Document:

Unassociated Document

    EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
AGREEMENT

     

    This
Employment Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) is
entered into as of the 11th day of August, 2010, by and between Li3 Energy, Inc., a Nevada
corporation, with a business address of Av. Pardo y Aliaga 699 Of. 802 Lima 27,
Perú (the “Company”), and MIZ Comercializadora, S. de
R.L., a registered company in Honduras, with a business address of Calle
Principal de El Hatillo, km 8.2 frente Villa San Jorge, Tegucigalpa,
Honduras  (“Contractor”).

    

    INTRODUCTION

     

    WHEREAS,
the Company is in the mining exploration and development business (the “Business”);
and

     

    WHEREAS,
Contractor is experienced in the Business and provides executive services to
companies in the Business through its employees; and

     

    WHEREAS,
the Company wishes to retain the services of R. Thomas Currin, Jr. (the
“Executive”),
an employee of Contractor, as its Chief Operating Officer pursuant to the terms
and conditions set forth herein; and

     

    WHEREAS,
the Contractor is willing to provide the services of the Executive as Chief
Operating Officer of the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth
herein;

     

    AGREEMENT

     

    NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises herein below set
forth, the parties hereby agree that Contractor shall make available to the
Company, and the Company shall receive, the services of the Executive as
follows:

    

    1.           Employment
Period.  The term of the Executive’s employment by the Company
pursuant to this Agreement (the “Employment Period”)
shall commence upon receipt of written notice of commencement from the
Contractor to be received by the Company no later than thirty (30) days from the
date hereof (the “Effective Date”) and shall continue for a period of three
years from the Effective Date.  Thereafter, the Employment Period
shall automatically renew for successive periods of one (1) year, unless either
party shall have given to the other at least thirty (30) days’ prior written
notice of their intention not to renew the Executive’s employment prior to the
end of the Employment Period or the then applicable renewal term, as the case
may be.  In any event, the Employment Period may be terminated as
provided herein.

     

    2.           Employment;
Duties.

     

    (a)           General.        Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company shall employ the
Executive to act as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company during the
Employment Period, and the Contractor on behalf of the Executive hereby accepts
such employment.  The duties assigned and authority granted to the
Executive shall generally be those set forth in Exhibit A attached
hereto and as otherwise determined by the Company’s Board of Directors (the
“Board”) from
time to time.  The Executive agrees to perform his duties for the
Company diligently, competently, and in a good faith manner and to use his best
efforts to promote and serve the best interests of the Company.

    
      
         

      

      
         

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    (b)           Exclusive
Services.        The Executive
shall devote at least 90 percent of his working time and efforts during the
Company's normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and
its subsidiaries (the Company’s subsidiaries from time to time, together with
any other affiliates of the Company, the “Affiliates”), and to
the diligent and faithful performance of the duties and responsibilities duly
assigned to him by the Board pursuant to this Agreement.  However,
without limiting the time commitment set forth above, (i) Executive may devote a
reasonable amount of his time to civic, community, or charitable activities and
may serve as a director of other corporations (provided that any such other
corporation is not a competitor of the Company, as determined by the Board) and
to other types of business or public activities not expressly mentioned in this
paragraph; (ii) Executive may participate as a non-employee director and/or
investor in other companies and projects as described by Executive to the Board,
so long as Executive’s responsibilities with respect thereto do not conflict or
interfere with the faithful performance of his duties to the Company; and (iii)
Executive may participate in the following previously established business
activities through Contractor:  supply of lithium recovery systems
(including brine to carbonate systems); lithium recovery from commercial by
products in the USA; technology fees from the development of a high purity
lithium carbonate; and all agriculture and energy projects in
Honduras.

     

    (c)           Place of
Employment.        It is
acknowledged that the Executive's services shall be performed primarily at
Contractor’s office in Honduras at no expense to the Company. The parties
acknowledge, however, that Executive may be required to travel in connection
with the performance of his duties hereunder.

     

    3.           Base
Fee.        The Contractor shall
be entitled to receive a fee from the Company during the Employment Period at
the rate of two hundred thousand U.S. dollars (US$200,000) per year (the “Base Fee”), payable
in substantially monthly installments in accordance with the Company’s customary
payroll practices.  Beginning on the anniversary of the Effective
Date, the Base Fee may be increased on each anniversary of the Effective Date,
at the Board’s sole discretion.  The parties expressly agree that what
the Contractor or the Executive receives now or in the future, in addition to
the regular Base Fee, whether this be in the form of benefits or regular or
occasional aid/assistance, such as recreation, club memberships, meals,
education for him or his family, vehicle, lodging or clothing, occasional
bonuses or anything else he receives, during the Employment Period and any
renewals thereof, in cash or in kind, shall not be deemed as
salary.  However, because the Company is a public company subject to
the reporting requirements of, inter alia, the US Securities and Exchange
Commission, both parties acknowledge that the Contractor’s/Executive’s annual
compensation (as determined by the rules of the SEC or any other regulatory body
or exchange having jurisdiction), which may include some or all of the
foregoing, may be required to be publicly disclosed.

     

    4.           Bonus.  (a)
The Company will pay the Contractor a bonus for signing this Agreement of
$100,000 payable on the Effective Date, as follows:  (i) $10,000 in
cash, and (ii) the balance in the form of a number of restricted shares of the
Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) equal
to $90,000 divided by the fair market value per share of Common Stock on the
Effective Date, as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors.

    
      
         

      

      
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    (b) The Contractor shall be eligible to
receive an annual cash bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) of up
to seventy-five percent (75%) of the then applicable Base Fee, payable in U.S.
dollars within ten (10) days after the annual filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K (commencing in
2011).

     

    (c) With respect to the first Annual
Bonus, up to US$100,000 shall be payable upon the achievement of the milestones
set forth in Exhibit
B attached hereto; and up to US$50,000 shall be payable as the Board may
determine in its sole discretion, based upon both the Executive’s performance
and the Company’s performance overall.

     

    (d) The Annual Bonus in subsequent
years shall be in such amount (up to the percentage limit stated above) as the
Board may determine in its sole discretion, based upon both the Executive’s
achievement of certain performance milestones to be established annually by the
Board in discussion with the Contractor (the “Milestones”) and the
Company’s performance overall.  In the event the Board and the
Contractor are unable to agree to Milestones acceptable to both the Board and
the Executive, the amount of the Executive’s bonus shall be determined by the
Board on a discretionary basis.

