Direct lithium extraction DLE, Saves vast amounts of water4 Oct 2023 12:17
Lithium Extraction
There is tremendous demand for lithium globally. Today there are over 300,000 metric tons of lithium are produced per year, but 3.5 million metric tons are projected as being required by 2035. At $13,000 per metric ton this would make a $45.5 billion annual market.
The most common current process of lithium extraction is the evaporation of brines over 12-24 months. This requires multiple stages, takes a long time and wastes valuable water.
Our process allows lithium extraction from brines, without the need to concentrate by evaporation or batch processes with costly high pressure or ion exchange systems. Our system does not need high temperatures, high pressure or electrolysis to operate and it does not need significant fresh water, while allowing most of the brine stream to be returned underground