete. The
estimate reflects the Project’s EPCM execution strategy and
baseline project schedule. An 8% discount rate was applied to
estimate Project Net Present Value (NPV).
• NPV ranges and sensitivity to variations in the significant
assumptions and inputs.

• Value (NPV) in real dollars was calculated at an applied 8% discount
rate. The outcomes of this analysis are shown in the table below in
order of highest to lowest sensitivity.
Sensitivity Factor
NPV with
(-15%)
Adjustment
Factor (US$ Millions)
NPV with
(+15%)
Adjustment
Factor (US$ Millions)
Lithium Grade
765
1,895
Lithium Recovery
765
1,895
Lithium Carbonate Price
768
1,831
Capital Costs
1,619
1,116
Operating Costs
1,666
1,069
Boric Acid Price
1,217
1,516
Boron Grade
1,231
1,502
Boric Acid Recovery
1,231
1,502
Labour
1,372
1,363
Sensitivity Factor NPV with
(-15%)
Adjustment
Factor (US$ Millions)
NPV with
(+15%)
Adjustment
Factor (US$ Millions)
Lithium Grade 765 1,895
Lithium Recovery 765 1,895
Lithium Carbonate Price 768 1,831
Capital Costs 1,619 1,116
Operating Costs 1,666 1,069
Boric Acid Price 1,217 1,516
Boron Grade 1,231 1,502
Boric Acid Recovery 1,231 1,502
Labour 1,372 1,363

64

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
Economic


• A sensitivity analysis on the applied discount rate used to estimate
Project NPV below was also performed. The results of this analysis
are summarised in the table below.
Discount
Rate(%)
NPV (US $ Millions)
12%
311
11%
491
10%
716
9%
1,001
8%
1,367
7%
1,846
6%
2,487
Based on the above sensitivity factors, the Project is most sensitive to
increases in discount rate and least sensitive to changes in labour
cost.
Social The status of agreements with key stakeholders and
matters leading to social licence to operate.
• The Project has been evaluated under an EIS, completed by a BLM-
approved third-party contractor selected by Ioneer. Public comment
periods were required as part of the EIS process and taken into
consideration in the final EIS published in September 2024. A
Record of Decision was issued by the BLM in October 2024.
• Ioneer has entered into three different water rights lease,
purchase, and options agreements with a local corporation and
LLC (limited liability corporation) along with local landowners that
grant rights for water usage, primarily for irrigation.
Other To the extent relevant, the impact of the following on the
project and/or on the estimation and classification of the
Ore Reserves:
• No Comment
Any identified material naturally occurring risks. • See the “Mining factors or assumptions” subsection above for a
discussion on the risks associated with the M5a geological unit.
• No hydrogeological data was incorporated into the geotechnical
analyses of the underlying geology, pit configurations, or pit design
parameters. As such, GLA’s geotechnical analyses were completed
under the assumption that the underlying geology and pit walls would
be dry. If thepit walls cannot be fullydewatered, then the outcomes

65

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
• of pit slope stability analyses may change and could result in a
decrease of the maximum allowable inter-ramp angle used to design
the pit walls, thereby increasing strip ratio and associated
overburden tonnages. If the M5 material that is stockpiled within the
OSFs is above 18% moisture saturation by weight, then the
Engineer should be contacted to review and provide
recommendations for design or material handling revisions. Actions
that can be performed to remedy high moisture M5 are: spreading
and drying prior to stockpiling; stacking and sequencing revisions;
additional geotechnical testing and analyses to support higher
moisture contents; or design revision to achieve geotechnical
stability (which may result in reduced storage capacity of the OSFs).
• The Project area is in a moderately high seismic zone as
determined by the NewFields Seismic Hazard Assessment
prepared for the SOSF. The pit wall slope stability analyses have
been performed assuming from a seismic return period of 475-
years as determined by the USGS. However, there are always a
risk of larger earthquakes occurring. A 475-year event has a
probability of annual exceedance of 2%. As the probability of
recurrence is increased (e.g., from 475 years to 2,475 years) the
probability decreases while intensity increases. Typically, pit walls
are designed to remain stable during the 475-year earthquake. A
larger earthquake than the 475-year event could cause pit wall
failure in areas of the quarry where there is no in-pit backfill
stacked against the pit walls.
• The OSF slope stability analysis has been performed assuming an
earthquake with a peak ground acceleration of 0.31g, resulting from
a seismic return period of 475-years as determined by NewFields.
However, there is always a risk of larger earthquakes occurring. A
475-year event has a probability of annual exceedance of 2%. As the
probability of recurrence is increased (e.g., from 475 years to 2,475
years) the probability decreases while intensity increases. Dumps
are typically designed to remain stable during the 475-year
earthquake an earthquake with a peak ground acceleration of 0.25g,
resulting The Project area is in an area with low annual precipitation
where most precipitation is obtained through short duration monsoon
storms resulting in flash floods. Permanent surface water controls
around the OSFs, SOSF, and quarry have been designed to convey
the 500-year, 24-hour peak design storm event. Haul roads outside