     

    (e) The Contractor shall be eligible to
participate in any other bonus or incentive program established by the Company
for executives of the Company.

     

    
      5.         
 Restricted
Stock.

    

     

    (a)           Grant of Restricted
Stock.  As of the Effective Date, the Company shall grant to
the Contractor an award of two million and five hundred thousand (2,500,000)
restricted shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Restricted Stock”)
under the Company’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009
Plan”).  Such grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement
issued by the Company as contemplated by the 2009 Plan and approved by the
Board.

     

    (b)           Vesting.  The
shares of Restricted Stock shall vest as follows:

     

    (i)           Upon
completion of a resource estimate by an independent qualified person completed
to Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards on any of the Company’s mining
projects, 500,000 shares;

     

    (iii)         Upon
confirmation of the flow sheet design based on the preliminary metallurgical
testing in a pilot plant on any of the Company’s mining projects, 400,000
shares;

     

    (iv)         Upon
the completion of a Feasibility Study on any of the Company’s mining projects,
300,000 shares; and

     

    (v)           Upon
execution by the Company with a purchaser of a binding off-take agreement for
production of on any of the Company’s mining projects, 300,000
shares;

     

    (vi)          Upon
commencement of Commercial Production on any of the Company’s mining projects,
1,000,000 shares.

    
      
         

      

      
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    “Feasibility Study”
means a comprehensive study of a deposit in which all geological, engineering,
legal, operation, economic, social, environmental and other relevant factors are
considered in sufficient detail that it could reasonably serve as the basis for
a final decision by a financial institution to finance the development of
the  deposit for production.

     

    “Commercial
Production” means first day of the first month of the consecutive three
month period where the mill or plant first operates at 60% of its rated
capacity.

     

    (c)           Termination of Employment;
Accelerated Vesting.

     

     (i)           If
the Executive’s employment is terminated (A) in connection with a Change of
Control, as defined below, or (B) by the Contractor for Good Reason, all
unvested Restricted Stock shall immediately vest and become exercisable
effective the date of termination of employment. This acceleration and
expiration provisions shall not apply with respect to a Change of Control
following which the Executive remains Chief Operating Officer  or
continues to perform functions and be responsible for duties significantly and
substantially similar to those of one or both of those positions.

     

    (ii)           If
the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason (including,
without limitation, on account of death or Permanent Disability, as defined
below), all unvested Restricted Stock shall immediately expire effective as of
the date of termination of employment.

    

    (d)           Change of
Control.       For purposes of this
Agreement, “Change of Control” means the occurrence of, or a Board vote to
approve, any of the following:

     

    (i)           any
consolidation or merger of the Company pursuant to which the stockholders of the
Company immediately before the transaction do not retain immediately after the
transaction, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares
of the Company’s voting stock immediately before the transaction, direct or
indirect beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the total combined voting
power of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving business
entity;

     

    (ii)           any
sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of
related transactions) of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Company
other than any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer to any company where the
Company owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the outstanding voting securities
of such company after any such transfer; or

     

    (iii)          the
direct or indirect sale or exchange in a single or series of related
transactions by the stockholders of the Company of more than 50% of the voting
stock of the Company.

    
      
         

      

      
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      6.          
Stock
Options.

    

     

    (a)           Grant of
Options.  As of the Effective Date, the Company shall grant the
Contractor an option to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of the Common
Stock (“Options”) under the 2009 Plan.  Such grant shall be evidenced
by an Option Agreement issued by the Company as contemplated by the 2009 Plan
and approved by the Board. In subsequent years the Contarctor shall be eligible
for such grants of Options and/or other permissible awards under the 2009 Plan
as the Compensation Committee of the Company, if any, or the Board shall
determine.

     

    (b)           Option Price;
Term.  The per share exercise price of the Options shall be the
fair market value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant, as determined
in good faith by the Board of Directors.  The term of the Option
(i.e., the length of time during which the Option may be exercised) shall be ten
years from the date of grant.

     

    (c)           Exercise.  One
third of the shares of the Options shall become exercisable on each anniversary
of the date of grant (with 333,333 shares becoming eligible for exercise on the
first anniversary of the date of grant, an additional 333,333shares becoming
eligible for exercise on the second anniversary of the date of grant and the
final 333,334 shares becoming eligible for exercise on the third anniversary of
the date of grant).

     

    (d)           Payment.  The
full consideration for any shares purchased by the Contractor upon exercise of
the Options shall be paid in cash.

     

    (e)           Termination of Employment;
Accelerated Vesting.

     

    (i)           If
the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, as such term is defined
below, all Options, whether or not vested, shall immediately expire effective as
of the date of termination of employment.

     

    (ii)          If
the Executive’s employment is terminated voluntarily by the Contractor without
Good Reason, as such term is defined below, all unvested Options shall
immediately expire effective the date of termination of
employment.  Vested Options, to the extent unexercised, shall expire
one month after the termination of employment.

     

    (iii)         If
the Executive’s employment terminates on account of death or Permanent
Disability, all unvested Options shall immediately expire effective the date of
termination of employment.  Vested Options, to the extent unexercised,
shall expire nine months after the termination of employment.

     

    (iv)         If
the Executive’s employment is terminated (A) in connection with a Change of
Control, as defined below, (B) by the Company without Cause or (C) by the
Contractor for Good Reason, all unvested Options shall immediately vest and
become exercisable effective the date of termination of employment, and, to the
extent unexercised, shall expire nine months after any such event. These
acceleration and expiration provisions shall not apply with respect to a Change
of Control following which the Executive remains Chief Operating Officer or
continues to perform functions and be responsible for duties significantly and
substantially similar to those of one or both of those
positions.

    
      
         

      

      
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      7.         
 Other
Benefits

    

     

    (a)           Insurance and Other
Benefits.  During the Employment Period, the Executive and his
dependents shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s insurance programs
and any ERISA benefit plans, as the same may be adopted and/or amended from time
to time (the “Benefits”).  In
the absence of Company medical and dental insurance plans (which currently do
not exist), the Company will pay the Contractor an non-accountable fee of
US$5,000 per year of the Employment Period for the purchase of medical and
dental insurance for the Executive and his dependents.  The Executive
shall be entitled to paid personal days on a basis consistent with the Company’s
other senior executives, as determined by the Board.  The Executive
shall be bound by all of the policies and procedures established by the Company
from time to time.  However, in case any of those policies conflict
with the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall
control.

