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Atikokan is becoming a hot spot in the search for lithium.

There are now eight companies staking claims at fourteen different sites around the community.

BC-based New Energy Metals is the latest.

It is acquiring four mining claims running along Highway 11 in the Sapawe area.

Rock samples taken in 2003 showed a strong presence of lithium.

Under the terms of the Agreement, New Energy has the right to acquire the property for $66,000 to be paid over two years.