EnergyX Enters MOU with Compass Minerals to Invest $400M
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 18 2026
0mins
Energy Exploration Technologies entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Compass Minerals. Per the agreement, the companies will explore the development of EnergyX's projected 30,000 tons-per-annum commercial-scale DLE and refinery facility near the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Under the terms of the agreement, EnergyX plans to design, fund, construct and operate a commercial DLE and refining facility on land owned by Compass Minerals. The Ogden, Utah, site has been identified as a significant domestic resource of approximately 2.4M metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent. As per the terms being explored, EnergyX will lease land from and pay a lithium production license fee to Compass Minerals, which will assign to EnergyX its existing lithium infrastructure and bear no capital costs in connection with the project. The concept under consideration would enable EnergyX to develop the project in two phases, with the first up to 10,000 tpa derived from ponds currently used by Compass Minerals for the production of its salt, sulfate of potash and magnesium chloride products. The second phase of an additional potential ~20,000 tpa is to be sourced from upstream brine concentration ponds. Across both phases, lithium will be extracted without incremental withdrawal from the Great Salt Lake. EnergyX plans to invest approximately $400M in the project, taking advantage of its industry-low CapEx costs of $12,500 per ton. The project is expected to create nearly 200 jobs in the region. This development in Ogden would mark a major milestone for EnergyX, serving as the company's second flagship U.S. project alongside its operations in the Smackover Formation of Texas and Arkansas. Together, these projects represent transformative steps toward securing a sustainable domestic supply of battery-grade lithium and strengthening the United States' critical minerals independence. The planned lithium facility in Ogden will be powered by EnergyX's proprietary GET-Lit DLE and refining technologies, supported by more than 140 patents.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy CMP?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on CMP
Wall Street analysts forecast CMP stock price to fall
3 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 31.920
Low
21.00
Averages
22.67
High
25.00
Current: 31.920
Low
21.00
Averages
22.67
High
25.00
About CMP
Compass Minerals International, Inc. is a global provider of essential minerals, including salt, sulfate of potash (SOP) specialty fertilizer and magnesium chloride. The Company’s segments include Salt and Plant Nutrition. The Company's Salt segment provides highway deicing salt to customers in North America and the United Kingdom as well as consumer deicing and water conditioning products, ingredients used in consumer and commercial food preparation, and other salt-based products for consumer, industrial, chemical and agricultural applications in North America. In the United Kingdom, it operates a records management business utilizing excavated areas of its Winsford salt mine with one other location in London, England. The Company's Plant Nutrition segment produces and markets SOP products in various grades worldwide to distributors and retailers of crop inputs, as well as growers and for industrial uses. It markets its SOP under the trade name Protassium+.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Compass Minerals Partners with EnergyX for Lithium Extraction Project
- Lithium Extraction Partnership: Compass Minerals has entered into an agreement with EnergyX to develop a lithium extraction and refinery plant near Utah's Great Salt Lake, with the first phase expected to produce 10,000 tonnes per annum, indicating a strategic move into the lithium market.
- Sales Volume Upgrade: The company has raised its total salt sales volume forecast for 2026 to between 10.35 million and 10.8 million tons, up from the previous estimate of 9.9 million to 10.45 million tons, reflecting strong demand and improving prices in the salt market.
- Strong Earnings Report: Compass Minerals reported Q2 revenue of $453.20 million, surpassing analysts' expectations of $203.86 million, with adjusted earnings of $0.63 per share, showcasing improved profitability in both salt and plant nutrition segments.
- Market Sentiment Shift: Retail sentiment towards Compass Minerals has shifted from 'bearish' to 'bullish', with message volumes increasing from 'normal' to 'high', indicating growing confidence in the company's future performance.
See More
Compass Minerals Partners with EnergyX for Lithium Extraction Project
- Partnership Agreement: EnergyX has signed a memorandum of understanding with Compass Minerals to explore the development of a 30K metric tons/year lithium extraction and refinery facility near the Great Salt Lake, which is expected to significantly enhance Compass Minerals' position in the lithium market.
- Resource Potential: The project is located in Ogden, Utah, holding an identified domestic resource of up to 2.4M metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, making it one of the richest lithium brine regions in the U.S., potentially providing long-term revenue for Compass Minerals.
- Phased Project Implementation: EnergyX plans to develop the project in two phases, with phase 1 extracting up to 10K tons of lithium from existing salt production ponds and phase 2 sourcing an additional 20K tons from upstream brine concentration ponds, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
- Capital Expenditure Advantage: EnergyX plans to invest approximately $400M in the project, leveraging its industry-low capital expenditure cost of $12.5K/ton, which will further enhance Compass Minerals' financial performance and market competitiveness.