     

    (b)           Vacation.  During
the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to an annual vacation of
at least 20 working days.

     

    (c)           Expense
Reimbursement.  The Company shall reimburse the Contractor for
all reasonable business, promotional, travel and entertainment expenses
("Reimbursable Expenses") incurred or paid by it or the Executive during the Employment
Period in the performance of Executive’s services under this
Agreement, provided that the Contractor furnishes to the Company appropriate
documentation required by the Internal Revenue Code in a timely fashion in
connection with such expenses and shall furnish such other documentation and
accounting as the Company may from time to time reasonably request.

     

    (d)           Relocation
Expense.   If the Company requires the Executive to
relocate his residence, the Company will pay the Contractor  the
reasonable costs of Executive’s relocation, airfares, shipment or goods,
temporary accommodations and related expenses, provided that the Contractor
furnishes to the Company appropriate documentation required by the Internal
Revenue Code in a timely fashion in connection with such expenses and shall
furnish such other documentation and accounting as the Company may from time to
time reasonably request.

     

    8.           Termination; Compensation
Due Upon Termination of Employment.   Employee’s
employment with the Company shall be entirely “at-will,” meaning that either
Contractor or the Company may terminate such employment relationship by
terminating this Agreement in writing delivered to the other party at any time
for any reason or for no reason at all, subject, however, to the following. The
Executive's employment hereunder may terminate as provided in paragraphs (a)
through (e) below.  The Contractor’s right to compensation for periods
after the date the Executive’s employment with the
Company terminates shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of
paragraphs (a) through (e) below:

    
      
         

      

      
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    (a)           Voluntary Resignation;
Termination without Cause.

     

    
      (i) Voluntary
Resignation.        The
Contractor may terminate the Exeutive’s employment at any time
upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company.  In the
event of the Contractor’s  voluntary termination of Executive's
employment other than for Good Reason (as defined below), the Company shall have
no obligation to make payments to the Contractor in accordance with the
provisions of Sections 3 or 4, except as otherwise required by this Agreement or
by  applicable law, to provide the benefits described in Section 7,
for periods after the date on which the Executive's employment with the Company
terminates due to the Contractor 's voluntary termination, except for the
payment of the Base Fee accrued through the date of such
resignation.

    

    
      

    

    
      (ii) Termination without
Cause.

    

    
      

    

    
      (A)    If
the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, the
Company shall (x) continue to pay the Contractor the Base Fee (at the rate
in effect on the date the Executive’s employment is terminated) until the end of
the Severance Period (as defined in Section 8(e) below), (y) with respect to the
first Annual Bonus, to the extent the Milestones are achieved, pay the
Contractor a pro rata portion of the Annual Bonus for the initial year of
the Employment Period on the date such Annual Bonus would have been payable to
the Contractor had the Executive remained employed by the Company, and (z)
pay any other accrued compensation and Benefits. Neither the Contractor nor the
Executive shall have any further rights under this Agreement or otherwise to
receive any other compensation or benefits after such termination of
employment.

    

    
      

    

    
      (B)    If,
following a termination of employment without Cause, the Contractor or the
Executive breaches the provisions of Sections (a) or 9 hereof,
the neither the Contractor nor the Executive shall be eligible, as of
the date of such breach, for the payments and benefits described in
Section 8(a)(ii), and any and all obligations and agreements of the Company
with respect to such payments shall thereupon cease.

    

    

     (b)          Discharge for
Cause.  Upon (i) written notice to the Contractor , the Company
may terminate the Executive’s employment for “Cause” if any of the following
events shall occur:

     

    (i)           any
act or omission that constitutes a material breach by the Contractor or the
Executive of any of its or his obligations under this Agreement;

     

    (ii)          the
willful and continued failure or refusal of the Executive to satisfactorily
perform the duties reasonably required of him as an employee of the
Company;

     

    (iii)         the
Contractor’s or the Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to,
(i) any felony or (ii) a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude
or which could reflect negatively upon the Company or otherwise impair or impede
its operations;

     

    (iv)         the
Contractor’s or the Executive’s engaging in any misconduct, negligence, act of
dishonesty (including, without limitation, theft or embezzlement), violence,
threat of violence or any activity that could result in any violation of federal
securities laws, in each case, that is injurious to the Company or any of its
Affiliates;

    
      
         

      

      
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    (v)          the
Contractor’s or the Executive’s material breach of a written policy of the
Company or the rules of any governmental or regulatory body applicable to the
Company;

     

    (vi)         the
Contractor’s or the Executive’s refusal to follow the directions of the
Board;

     

    (vii)        any
other willful misconduct by the Contractor or the Executive which is materially
injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Company or
any of its Affiliates, or

     

    (viii)       the
Contractor’s or the Executive’s breach of its or his obligations under Section
(a) or Section 9.

     

    In the
event Executive is terminated for Cause, the Company shall have no obligation to
make payments to the Contractor or the Executive in accordance with the
provisions of Sections 3 or 4, or, except as otherwise required by law, to
provide the benefits described in Section 7, for periods after the Executive's
employment with the Company is terminated on account of the Executive's
discharge for Cause except for the then applicable Base Fee accrued through the
date of such termination.

     

    (c)           Disability. The Company shall have
the right, but shall not be obligated to terminate the Executive's employment
hereunder in the event the Executive becomes disabled such that he is unable to discharge
his duties to the
Company for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or one hundred twenty (120)
days in any one hundred eighty (180) consecutive day period, provided longer
periods are not required under applicable local labor regulations (a "Permanent
Disability").  In the event of a termination of employment due
to a Permanent Disability, then the Company shall be obligated to continue to
make payments to the Contractor in an amount equal to the then applicable Base
Fee for the Severance Period (as defined below) after the Executive’s employment
with the Company is terminated due to a Permanent Disability.  A
determination of a Permanent Disability shall be made by a physician
satisfactory to both the Executive and the Company; provided, however, that if the
Executive and the Company do not agree on a physician, the Executive and the
Company shall each select a physician and those two physicians together shall
select a third physician, whose determination as to a Permanent Disability shall
be binding on all parties.

