Australia- and Frankfurt-listed Vulcan Energy has started commercial-scale production of its proprietary lithium extraction adsorbent, VULSORB, which selectively captures lithium from brine.

The company will use VULSORB in its Lionheart lithium production plant, which is currently under construction in Germany and due for commissioning in the second half of 2028.

VULSORB has successfully completed thousands of operating cycles under real-world conditions, achieving up to 95% lithium extraction efficiency.

Notably, ULSORB encompasses the aluminate-based adsorbent formulation, which is the ‘recipe’ to manufacture, as well as the method for manufacture. VULSORB provides Vulcan with an enduring competitive advantage – control over a proven western technology with a western manufacturing supply chain.

This is particularly relevant given that the largest global provider of adsorption-type direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology and products, China, placed export controls and strict licensing arrangements on overseas shipments early in 2025.

"Achieving commercial-scale production of VULSORB marks a significant technology, supply chain and execution derisking achievement for the Lionheart project ahead of its first commercial lithium production. Adsorption-type DLE technology is increasingly embraced by major companies as the industry's brine technology of choice.

"At a time when access to critical mineral technologies is becoming increasingly strategic, this provides Vulcan with greater supply chain security, reduced geopolitical risk and enhanced project execution certainty," says Vulcan MD and CEO Cris Moreno.

Meanwhile, Lionheart comprises an integrated lithium and renewable-energy project targeting production of 24 000 t/y of lithium hydroxide monohydrate, 275 GWh of renewable energy and 560 GWH of heat every year for local consumers over an estimated 30-year project life.

Vulcan will now focus on manufacturing VULSORB over the next 18 to 24 months in preparation for Lionheart's commissioning, however, beyond this project, VULSORB provides a scalable platform for future expansion across Vulcan's resource base. It also allows Vulcan to selectively license the technology globally through its VULTEC technology arm, to gain exposure to lithium brine fields in other jurisdictions.