66

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
of permanent facilities risk being washed out during minor storm
events that could cause a short-term disruption in ore delivery to
theprocessing plant.
The status of material legal agreements and marketing
arrangements.
• Ioneer currently holds a Water Rights Lease Agreement, an Option
and Purchase Agreement, and an Option for Water Rights Lease.
These permits are for non-mining and milling purposes. The Water
Rights Lease Agreement and the Option and Purchase Agreement
allow for permitted use of water for irrigation. The Option for Water
Rights Lease grants the rights to lease water for irrigation,
stockwater, and commercial use on an annual basis with the option
to increase leased water rights.
• Ioneer has signed offtake and sales distribution company for lithium
and boric acid as follows. The volume is stated in short tonnes
•Source:
Lithium agreements
-
EcoPro Innovation Co. Ltd.’s offtake agreement dated June
30th, 2021, and volume amendment agreement dated
February 14, 2022.
-
Ford Motor Company offtake agreement dated July 21, 2022.
-
Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, Inc. offtake agreement
dated August 1, 2022.
-
Dragonfly Energy Corporation offtake agreement dated May
9, 2023.
Boric acid agreements
-
Dalian Jinma Boron Technology Group Co. Ltd offtake
agreement dated December 16, 2019.
dfgbdfgfgs

67

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
-
Iwatani Corporation sales/distributor agreement dated July
15, 2020.
-
Kintatamani Resources Pte Ltd sales/distributor agreement
dated April 20, 2020.
• Boron Bazar Ltd sales/distributor agreement dated April 20, 2020.
Ioneer plans to secure additional boric acid distributor sales
agreements in North America following Financial Investment
Decision (FID) to increase sales. Ioneer’s contracts embed a volume
adjustment clause to mitigate increased or decreased volume risk.
Even in oversupplied markets, Ioneer can increase sales across all
contracts through market intelligence and existing customer
relationships.
The status of governmental agreements and approvals
critical to the viability of the project, such as mineral
tenement status, and government and statutory
approvals. There must be reasonable grounds to expect
that all necessary Government approvals will be received
within the timeframes anticipated in the Pre-Feasibility or
Feasibility study. Highlight and discuss the materiality of
any unresolved matter that is dependent on a third party on
which extraction of the reserve is contingent.
• Please refer to the “Environmental” subsection for a discussion on
the status of government agreements and approvals for permits.
The basis for the classification of the Ore Reserves into
varying confidence categories.

• The Ore Reserves estimate for the Project is reported in accordance
with the “Australian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results,
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves” as prepared by the Joint Ore
Reserves Committee (the JORC Code, 2012 Edition).
• Only Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources within the final 41
year pit design with the above Modifying Factors applied have been
included in the Ore Reserves and classified into Proved and
Probable categories. Ore Reserves within the Measured Mineral
Resource classification have been categorised as Proved Ore
Reserves, whereas Ore Reserves within the Indicated Mineral
Resource classification have been categorised as Probable Ore
Reserves.
The Ore Reserves are stated as dry tonnes of ore delivered at the
processing plant ore stockpile.
Classification Whether the result appropriately reflects the Competent
Person’s view of the deposit.
• The Ore Reserves consist of 35% Proved Reserve
• The Competent Person is satisfied that the stated Ore
Reserves classification reflects the outcome of the technical
and economic studies performed as part of the 2025AFS.

68

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Criteria JORC Code 2012 Explanation Commentary
The proportion of Probable Ore Reserves that have been
_derived from Measured Mineral Resources(if any). _
• No Probable Reserves have been derived from Measured Mineral
Resources.
Audits or
reviews
The results of any audits or reviews of Ore Reserve
estimates
• Not applicable.
Discussion of
relative
accuracy/
confidence
Where appropriate a statement of the relative accuracy
and confidence level in the Ore Reserve estimate using an
approach or procedure deemed appropriate by the
Competent Person. For example, the application of
statistical or geostatistical procedures to quantify the
relative accuracy of the reserve within staged confidence
limits, or, if such an approach is not deemed appropriate, a
qualitative discussion of the factors which could affect the
relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate.
• The economic analysis supporting the Ore Reserve has been
completed with a relative accuracy and confidence level consistent
with a Feasibility Study.
• An AACE Class 2 cost estimate with an accuracy range of
-10% / +15% was produced for the 2024FS, and engineering design
is ~70% complete.
• Appropriate assessments and studies have been carried out and
include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed
mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental,
social, and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate
at the time of reporting that the extraction could be reasonably
justified.
Project economics were tested with a suite of sensitivities (described
in the “Economics” subsection) which indicate that the Project is
economic under reasonable variations in key cost and price
parameters.
The statement should specify whether it relates to global
or local estimates, and, if local, state the relevant
tonnages, which should be relevant to technical and
economic evaluation. Documentation should include
assumptions made and procedures used.
• The Ore Reserve tonnes and grade have been estimated globally
across the model area (i.e., the South Basin) for the Project.
Accuracy and confidence discussions should extend to
specific discussions of any applied Modifying Factors that
may have a material impact on Ore Reserve viability, or
for which there are remaining areas of uncertainty at the
current study stage.
It is recognised that this may not be possible or
appropriate in all circumstances. These statements of
relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate should
be compared with production data, where available.
• Reconciliation against production data/results was not possible as
the Project is currently in the development stage and there has been
no production on the Project to date.
• Ore head grade, lithium recovery and price have the largest impacts
on NPV and Ore Reserve viability.

69

APPENDIX D: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

70