     

    (d)           Death. The Executive's
employment hereunder shall terminate upon the death of the
Executive.  The Company shall have no obligation to make payments to
the Contractor or the Executive in accordance with the provisions of
Sections 3 or 4, or, except as otherwise required by law or the terms
of any applicable benefit plan, to provide the benefits described in Section 7,
for periods after the date of the Executive's death except for then applicable
Base Fee earned and accrued through the date of death, payable to the Contractor
or its successor.

    
      
         

      

      
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    (e)           Termination for Good
Reason.  The Contractor may terminate this Agreement at any
time for Good Reason.  In the event of termination under this Section
8(e), Company shall pay to the Contractor severance in an amount equal to the
then applicable Base Fee for a period equal to 18 months (the “Severance Period”),
subject to the Contractor’s and the Executive’s continued compliance with
Sections (a) and 9 of this Agreement for the applicable Severance Period
following the Executive’s termination, and subject to the Company’s regular
payroll practices and required withholdings.  Such severance shall be
reduced by any cash remuneration paid to the Contractor or the Executive because
of the Executive’s employment or self-employment during the Severance
Period.  The Executive shall continue to receive all Benefits during
the Severance Period.  Neither the Contractor nor the Executive shall
have any further rights under this Agreement or otherwise to receive any other
compensation or benefits after such resignation.  For the purposes of
this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following (without
Executive’s express written consent):

     

    (i) the
assignment to the Executive of duties that are significantly different from, and
that result in a substantial diminution of, the duties that he assumed on the
Effective Date;

    

    (ii)
removal of the Executive from his position as Chief Operating Officer,
or the assignment to the Executive of duties that are significantly different
from, and that result in a substantial diminution of, the duties that he assumed
as Chief Operating
Officer , within twelve (12) months after a Change of Control (as defined
above);

    

    (iii) a
reduction by the Company in the then applicable Base Fee or other compensation,
unless said reduction is pari passu with other senior executives of the
Company;

    

    (iv) the
taking of any action by the Company that would, directly or indirectly,
materially reduce the Executive’s benefits, unless said reductions are pari
passu with other senior executives of the Company; or

    

    (v) a
breach by the Company of any material term of this Agreement that is not cured
by the Company within 30 days following receipt by the Company of written notice
thereof.

     

    
      (f)    Notice of
Termination.    Any termination of employment by the
Company or the Contractor shall be communicated by a written ‘‘Notice of
Termination’’ to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 15 of this Agreement. In the event of a termination by
the Company for Cause, the Notice of Termination shall (i) indicate the
specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) set
forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a
basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so
indicated and (iii) specify the date of termination, which date shall be
the date of such notice. The failure by the Contractor or the Company to set
forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to
a showing of Cause shall not waive any right of the Contractor or the Company,
respectively, hereunder or preclude the Contractor or the Company, respectively,
from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Contractor’s or the
Company’s rights hereunder.

    

    
      
         

      

      
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      (g)    Resignation from
Directorships and Officerships.    The termination of
the Executive’s employment for any reason will constitute the Executive’s
resignation from (i) any director, officer or employee position the
Executive has with the Company or any of its Affiliates, and (ii) all
fiduciary positions (including as a trustee) the Executive holds with respect to
any employee benefit plans or trusts established by the Company. The Contractor
and the Executive agree that this Agreement shall serve as written notice of
resignation in this circumstance, unless otherwise required by any plan or
applicable law.

    

    

    (a)           Non-Competition;
Non-Solicitation.  (a) For the duration of the Employment
Period and, unless the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without
Cause, during the Severance Period (the “Non-compete Period”),
neither the Contractor nor the Executive shall, directly or indirectly, except
as specifically provided in the last sentence of Section 2(b), engage or invest
in, own, manage, operate, finance, control or participate in the ownership,
management, operation, financing, or control of, be employed by, associated
with, or in any manner connected with, lend any credit to, or render services or
advice to, any business, firm, corporation, partnership, association, joint
venture or other entity that engages or conducts any business the same as or
substantially similar to the Business or currently proposed to be engaged in or
conducted by the Company and/or any of its Affiliates, or included in the future
strategic plan of the Company and/or any of its Affiliates, anywhere within the
countries in which the Company or any of its Affiliates at that time is
operating; provided, however, that the
Contractor and the Executive may collectively own less
than 5% in the aggregate of the outstanding shares of any class of securities of
any enterprise (but without otherwise participating in the activities of such
enterprise) including those engaged in the mining business, other than any such
enterprise with which the Company competes or is currently engaged in a joint
venture, if such securities are listed on any national or regional securities
exchange or have been registered under Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
the Contractor or the Executive shall present to the Board any opportunity
within the scope of the prohibited activities described above, and the Company
shall not elect to pursue such opportunity within a reasonable time, the
Contractor or the Executive shall be permitted to pursue such opportunity,
subject to the requirements of Section 2(b).

     

    (b)           During
the Employment Period and for a period of 12 months following termination of the
Executive’s employment with the Company, the neither the Contractor nor
Executive shall:

     

    (i)
solicit or hire, or attempt to recruit, solicit or hire, any employee, or
independent contractor of the Company, or its Affiliates, to leave the
employment (or independent contractor relationship) thereof, whether or not any
such employee or independent contractor is party to an employment agreement;
or

     

    (ii)
attempt in any manner to solicit or accept from any customer of the Company or
any of its Affiliates, with whom the Company or any of its Affiliates had
significant contact during the term of the Agreement, business of the kind or
competitive with the business done by the Company or any of its Affiliates with
such customer or to persuade or attempt to persuade any such customer to cease
to do business or to reduce the amount of business which such customer has
customarily done or is reasonably expected to do with the Company or any of its
Affiliates or if any such customer elects to move its business to a person other
than the Company or any of its Affiliates, provide any services (of the kind or
competitive with the Business of the Company or any of its Affiliates) for such
customer, or have any discussions regarding any such service with such customer,
on behalf of such other person.

    
      
         

      

      
        10

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    The Contractor and the Executive
recognize and agree that because a violation by either of them of their obligations under this
Section (a) will cause irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult
to quantify and for which money damages would be inadequate, the Company shall
have the right to injunctive relief to prevent or restrain any such violation,
without the necessity of posting a bond. The Non-compete Period will be extended
by the duration of any violation by the Contractor or the Executive of any of
its or his obligations under this
Section (a).

