DLE Weekly delivers the latest insights on Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies, industry developments, and market trends. Stay tuned to see how DLE is shaping the future of sustainable energy.
DLE Weekly - 14 February 2025
by Zoe Wang, Global Business, BICHEM Group
Lithium Extraction Unit Supply for a Brine Project in Argentina
Rio Tinto has announced a collaboration with the French engineering company Eurodia, which specializes in environmentally friendly and efficient liquid purification processes. This partnership aims to provide an industrial lithium extraction unit for Rio Tinto’s Argentine subsidiary, Rincon, located in the Salta province. Rincon project is set to complete the construction of a battery-grade lithium carbonate pilot plant by the first half of 2025. Eurodia emphasized that the Rincon project showcases a blend of innovation and responsibility, which is expected to advance lithium extraction technology.
A Salt Lake Project Begins Production in Argentina
Ganfeng Lithium has revealed that its Mariana Salt Lake project in northern Argentina has officially begun lithium production, with an annual output capacity of 20,000 tons of lithium chloride. Located in the Salta province, the Mariana project is one of several new lithium ventures launched by Ganfeng in South America. With an investment totaling $790 million, this project is anticipated to produce 20,000 tons of lithium chloride each year. Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, has expressed support for the mining initiative, seeing it as a way to draw in foreign investment.
A Relocation of A DLE Pilot Plant to Pennsylvania
Rain City Resources has announced its intention to relocate its ACCELi Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) pilot plant to Pennsylvania. Following the successful commissioning and wet testing of the facility in January, Rain City has entered into a partnership with Avonlea Lithium Corporation (ALC) and Kendra II, a Pennsylvania-based brine logistics company. The pilot plant will be situated at Kendra's Springville brine transfer station and will serve as a pre-commercial trial for the ACCELi DLE technology. Rain City Resources has previously conducted a successful 21-day pilot utilizing Avonlea Lithium’s DLE technology on brine sourced from shale.
A DLE Unit Deployment in Arizona
Arizona Lithium, an Australian mining company, has entered into an agreement with Koch Technology Solutions (KTS) to implement KTS's Li-Pro commercial-scale direct lithium extraction (DLE) unit for the initial production phase at its Prairie Project. The unit is anticipated to be delivered and become operational by the fourth quarter of 2025, with the first phase expected to yield 150 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) annually.
An Acquisition by A Lithium Producer
Pilbara Minerals has successfully finalized its acquisition of Latin Resources and gained full ownership of the Salinas Lithium Project located in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This acquisition enhances Pilbara’s portfolio with a second high-quality hard rock lithium asset. Initially announced on August 15, 2024, the deal received the backing of Latin Resources’ board. Following the completion of the acquisition, Latin Resources’ subsidiary in Brazil, Belo Lithium, will be rebranded as PLS, while the Salinas project will take on the new name of Colina Project.
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