Simbol Materials Receives 2012 Geothermal Energy Association Special Recognition Award

PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Simbol Materials received a Special Recognition award from the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) for making significant contributions to the geothermal industry.

“We are proud to work with our geothermal partner EnergySource and the entire industry to tap the world’s most prolific source of critical materials while helping advance geothermal power, the best source of renewable energy.”

Simbol Materials is commercializing transformative technology to extract lithium, manganese, zinc and other critical materials from the brines of geothermal power plants in Southern California. The company is changing the way we make our world, leveraging renewable energy to sustainably produce high performance specialty materials for longer lasting electric vehicle batteries, higher crop yields, and stronger, more flexible alloys.

“This award is an honor,” said Luka Erceg, Chief Executive Officer and President of Simbol Materials. “We are proud to work with our geothermal partner EnergySource and the entire industry to tap the world’s most prolific source of critical materials while helping advance geothermal power, the best source of renewable energy.”

“We are pleased to recognize those companies and individuals that are leading the way towards a successful future for expanded geothermal energy production,” commented Karl Gawell, GEA's executive director. “It is through the hard work and diligence of these honorees that geothermal continues to meet the increasing energy needs of our country and provide a clean alternative to coal and other non-renewable energy sources.”

Simbol Materials is permitting the company’s initial commercial plant, to be co-located at EnergySource’s John L. Featherstone geothermal power plant in California’s Imperial Valley, targeting commercial operation in 2014. At full capacity, Simbol Materials’ plant will produce enough lithium for about 1.6 million plug-in hybrid electric vehicles per year.

Special Recognition awards are given to individuals or companies for outstanding achievement in the geothermal industry. These awards are open to both GEA members and non-member companies. Simbol Materials accepted the award at the National Geothermal Summit in Sacramento, Calif.

About Simbol Materials

Simbol Materials answers the global call for secure, high performing and environmentally responsible critical materials for the energy storage, agriculture, and other demand applications. The company’s innovative and sustainable process integrates with existing geothermal power plants located in California’s mineral‐rich Imperial Valley, enabling the production of lithium, manganese and zinc performance materials – an industry first. Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Simbol Materials was founded in 2008. For more information, please visit www.simbolmaterials.com.

About the Geothermal Energy Association

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is a trade association comprised of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses. GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects. For more information, please visit http://www.geo-energy.org/. Check out GEA’s YouTube Channel. Follow GEA on Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook.