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Direct Lithium Extraction

Direct Lithium Extraction is a technology that recovers lithium from brine sources without the need for large evaporation ponds or extensive processing time. The method uses selective adsorption, ion exchange or solvent extraction techniques to separate lithium ions directly from geothermal brines, oilfield brines or other liquid sources. Unlike conventional lithium production from hard-rock mining or solar evaporation ponds, which can take 12 to 18 months, Direct Lithium Extraction can complete the process in hours or days. The technology offers a smaller environmental footprint, lower water consumption and reduced land use compared with traditional methods. It is particularly suited to geothermal brine sources, where lithium-rich fluids are brought to the surface as part of renewable energy generation. Direct Lithium Extraction is gaining commercial traction in regions such as the Upper Rhine Valley in Europe and the Salton Sea in the United States, where geothermal resources coincide with lithium-bearing brines. The technology is seen as critical to meeting rising demand for lithium driven by the electric vehicle and battery storage sectors. Proponents argue that it can deliver a more sustainable and faster supply chain for lithium, a key component in lithium-ion batteries. Several companies are piloting and scaling Direct Lithium Extraction plants, aiming to bring production online within the next few years to support the energy transition.

Direct Lithium Extraction News


E3 lithium carbonate product
Canada's E3 nears last phase of demo facility as it builds towards commercial-scale FID
22nd October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Toronto- and Frankfurt-listed E3 Lithium is nearing the completion of Phase 2 of its demonstration facility, in Mountain View County, Alberta, which serves as an important engineering milestone... 


Image of periodic table symbol for lithium
Green River lithium project direct lithium extraction demonstration facility, US
16th October 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Anson Resources' demonstration facility is intended to support the broader development of the Green River project, which it is advancing as a direct lithium extraction-based operation. 


EnergyX Lonestar lithium plant
EnergyX signs binding $2bn lithium supply deal with Trafigura
13th October 2026 By: Reuters

Lithium startup EnergyX said on Monday it has signed a $2-billion binding offtake to supply commodities trader Trafigura with the battery metal from Chile and the US, one of the largest deals ever... 


NESR, Aramco sign agreement to deliver Saudi Arabia’s first direct lithium extraction project
8th October 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Oilfield services provider National Energy Services Reunited (NESR) has announced that its business segment NESR Environmental and Decarbonisation Applications (NEDA), has entered into an agreement... 


Laguna Verde lithium brines
CleanTech validates Laguna Verde process flowsheet ahead of DFS
6th October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Aim-listed CleanTech Lithium has validated the process envisioned by the Laguna Verde prefeasibility study (PFS) to produce high-purity lithium carbonate. The company conducted a comprehensive... 


Periodic table symbol for lithium
Green River lithium project, US
2nd October 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Critical minerals company Anson Resources is developing the Green River lithium project as a direct lithium extraction brine operation to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate. 


Drill rig at the Prairie lithium project
Prairie lithium project, Canada – update
2nd October 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

The Canadian government has committed C$6.3-million in financing, which will support Phase 1 production. 


Image of lithium processing plant
Green River lithium project, US – update
2nd October 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Anson Resources has signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with specialist metals and minerals trader Wogen Resources America and critical minerals financing adviser Xcelsior Capital... 


Lithium Argentina brines at Cauchari-Olaroz
Lithium Argentina outlines phased expansion plan for Cauchari-Olaroz
1st October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX-listed Lithium Argentina has confirmed the viable potential of a Stage 2 expansion project at Cauchari-Olaroz, in Argentina. A scoping study on the Stage 2 expansion contemplates additional... 


Prairie Lithium's DLE unit
Prairie Lithium garners C$6.3m federal Canadian funding to reach initial production
29th September 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

The Canadian government has committed C$6.3-million in financing for ASX-listed Prairie Lithium's project in Saskatchewan, which will support Phase 1 production, including balance-of-plant systems... 


EMP Metals' Project Aurora demo plant
Canadian lithium miner EMP commissions demo plant
23rd September 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Vancouver-based EMP Metals Corporation has successfully commissioned its Project Aurora demonstration plant, in Saskatchewan, with the facility now operating as a fully integrated, continuous-flow... 


VULSORB technology
Vulcan starts commercial production of key lithium extraction technology
21st September 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

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... 


Location map of Lionheart lithium
Lionheart lithium project, Germany – update
18th September 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Vulcan Energy has secured a second lithium production licence, valid for six years, for its flagship Lionheart project 


Image of lithium ore
Green River lithium project, US – update
18th September 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Anson Resources has announced that the Utah Inland Port Authority board has approved a business incentive of $193-million to support project development. 


LibertyStream lithium refining unit
Emerging lithium carbonate announces LibertyStream secures $95m funding commitment
4th September 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

A company aiming to be one of North America’s first commercial producers of lithium carbonate from oilfield brine, LibertyStream, has signed a non-binding term sheet with lending firm Endurance... 


Brine well for lithium extraction
Duke University, UCT make tangible investment recommendations ahead of lithium, rare earths boom
14th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

A first-of-its-kind report from researchers at Duke University and the University of Cape Town (UCT) has mapped the most credible research and development opportunities for lithium and rare earth... 


Swabbing unit at Mandrake Resources' Evelyn Chambers #1 brine extraction well in Utah
Australian lithium developer Mandrake starts bulk brine production in Utah
12th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed lithium developer Mandrake Resources has started swabbing activities at its Evelyn Chambers #1 well in Utah. Mandrake's work on the well is partly supported by a $1-million federal... 


Boardwalk project area
Canadian lithium developer LithiumBank secures land for Boardwalk processing facility
7th August 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Vancouver-headquartered LithiumBank Resources has entered into a binding option agreement to acquire up to 160 acres of privately owned land in the Sturgeon Lake area of Alberta. The site has been... 


Image of lithium ore
Green River lithium project, US
31st July 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Critical minerals company Anson Resources is developing the Paradox basin project as a direct lithium extraction brine project to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate. 


Laguna Verde project area
CleanTech, Empower produce first lithium carbonate from Laguna Verde brines and pilot eluate
24th July 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Aim-listed CleanTech Lithium and technology partner Empower EIT have successfully produced high-purity lithium carbonate from eluate produced by CleanTech's direct lithium extraction (DLE) pilot... 


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