    

    The Contractor and the Executive
expressly agree that the character, duration and scope of the covenant not to
compete are reasonable in light of the circumstances as they exist at the date
upon which this Agreement has been executed.  However, should a
determination nonetheless be made by a court of competent jurisdiction at a
later date that the character, duration or geographical scope of the covenant
not to compete is unreasonable in light of the circumstances as they then exist,
then it is the intention of both the Contractor and the Executive, on the one
hand, and the Company, on the other, that the covenant not to compete shall be
construed by the court in such a manner as to impose only those restrictions on
the conduct of the Contractor and the Executive which are reasonable in light of
the circumstances as they then exist and necessary to assure the Company of the
intended benefit of the covenant to compete.

    

    
      9.          
Confidentiality
Covenants.

    

     

    (a)           The
Contractor and the Executive understand that the Company and/or its Affiliates,
from time to time, may impart to him confidential information, whether such
information is written, oral or graphic.

     

    For purposes of this Agreement,
“Confidential Information” means information, which is used in the business of
the Company or its Affiliates and (i) is proprietary to, about or created
by the Company or its Affiliates, (ii) gives the Company or its Affiliates
some competitive business advantage or the opportunity of obtaining such
advantage or the disclosure of which could be detrimental to the interests of
the Company or its Affiliates, (iii) is designated as Confidential
Information by the Company or its Affiliates, is known by the Executive to be
considered confidential by the Company or its Affiliates, or from all the
relevant circumstances should reasonably be assumed by the Contractor or the
Executive to be confidential and proprietary to the Company or its Affiliates,
or (iv) is not generally known by non-Company personnel.  Such
Confidential Information includes, without limitation, the following types of
information and other information of a similar nature (whether or not reduced to
writing or designated as confidential):

    

    (i)
Internal personnel and financial information of the Company or its Affiliates,
information regarding oil and gas properties including reserve information,
vendor information (including vendor characteristics, services, prices, lists
and agreements), purchasing and internal cost information, internal service and
operational manuals, and the manner and methods of conducting the business of
the Company or its Affiliates;

    
      
         

      

      
        11

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

         

    (ii)
Marketing and development plans, price and cost data, price and fee amounts,
pricing and billing policies, bidding, quoting procedures, marketing techniques,
forecasts and forecast assumptions and volumes, and future plans and potential
strategies (including, without limitation, all information relating to any oil
and gas prospect and the identity of any key contact within the organization of
any acquisition prospect) of the Company or its Affiliates which have been or
are being discussed;

         

    (iii)
Names of customers and their representatives, contracts (including their
contents and parties), customer services, and the type, quantity, specifications
and content of products and services purchased, leased, licensed or received by
customers of the Company or its Affiliates; and

         

    (iv)
Confidential and proprietary information provided to the Company or its
Affiliates by any actual or potential customer, government agency or other third
party (including businesses, consultants and other entities and
individuals).

     

    The
Contractor and the Executive hereby acknowledge the Company’s exclusive
ownership of such Confidential Information.

     

    (b)           The
Contractor and the Executive agree as follows: (1) only to use the Confidential
Information to provide services to the Company and its Affiliates; (2) only to
communicate the Confidential Information to fellow employees, agents and
representatives on a need-to-know basis; and (3) not to otherwise disclose or
use any Confidential Information, except as may be required by law or otherwise
authorized by the Board. Upon demand by the Company or upon termination of the
Executive’s employment, the Contractor and the Executive will deliver to the
Company all manuals, photographs, recordings and any other instrument or device
by which, through which or on which Confidential Information has been recorded
and/or preserved, which are in the Contractor’s or the Executive’s possession,
custody or control.

     

    10.           Representation.  Each
of the Contractor and the Executive hereby represents that Contractor’s entry into this
Employment Agreement and Executive’s performance of the services hereunder will
not violate the terms or conditions of any other agreement to which the
Contractor or the Executive is a party.

     

    11.           Arbitration.  In
the event of any breach arising from the performance of this Agreement, either
party may request arbitration.  In such event, the parties will submit
to arbitration by a qualified arbitrator with the definition and laws of the
State of New York.  Such arbitration shall be final and binding on
both parties.

     

    12.           Governing
Law/Jurisdiction.  This Agreement and any disputes or
controversies arising hereunder shall be construed and enforced in accordance
with and governed by the internal laws of the State of New York and, only to the
extent required by local labor law, the laws of Chile.

    
      
         

      

      
        12

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    13.           Public Company
Obligations.  Contractor and Employee acknowledge that the
Company is a public company whose Common Stock has been registered under the US
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may in future be
registered under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”), and that this Agreement may be subject to the public filing
requirements of the Exchange Act.  Employee acknowledges and agrees
that the applicable insider trading rules, transaction reporting rules,
limitations on disclosure of non-public information and other requirements set
forth in the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and rules and regulations
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) may apply to
this Agreement and Employee’s employment with the Company.  Employee
(on behalf of himself as well as his executors, heirs, administrators and
assigns) absolutely and unconditionally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company and all of its past, present and future affiliates, executors,
heirs, administrators, shareholders, employees, officers, directors, attorneys,
accountants, agents, representatives, predecessors, successors and assigns from
any and all claims, debts, demands, accounts, judgments, causes of action,
equitable relief, damages, costs, charges, complaints, obligations,
controversies, actions, suits, proceedings, expenses, responsibilities and
liabilities of every kind and character whatsoever (including, but not limited
to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) in the event of Employee’s breach of
any obligation of Employee under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any rules
promulgated by the SEC and any other applicable federal, state or foreign laws,
rules, regulations or orders.

    

    14.           Entire
Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof
and supersedes and cancels any and all previous agreements, written and oral,
regarding the subject matter hereof between the parties hereto.  This
Agreement shall not be changed, altered, modified or amended, except by a
written agreement signed by both parties hereto.

     

    15.           Notices.  All
notices, requests, demands and other communications called for or contemplated
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when
delivered to the party to whom addressed or when sent by telecopy (if promptly
confirmed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and
addressed) to the parties, their successors in interest, or their assignees at
the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may designate
by written notice in the manner aforesaid:

     

    (a)          to
the Company at:

    

    Li3
Energy, Inc.

    Av. Pardo
y Aliaga 699

    Of.
802

    Lima 27,
Perú

    Attn: Mr.
Luis Saenz

    Fax: 511
4211649

    

    with a
copy to:

     

    Gottbetter
& Partners, LLP

    488
Madison Avenue

    New York,
NY 10022-5718

    Attn:
Adam S. Gottbetter

    Fax:
(212) 400-6901

    
      
         

      

      
        13

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

     

    (b)      
   to the Contractor at:

     

    MIZ
Comercializadora, S. de R.L.

