Jinjianqiao MOU for Financing and Offtake
Sydney, Jan 12, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Chariot Resources Ltd (
ASX:CC9) (ZJ5:FRA) (CHRTF:OTCMKTS) announced it has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding ("MOU") with Fujian Jinjianqiao New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ("Jinjianqiao") to explore cooperation opportunities. The collaboration will focus on potential offtake of lithium ores and concentrates from Chariot's Nigerian lithium projects, financing arrangements and development of local lithium processing capacity in Nigeria.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Strategic supply chain partnership: Fujian Jinjianqiao New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Chariot Resources Ltd have signed a non-binding MOU regarding potential collaboration on Chariot's Nigerian lithium projects.
- Offtake: The MOU contemplates the potential sale and delivery of direct shipping ore (DSO) from the projects to a collection point at Sagamu, Nigeria. Upon completion of satisfactory due diligence, Jinjianqiao may seek to reach an agreement of terms with Chariot for long-term exclusive offtake of spodumene concentrate (or other lithium-bearing products) involving one of Chariot's four Nigerian projects.
- Potential Funding Support: Jinjianqiao and Chariot have agreed to discuss credit lines and offtake prepayment financing that could support project exploration and development, facilitating expanded production at the Nigerian projects.
- Nigeria-based processing: Jinjianqiao and Chariot have agreed to evaluate the development of a lithium processing facility in Nigeria to convert ore into spodumene concentrate.
- Strategic lithium supply chain partner: Jinjianqiao is a China-based lithium trader, with an established Africa-to-China sourcing and distribution network. Jinjianqiao sold approximately 90,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate and ore in 2025, with volumes expected to double in 2026.
Jinjianqiao's integrated "one-stop" capability across import logistics, processing support, inspection/testing, warehousing and sales, together with strategic cooperation links to downstream processing capacity, aligns with Chariot's objective to rapidly progress its Nigerian projects toward commercialisation. In addition, the MOU expressly contemplates potential financing mechanisms to support project development and assist in accelerating a pathway toward production.
Jinjianqiao: Corporate Profile
Jinjianqiao is a China-based lithium trading house focused on lithium ores and spodumene concentrate that supports Africa-to-China lithium supply chains and has existing operations in Nigeria.
Jinjianqiao marketed and distributed approximately 90,000 tonnes of lithium concentrates and ores in 2025, with volumes projected to double in 2026. Jinjianqiao is positioned as a "one-stop" service partner spanning import, processing, testing, warehousing and sales.
Jinjianqiao's team brings more than 16 years' experience in lithium mineral selection and operational execution across the supply chain. Jinjianqiao's principal shareholder is also the owner of a ~1 million tonne lithium concentrate plant and lithium salt conversion line, strengthening Jinjianqiao's access to downstream battery materials processing. Jinjianqiao's integrated offering affords miners an opportunity to accelerate commercialisation and broaden their market access by providing a streamlined route from the mine to downstream battery supply chains, with the support of established logistics and quality assurance.
Key Terms of the MOU
Non-Binding
The MOU is not legally binding and does not create any obligation to proceed with any transaction.
Any binding agreement will require separate negotiation and approval.
Although not explicitly stated in the MOU, the execution of any binding agreements pursuant to the MOU is not possible until the Chariot completes its acquisition of the Nigerian projects (as announced to the ASX on 3 December, 2025).
Chariot anticipates completing the acquisition of the Nigerian projects in the first quarter of calendar year 2026.
Offtake Agreement
The MOU contemplates the potential sale and delivery of direct shipping ore (DSO) from one or more of the projects to a collection point at Sagamu, in Nigeria.
Upon satisfactory due diligence, and subject to negotiation and agreement on terms, Jinjianqiao would potentially be able to select one of Chariot's four Nigerian lithium projects as a "Selected Project" for offtake. For the Selected Project, Jinjianqiao would be able to secure long-term, exclusive priority offtake of spodumene concentrate (or other lithium-bearing products). The spodumene concentrate pricing for any future offtake will reference a mutually agreed index recognised by the international market (for material of ~5.5-6.2% Li2O grade).
The production of spodumene concentrate at any meaningful scale would require the completion of:
- exploration (including drilling) and development activities;
- definition of a JORC-compliant resource;
- metallurgical studies;
- evaluation of toll processing options and ore transportation logistics;
- other technical studies; and
- the securing of any necessary permits.
Nigerian Lithium Processing Plant
Chariot will collaborate with Jinjianqiao to evaluate the design, construction and operation of a lithium processing plant in Nigeria. The parties envision that the facility would enable run-of-mine ore to be upgraded on-site into spodumene concentrate.
Funding Support
The MOU contemplates discussions on potential financing support from Jinjianqiao, which could include credit lines or offtake prepayment financing to fund exploration of the projects and, ultimately, the development of one of the Nigerian projects.
Due Diligence
Jinjianqiao will conduct thorough technical and commercial due diligence on Chariot's Nigerian projects as part of the MOU. Successful completion of due diligence to Jinjianqiao's satisfaction is a precondition to entering into any binding offtake or investment agreements.
Exclusivity and Negotiation Period
The MOU is non-exclusive and Chariot remains free to engage in discussions with other parties regarding its Nigerian projects. However, if Jinjianqiao formally selects a project for offtake (thereby designating it as a Selected Project), both parties intend to enter a period of exclusive negotiations (for up to 90 days) focused on that project. During this exclusivity window, Chariot and Jinjianqiao will work in good faith to finalize definitive agreements such as a binding offtake contract and any related arrangements.
Term and Termination
The MOU became effective upon execution by both parties and may be terminated by either party with 30 days' notice. In addition, the MOU terminates automatically upon execution of a definitive agreement.
About Chariot Resources Limited
Chariot Resources Ltd (ASX:CC9) (FRA:ZJ5) (OTCMKTS:CHRTF) is a mineral exploration company focused on discovering and developing high-grade and near surface lithium opportunities focused principally in the United States and Nigeria. The Company recently announced an acquisition of a Nigeria portfolio of hard-rock lithium assets consisting of four project clusters. The projects cover approximately 254 square kilometers and are comprised of 8 exploration licences and 2 small-scale mining leases. These assets represent one of the largest portfolios of lithium assets in the country with high-grade surface samples and have a history of artisanal lithium mining.
In addition, Chariot has two core US projects and a number of exploration pipeline projects which Chariot majority owns and operates.
The core US projects include the Resurgent Project (which is prospective for claystone lithium in the McDermitt Caldera) in Nevada and Oregon, USA and the Black Mountain Project (which is prospective for hard rock lithium) in Wyoming, USA. The McDermitt Caldera has a defined MRE of over 87Mt LCE and hosts the world class Thacker Pass project. Initial survey results from the core US projects indicate high-grade lithium mineralisation at surface.
Chariot also holds a portfolio interest in certain properties prospective for claystone hosted lithium, including an NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate of 10.2Mt LCE, located in the State of Nevada in the United States through its interest in Mustang Lithium LLC.
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