See More
EnergyX Partners with Compass Minerals for Lithium Extraction Project
- Project Overview: EnergyX has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Compass Minerals to develop a 30,000 tpa commercial-scale direct lithium extraction (DLE) and refinery facility near Utah's Great Salt Lake, named Project Powder Hound™, marking a significant advancement in the U.S. lithium extraction industry.
- Resource Potential: The project site in Ogden, Utah, is estimated to hold 2.4 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, making it one of the richest lithium brine regions in the U.S., which is expected to significantly enhance the country's self-sufficiency in lithium supply.
- Investment and Revenue: EnergyX plans to invest approximately $400 million in two phases, projecting over $600 million in annual revenue at full capacity while creating nearly 200 jobs, thereby boosting the local economy.
- Technological Advantage: The facility will utilize EnergyX's proprietary GET-Lit™ technology, supported by over 140 patents, aimed at achieving superior lithium recovery rates and reduced water consumption, solidifying the company's leadership in sustainable lithium extraction.
See More
EnergyX Partners with Compass Minerals for Lithium Extraction Project
- Project Overview: EnergyX has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Compass Minerals to develop a 30,000 tpa commercial-scale direct lithium extraction (DLE) and refinery facility near Utah's Great Salt Lake, named Project Powder Hound™, marking a significant advancement in the U.S. lithium extraction industry.
- Resource Potential: The project site in Ogden, Utah, is estimated to hold 2.4 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, making it one of the richest lithium brine regions in the U.S., showcasing substantial commercial development potential.
- Investment and Revenue: EnergyX plans to invest approximately $400 million in the project, with projected annual revenues exceeding $600 million upon full build-out, demonstrating strong profitability and market appeal in the lithium extraction sector.
- Technological Advantage: The facility will utilize EnergyX's proprietary GET-Lit™ technology, supported by over 140 patents, aimed at achieving superior lithium recovery rates and reduced water consumption, promoting sustainability and minimizing environmental impact, thereby reinforcing EnergyX's leadership in the North American lithium supply chain.
See More
Compass Minerals Reenters Lithium Market with EnergyX Partnership
- Strategic Partnership: Compass Minerals has signed a memorandum of understanding with technology startup EnergyX to extract lithium from Utah's Great Salt Lake, a move aimed at boosting U.S. lithium output in response to rising market demand.
- Investment Scale: EnergyX plans to invest over $400 million and utilize its direct lithium extraction technology to filter lithium from the lake, which is estimated to contain more than 2.4 million metric tons of lithium, highlighting the project's potential economic value.
- Market Context: As lithium prices rise, Compass Minerals' initiative not only diversifies its product line but also strengthens its competitive position in the rapidly growing battery metals market.
- Industry Impact: This collaboration will promote the development of U.S. lithium resources, aligning with national strategic goals to enhance domestic lithium production capabilities, potentially having a positive effect on the global lithium supply chain.
See More
Compass Minerals Upgraded by J.P. Morgan to Neutral with $30 Target
- Rating Upgrade: J.P. Morgan upgraded Compass Minerals from Underweight to Neutral, raising the price target from $20 to $30, reflecting the company's multi-year effort to re-establish itself as a reliable free cash flow generator.
- Inventory Management Optimization: Compass has right-sized its inventory and reduced net leverage for 2025, revising its forecasting methodology for salt volumes to align production and sales processes for more predictable cash generation.
- Market Demand Recovery: The analyst noted that despite long-term weakening road salt demand due to warmer weather in North America, Compass's stock multiple premium is beginning to recover, indicating progress in operational improvements and working capital management.
- Future Outlook: While some upside may be sacrificed in a very snowy winter, Compass's strategic adjustments are expected to lead to more stable cash flows in the future, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
See More
Compass Minerals Partners with EnergyX for Lithium Extraction Project
- Lithium Extraction Partnership: Compass Minerals has entered into an agreement with EnergyX to develop a lithium extraction and refinery plant near Utah's Great Salt Lake, with the first phase expected to produce 10,000 tonnes per annum, indicating a strategic move into the lithium market.
- Sales Volume Upgrade: The company has raised its total salt sales volume forecast for 2026 to between 10.35 million and 10.8 million tons, up from the previous estimate of 9.9 million to 10.45 million tons, reflecting strong demand and improving prices in the salt market.
- Strong Earnings Report: Compass Minerals reported Q2 revenue of $453.20 million, surpassing analysts' expectations of $203.86 million, with adjusted earnings of $0.63 per share, showcasing improved profitability in both salt and plant nutrition segments.
- Market Sentiment Shift: Retail sentiment towards Compass Minerals has shifted from 'bearish' to 'bullish', with message volumes increasing from 'normal' to 'high', indicating growing confidence in the company's future performance.
