Traditional lithium extraction and refinement methods are outdated, environmentally damaging, and inefficient. By 2030, the demand for lithium is expected to exceed supply by 1.42 million metric tons. However, Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) offers a promising solution.
The Lithium Challenge
Lithium is essential for many renewable energy technologies, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Projections indicate that the lithium industry will grow from $22.2 billion in 2023 to nearly $90 billion by 2030.
To meet this demand, refined lithium production must increase by 86.5% beyond current projections.
| Demand Type | 2022 (million metric tons) | 2030P (million metric tons) |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium Carbonate | 0.46 | 1.21 |
| Lithium Hydroxide | 0.18 | 1.54 |
| Lithium Metal | 0 | 0.22 |
| Lithium Mineral | 0.07 | 0.09 |
| Total Demand | 0.71 | 3.06 |
| Total Supply | 0.75 | 1.64 |
The Solution: Direct Lithium Extraction
DLE is a process that uses solvent extraction, membranes, or adsorbents to extract and refine lithium directly from its source. EnergyX’s proprietary DLE technology, LiTAS™, can recover 300% more lithium per ton than existing processes, making it a vital tool for meeting lithium demand.
LiTAS™ can refine lithium at the lowest cost per unit volume directly from brine, significantly reducing the environmental impact of lithium mining and aiding the production of next-generation batteries.
| Extraction Method | Direct CO2 Emissions (kg) | Water Use (m3) | Lithium Recovery Rate | Land Use (m2) | Process Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Mining | 15,000 | 170 | 58% | 464 | Variable |
| Underground Reservoirs | 5,000 | 469 | 30-40% | 3124 | 18 months |
| Direct Lithium Extraction | 3.5 | 34-94 | 90% | 0.14 | 1-2 days |
Empowering the Future
DLE has the potential to revolutionize the outdated lithium industry by enhancing recovery rates and reducing emissions, helping the world meet the energy needs of future electric vehicles.
EnergyX aims to become a global leader in the sustainable energy transition through innovative direct lithium extraction technology. Join companies like GM in investing in EnergyX to shape the future of renewable energy.