    Calle
Principal de El Hatillo

    km 8.2
frente Villa San Jorge

    Tegucigalpa,
Honduras, C.A.

    Attn:
Robert Thomas Currin, Jr.

    Email:
currinnc@aol.com

     

    All such
notices, requests and other communications will (i) if delivered personally to
the address as provided in this Section, be deemed given upon delivery, (ii) if
delivered by facsimile transmission to the facsimile number as provided for in
this Section, be deemed given upon facsimile confirmation, (iii) if delivered by
mail in the manner described above to the address as provided for in this
Section, be deemed given on the earlier of the third business day following
mailing or upon receipt and (iv) if delivered by overnight courier to the
address as provided in this Section, be deemed given on the earlier of the first
business day following the date sent by such overnight courier or upon receipt
(in each case regardless of whether such notice, request or other communication
is received by any other person to whom a copy of such notice is to be delivered
pursuant to this Section).  Either party may, by notice given to the
other party in accordance with this Section, designate another address or person
for receipt of notices hereunder.

    

    16.           Severability.  If
any term or provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any
person or under any circumstance, shall to any extent be invalid or
unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such terms
to the persons or under circumstances other than those as to which it is invalid
or unenforceable, shall be considered severable and shall not be affected
thereby, and each term of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the
fullest extent permitted by law.  The invalid or unenforceable
provisions shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed amended and given
such interpretation as to achieve the economic intent of this
Agreement.

     

    17.           Waiver.  The
failure of any party to insist in any one instance or more upon strict
performance of any of the terms and conditions hereof, or to exercise any right
or privilege herein conferred, shall not be construed as a waiver of such terms,
conditions, rights or privileges, but same shall continue to remain in full
force and effect.  Any waiver by any party of any violation of, breach
of or default under any provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not
be construed as, or constitute, a continuing waiver of such provision, or waiver
of any other violation of, breach of or default under any other provision of
this Agreement.

     

    18.           Successors and
Assigns.  This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and
any successors and assigns of the Company.  Neither this Agreement nor
any right or obligation hereunder may be assigned by the Contractor or the
Executive.  The Company may assign this Agreement and its right and
obligations hereunder, in whole or in part.

    
      
         

      

      
        14

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    19.           Counterparts.  This
Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

     

    20.           Headings.  Headings
in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not be deemed to
have any substantive effect.

     

    21.           Opportunity to Seek
Advice.  The Contractor and the Executive acknowledge and
confirms that they have had the opportunity to seek such legal, financial and
other advice and representation as they have deemed appropriate in connection
with this Agreement, that they are fully aware of its legal effect, and that
Contractor has entered into it freely based on its and Executive’s his judgment
and not on any representations or promises other than those contained in this
Agreement.

     

    22.           Withholding and Payroll
Practices.  All salary, severance payments, bonuses or benefits
payments made by the Company under this Agreement shall be net of any tax or
other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under applicable law and
shall be paid in the ordinary course pursuant to the Company’s then existing
payroll practices.

     

    [The
next page is the signature page]

    
      
         

      

      
        15

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first
written above.

     

    
      
        
          
            
              
                
                  
                    
                      
                        
                          
                            
                              	 
      	 
      	
                                      Li3
      Energy, Inc.,

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	
                                      a
      Nevada corporation

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
	 
      	 
      	
                                      By:

                                    	
                                      /s/
      Luis Saenz

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	
                                      Name:
      Luis Saenz

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	
                                      Title:  CEO

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
	 
      	 
      	
                                      MIZ
      Comercializadora, S. de R.L.,

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	
                                      a
      registered company in Honduras

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
	 
      	 
      	
                                      By:

                                    	
                                      /s/
      Maria Isabel Zablah

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	
                                      Name:
      Maria Isabel Zablah

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	
                                      Title:
      President

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
	 
      	 
      	
                                      Acknowledged
      and agreed by:

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
	
                                      Witness:

                                    	 
      	
                                      EXECUTIVE:

                                    	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
	
                                       
      

                                    	 
      	/s/
      Robert Thomas Currin	 
	
                                      Name:

                                    	 
      	
                                      Robert
      Thomas Currin, Jr.

                                    	 

                            

                          

                        

                      

                    

                  

                

              

            

          

        

      

    

     

    
      
         

      

      
        16

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    EXHIBIT
A

     

    Description
of Executive’s Duties

     

    Robert
Thomas Currin, Jr.

     

    Chief
Operating Officer

     

    The Chief
Operating Officer is accountable to the President and CEO for the appropriate
leadership, guidance, planning, for the Company’s exploration, process
development programs development, construction and operation of the Company’s
mines and manufacturing facilities. This key individual will provide all
operational leadership, development and direction to his staff and consultants
to ensure that the critical business performance objectives of the Company are
consistently achieved.

     

    Duties
and Responsibilities

     

    Management
/ Leadership

     

    
      	
               
      

            	
              •

            	
              Support
      the Company’s efforts regarding the recruitment,
      development  and retention of an operating team consistent with
      Li3 Energy’s critical business performance
  objectives

            

    

     

    
      	
               
      

            	
              •

            	
              Lead
      and support the key departmental subordinates to ensure that the
      operational performance objectives are met or
  exceeded

            

    

     

    
      	
               
      

            	
              •

            	
              Support
      and ensure full departmental compliance with all corporate Community
      Affairs requirements and contribute at a strategic level with the
      generation and implementation of Community and Sustainable Development
      policies

            

    

     

    
      	
               
      

            	
              •

            	
              Contribute
      to the Company’s Management Team on a strategic
  level

            

    

     

    
      	
               
      

            	
              •

            	
              Be
      available for Board meetings and liaise regularly with all senior
      staff

            

    

     

    
      	
               
      

            	
              •

            	
              Provide
      leadership and support, assist and liase with appropriate parties with
      respect to the direction of all technical, operating and
      financial

            

    

     

    
      	
               
      

            	
              •

            	
              Support
      and ensure that all operations are carried out in compliance with the
      Company’s and health, safety and environmental guidelines, policies,
      procedures

            

    

     

    
      
         

      

      
        17

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    EXHIBIT
B

     

    Performance
Milestones for First Annual Bonus

     

    
      	
              1.

