The TL;DR
A Melbourne startup, ElectraLith, is set to revolutionize the lithium industry with a new technology that minimizes both environmental and economic costs. As a spin-off from Monash University, ElectraLith has developed a process to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide without the need for water or chemicals, and with minimal energy usage.
ElectraLith's direct lithium extraction and refining (DLE-R) technology uses advanced electro-membrane and electrodialysis methods to extract and refine lithium hydroxide in a single, scalable, and modular process. This approach is distinct from other direct lithium extraction methods, which typically require large amounts of water and chemicals.
The DLE-R technology has demonstrated its ability to produce high-purity lithium hydroxide from various sources, including salar brines, geothermal oilfield brines, and spodumene leach. This versatility makes it a promising solution for accessing diverse lithium reserves around the world.
ElectraLith has garnered significant support from industry leaders, including global mining giant Rio Tinto, technology investment firm IP Group, and Monash Investment Holdings. These partnerships underscore the industry's confidence in DLE-R as a cleaner, more adaptable, and cost-effective method for lithium extraction and refining.
Charlie McGill, CEO of ElectraLith, emphasized the successful application of DLE-R technology across different settings. Notably, the technology achieved 99.9% pure lithium hydroxide from geothermal oilfield brines in the Paradox Basin, Utah, without using water—an advantage in the water-scarce Colorado River Basin.
The DLE-R technology's ability to produce lithium hydroxide from brines with less than 60 parts per million opens up previously inaccessible strategic reserves in the United States and Australia. This capability is crucial for meeting the growing demand for lithium, driven by the expansion of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions.
Looking ahead, Rio Tinto plans to trial the first DLE-R prototype at its lithium Rincon Project in Argentina by 2026. This trial will be a key step in demonstrating the commercial viability of ElectraLith's technology on a larger scale.
ElectraLith's DLE-R technology represents a major advancement in lithium extraction and refining. By eliminating the need for water and chemicals and reducing energy consumption, this technology provides a more sustainable and cost-effective way to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide. With strong industry support and promising initial results, ElectraLith is poised to make a significant impact on the global lithium market.