Pure Energy Minerals Ltd. reported that Schlumberger has received approval from the Bureau of Land Management for a Plan of Operations covering construction and operation of a pilot plant at Pure Energy's Clayton Valley, Nevada, lithium brine project. Schlumberger, Pure Energy's partner and operator of the Clayton Valley Project, has also received permit approval for the associated reclamation plan from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation. Construction and operation of the pilot plant are planned to occur at Pure Energy's Clayton Valley property located 40 miles southwest of Tonopah in Esmeralda County, Nevada, as approved by the BLM and Nevada authorities.

In March 2021, Schlumberger New Energy announced its plans to develop a lithium extraction pilot plant at the Clayton Valley Project through its wholly owned subsidiary, NeoLith Energy. The BLM approved the Plan of Operations after completion of the required engineering design, environmental studies and public comment period. Additional permit applications are in process with NDEP.