            	
              Upon
      completion of a resource estimate by an independent qualified person
      completed to Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards on at least one
      brine property by December 31,
  2010:  US$25,000

            

    

     

    
      	
              2.

            	
              Upon
      completion of Feasibility Study (as defined above) for the Alfredo nitrate
      project by June 30,
2011:  US$25,000

            

    

     

    
      	
              3.

            	
              Upon
      successful commissioning of brine pilot plant by June 30, 2011:
      US$25,000

            

    

     

    
      	
              4.

            	
              Upon
      the Company successfully raising at least $10 million in gross proceeds
      from the sale of its equity securities (and/or debt securities convertible
      into its equity securities) by February 1,
      2011:  US$25,000

            

    

     

    Note:  None
of the Annual Bonus is payable until the time set forth in Section
4(b).

    
      
         

      

      
        18RESTRICTED STOCK
AGREEMENT

     

    LI3
ENERGY, INC.

     

    THIS
AGREEMENT is entered into as of the 11th day of
August, 2010 (the “Date of Issuance”)

     

    
      	
              BETWEEN:

            	
              Li3 Energy, Inc., a
      company incorporated pursuant to the laws of the State of
      Nevada,

            

    

     

    (the
“Company”)

     

    
      	
              AND:

            	
              MIZ Comercializadora, S. de
      R.L.

            

    

    

    (the
“Participant”).

     

    WHEREAS:

     

    A.           The
Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has approved and adopted the Li3
Energy, Inc., 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”), pursuant to which
the Board is authorized to issue to employees and other selected persons
restricted shares (the “Restricted Stock”) of the Company’s common stock, $0.001
par value per share (the “Common Stock”);

     

    B.           The
Company and Participant have entered into an Employment Services Agreement (the
“Services Agreement”), dated as of August 11, 2010, providing for the
Participant to make available to the Company the services of R. Thomas Currin,
Jr. (the “Executive”) as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer; and

     

    C.           The
Board has authorized the grant to Participant of a total of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand
(2,500,000) shares of Restricted Stock;

     

    NOW
THEREFORE, the Company agrees to issue to the Participant, upon the terms and
conditions set forth herein and in the 2009 Plan, Two Million Five Hundred Thousand
(2,500,000) shares of Restricted Stock.  Capitalized terms not
otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in
the 2009 Plan.

     

    1.           Vesting
Schedule.  Subject to the provisions of this Section 1, the
Participant’s interest in the Restricted Stock shall vest in accordance with
Exhibit A
hereto.

     

    
      	
               
      

            	
              (a)

            	
              If
      the Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated (A) in connection
      with a Change of Control (as defined in the Services Agreement) or (B) by
      the Executive for Good Reason (as defined in the Services Agreement), then
      all of the Participant’s interest in the Restricted Stock shall vest
      immediately upon the date of termination of employment; provided, however, that such
      acceleration of vesting shall not apply with respect to a Change of
      Control following which the Executive remains Chief Operating Officer or
      continues to perform functions and be responsible for duties significantly
      and substantially similar to those of such
  position.

            

    

    
      
         

      

      
        
        

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

     

    
      	
               
      

            	
              (b)

            	
              If
      the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason (including,
      without limitation, on account of death or Permanent Disability (as
      defined in the Services Agreement)), then all unvested Restricted Stock
      shall expire and be cancelled immediately upon the date of termination of
      employment.

            

    

     

    2.           Transfer
Restrictions.

    

    a.           The
Restricted Stock granted hereunder may not be sold, pledged or otherwise
transferred until the Restricted Stock becomes vested in accordance with Exhibit
A.  The period of time between the date hereof and the date the
Restricted Stock becomes vested is referred to herein as the “Restriction
Period.”

    

    b.           If
the Participant’s relationship with the Company is terminated by the Company for
cause (as determined in the sole discretion of the Company) or voluntarily by
the Participant, the balance of the Restricted Stock subject to the provisions
of this Agreement which have not vested at the time of the termination of the
Participant’s relationship with the Company shall be forfeited by the
Participant, and ownership transferred back to the Company

    

    3.           Investment
Intent.  By accepting the Restricted Stock, the Participant
represents and agrees that none of the shares of such Restricted Stock will be
distributed in violation of applicable federal and state laws and
regulations.  In addition, the Participant further represents and
agrees that the Participant is aware that such securities may not be transferred
at any time without (i) registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1933,
as amended (the “Securities Act”), or (ii) an exemption from such registration
and a written opinion of legal counsel addressed to the Company that the
proposed transfer of the Restricted Stock may be effected without registration
under the Securities Act, which opinion must be in form and from counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the Company.  The Participant further
represents and agrees that the Participant is acquiring the Restricted Stock for
investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such
shares.

     

    4.           Stock Certificate
Legends.  Each share
certificate evidencing the Restricted Stock issued hereunder shall be endorsed
with the following legends:

     

    a.           THE
SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS,
AND NEITHER SUCH SECURITIES NOR ANY INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD,
PLEDGED, ASSIGNED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED UNLESS (1) A REGISTRATION STATEMENT
WITH  RESPECT THERETO IS EFFECTIVE UNDER THE ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE
STATE SECURITIES LAWS, OR (2) AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION EXISTS AND THE
COMPANY RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE HOLDER OF SUCH SECURITIES, WHICH
COUNSEL AND OPINION ARE REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, THAT SUCH
SECURITIES MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED IN THE MANNER
CONTEMPLATED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT
OR   APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

    
      
         

      

      
        - 2
-

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    b.           THE
SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8 OF THE LI3 ENERGY, INC. 2009 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, A COPY OF WHICH IS
ON FILE WITH, AND AVAILABLE FROM, THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

     

    c.           Any
legend required by any applicable state securities laws.

     

    5.           Escrow.  The
certificate or certificates evidencing the Restricted Stock subject hereto, if
there is an applicable Restriction Period, shall be delivered to and deposited
with Gottbetter & Partners, LLP, counsel to the Company, as escrow agent in
this transaction (the “Escrow Agent”). The Stock may also be held in a
restricted book entry account in the name of the Participant.  Such
certificates or such book entry shares are to be held by the Escrow Agent until
termination of the Restriction Period, when they shall be released by said
Escrow Agent to the Participant.