See More
Compass Minerals Partners with EnergyX for Lithium Extraction Project
- Partnership Agreement: EnergyX has signed a memorandum of understanding with Compass Minerals to explore the development of a 30K metric tons/year lithium extraction and refinery facility near the Great Salt Lake, which is expected to significantly enhance Compass Minerals' position in the lithium market.
- Resource Potential: The project is located in Ogden, Utah, holding an identified domestic resource of up to 2.4M metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, making it one of the richest lithium brine regions in the U.S., potentially providing long-term revenue for Compass Minerals.
- Phased Project Implementation: EnergyX plans to develop the project in two phases, with phase 1 extracting up to 10K tons of lithium from existing salt production ponds and phase 2 sourcing an additional 20K tons from upstream brine concentration ponds, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
- Capital Expenditure Advantage: EnergyX plans to invest approximately $400M in the project, leveraging its industry-low capital expenditure cost of $12.5K/ton, which will further enhance Compass Minerals' financial performance and market competitiveness.
See More
EnergyX Partners with Compass Minerals for Lithium Extraction Project
- Project Overview: EnergyX has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Compass Minerals to develop a 30,000 tpa commercial-scale direct lithium extraction (DLE) and refinery facility near Utah's Great Salt Lake, named Project Powder Hound™, marking a significant advancement in the U.S. lithium extraction industry.
- Resource Potential: The project site in Ogden, Utah, is estimated to hold 2.4 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, making it one of the richest lithium brine regions in the U.S., which is expected to significantly enhance the country's self-sufficiency in lithium supply.
- Investment and Revenue: EnergyX plans to invest approximately $400 million in two phases, projecting over $600 million in annual revenue at full capacity while creating nearly 200 jobs, thereby boosting the local economy.
- Technological Advantage: The facility will utilize EnergyX's proprietary GET-Lit™ technology, supported by over 140 patents, aimed at achieving superior lithium recovery rates and reduced water consumption, solidifying the company's leadership in sustainable lithium extraction.
See More
EnergyX Partners with Compass Minerals for Lithium Extraction Project
- Project Overview: EnergyX has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Compass Minerals to develop a 30,000 tpa commercial-scale direct lithium extraction (DLE) and refinery facility near Utah's Great Salt Lake, named Project Powder Hound™, marking a significant advancement in the U.S. lithium extraction industry.
- Resource Potential: The project site in Ogden, Utah, is estimated to hold 2.4 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, making it one of the richest lithium brine regions in the U.S., showcasing substantial commercial development potential.
- Investment and Revenue: EnergyX plans to invest approximately $400 million in the project, with projected annual revenues exceeding $600 million upon full build-out, demonstrating strong profitability and market appeal in the lithium extraction sector.
- Technological Advantage: The facility will utilize EnergyX's proprietary GET-Lit™ technology, supported by over 140 patents, aimed at achieving superior lithium recovery rates and reduced water consumption, promoting sustainability and minimizing environmental impact, thereby reinforcing EnergyX's leadership in the North American lithium supply chain.
See More
Compass Minerals Reenters Lithium Market with EnergyX Partnership
- Strategic Partnership: Compass Minerals has signed a memorandum of understanding with technology startup EnergyX to extract lithium from Utah's Great Salt Lake, a move aimed at boosting U.S. lithium output in response to rising market demand.
- Investment Scale: EnergyX plans to invest over $400 million and utilize its direct lithium extraction technology to filter lithium from the lake, which is estimated to contain more than 2.4 million metric tons of lithium, highlighting the project's potential economic value.
- Market Context: As lithium prices rise, Compass Minerals' initiative not only diversifies its product line but also strengthens its competitive position in the rapidly growing battery metals market.
- Industry Impact: This collaboration will promote the development of U.S. lithium resources, aligning with national strategic goals to enhance domestic lithium production capabilities, potentially having a positive effect on the global lithium supply chain.
See More
Compass Minerals Upgraded by J.P. Morgan to Neutral with $30 Target
- Rating Upgrade: J.P. Morgan upgraded Compass Minerals from Underweight to Neutral, raising the price target from $20 to $30, reflecting the company's multi-year effort to re-establish itself as a reliable free cash flow generator.
- Inventory Management Optimization: Compass has right-sized its inventory and reduced net leverage for 2025, revising its forecasting methodology for salt volumes to align production and sales processes for more predictable cash generation.
- Market Demand Recovery: The analyst noted that despite long-term weakening road salt demand due to warmer weather in North America, Compass's stock multiple premium is beginning to recover, indicating progress in operational improvements and working capital management.
- Future Outlook: While some upside may be sacrificed in a very snowy winter, Compass's strategic adjustments are expected to lead to more stable cash flows in the future, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
See More