     

    6.           Employee Shareholder
Rights.  During the Restriction Period, if any, the Participant
shall have all rights of a shareholder with respect to the Restricted Stock
except for the right to transfer the Restricted Stock, as set forth in Section 2
and except as set forth in Section 7.  Accordingly, the Participant
shall have the right to vote the Restricted Stock and to receive any cash
dividends paid to or made with respect to the Restricted Stock.

     

    7.           Changes in
Stock.  In the event that as a result of (a) any stock
dividend, stock split or other change in the Common Stock, or (b) any merger or
sale of all or substantially all of the assets of other acquisition of the
Company, and by virtue of any such change the Participant, in its capacity as
owner of unvested shares of Restricted Stock which have been awarded to it, if
any (the “Prior Stock”), shall be entitled to new or additional or
different shares or securities, such new or additional or different shares or
securities shall thereupon be considered to be unvested Restricted Stock and
shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions which were applicable
to the Prior Stock pursuant to this Agreement.

     

    8.           Resale Restrictions May
Apply.  Any resale of the shares of Restricted Stock received
will be subject to resale restrictions contained in the securities legislation
applicable to the Participant.  The Participant acknowledges and
agrees that the Participant is solely responsible (and the Company is not in any
way responsible) for compliance with applicable resale
restrictions.

     

    9.           Subject to the 2009
Plan.  The terms of the Restricted Stock are subject to the
provisions of the 2009 Plan, as the same may from time to time be amended, and
any inconsistencies between this Agreement and the 2009 Plan, as the same may be
from time to time amended, shall be governed by the provisions of the 2009 Plan,
a copy of which has been delivered to the Participant, and which is available
for inspection at the principal offices of the Company.

    
      
         

      

      
        - 3
-

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

     

    10.          Professional
Advice.  The acceptance of the Restricted Stock and the sale of
Restricted Stock may have consequences under federal and state tax and
securities laws which may vary depending upon the individual circumstances of
the Participant.  Accordingly, the Participant acknowledges that it
has been advised to consult its personal legal and tax advisor in connection
with this Agreement and its dealings with respect to the Restricted
Stock.

     

    11.          No Employment
Relationship.  Whether or not any shares of Restricted Stock
are to be granted under this 2009 Plan shall be exclusively within the
discretion of the 2009 Plan administrator, and nothing contained in this 2009
Plan shall be construed as giving any person any right to participate under the
2009 Plan.  The grant of Restricted Stock shall in no way constitute
any form of agreement or understanding binding on the Company or any Affiliate
with a Participant, for any length of time, nor shall it interfere in any way
with the Company’s or, where applicable, an Affiliate’s right to terminate the
Participant’s relationship with the Company at any time, which right is hereby
reserved.

     

    12.          Entire
Agreement.  This Agreement is the only agreement between the
Participant and the Company with respect to the Restricted Stock, and this
Agreement and the 2009 Plan supersede all prior and contemporaneous oral and
written statements and representations and contain the entire agreement between
the parties with respect to the Restricted Stock.

     

    13.          Notices.  Any
notice required or permitted to be made or given hereunder shall be mailed or
delivered personally to the addresses set forth below, or as changed from time
to time by written notice to the other:

    

    
      
        
          	
                  The
      Company:

                	 
      	
                  Li3
      Energy, Inc.

                
	 
      	 
      	
                  Av.
      Pardo y Aliaga 699 Of. 802

                
	 
      	 
      	
                  Lima
      27, Perú

                
	 
      	 
      	
                  Attention:  CEO

                
	 	 	 
	
                  With
      a copy to:

                	 
      	
                  Gottbetter
      & Partners, LLP

                
	 
      	 
      	
                  488
      Madison Avenue, 12th
      Floor

                
	 
      	 
      	
                  New
      York, NY 10022

                
	 
      	 
      	
                  Attention:
      Adam S. Gottbetter, Esq.

                
	 
      	 
      	 
      
	
                  The
      Participant:

                	 
      	
                  MIZ
      Comercializadora, S. de R.L.

                
	 
      	 
      	
                  Calle
      Principal de El Hatillo

                
	 
      	 
      	
                  km
      8.2 frente Villa San Jorge, Tegucigalpa

                
	 
      	 
      	
                  HONDURAS

                

        

      

    

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        - 4
-

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

     

    
      
        	
                Li3
      ENERGY, INC.

              
	 
      
	
                By:

              	
                      

              
	 
      	
                Name:

              
	 
      	
                Title:

              
	 
      
	
                MIZ
      COMERCIALIZADORA, S. de R.L.

              
	 
      
	
                By:

              	
                      

              
	 
      	
                Name:

              
	 
      	
                Title:

              

      

    

    
      
         

      

      
        - 5
-

        
          

        

      

      
         

      

    

    EXHIBIT
A

    

    TERMS OF THE RESTRICTED
STOCK GRANT

    

    
      
        
          
            
              
                
                  
                    	
                            Name
      of the Participant:

                          	 
      	
                            MIZ
      Comercializadora, S. de R.L.

                          
	 
      	 
      	 
      
	
                            Date
      of Grant:

                          	 
      	
                            August
      11, 2010

                          
	 
      	 
      	 
      
	
                            Designation:

                          	 
      	
                            Restricted
      Stock

                          
	 
      	 
      	 
      
	
                            1.

                          	
                            Number
      of Shares granted:  

                          	 
      	
                            2,500,000
      shares

                          
	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
      
	      
                            2.

                          	      
                            Vesting
      Dates:

                          	 
      	
                            500,000
      shares

                          	
                            on
      completion of a resource estimate by an independent qualified person
      completed to Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards on any of the
      Company’s mining projects.

                          
	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
      	 
      
	 
      	 
      	 
      	
                            400,000
      shares

                          	
                            on
      confirmation of the flow sheet design based on the preliminary
      metallurgical testing in a pilot plant on any of the Company’s mining
      projects.

                          
	 	 	 	 	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	
                            300,000
      shares

                          	
                            on
      the completion of a Feasibility Study (as defined in the Services
      Agreement) on any of the Company’s mining projects

                          
	 	 	 	 	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	
                            300,000
      shares

                          	
                            on
      execution by the Company with a purchaser of a binding off-take agreement
      for production of on any of the Company’s mining
  projects

                          
	 	 	 	 	 
	 
      	 
      	 
      	
                            1,000,000
      shares  

                          	
                            on
      commencement of Commercial Production (as defined in the Services
      Agreement) on any of the Company’s mining
  projects

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00180-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00180-of-00352.parquet"}]]