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 - 11 April 2025
Global Business, BICHEM Group
Geothermal-Powered Lithium Project Advances U.S. Mineral Independence
GeoFrame Energy, a U.S.-based geothermal project developer, announced plans to launch a lithium extraction project this summer in eastern Texas. Utilizing Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology powered by geothermal energy, the facility will extract battery-grade lithium carbonate from mineral-rich brine in the Smackover Formation, marking the first DLE lithium extraction facility from this formation in the United States. The project, spanning over 7,400 acres, aims to achieve commercial production by early 2026 and reach full capacity of 83,500 tons per year by 2029.
Developed with technology from Australia’s Ekosolve and the University of Melbourne, the project requires almost no freshwater, generates minimal pollution, and achieves a lithium recovery rate of up to 95%. Amid lithium export restrictions from China and growing geopolitical tensions, this initiative supports U.S. efforts to localize critical mineral production.
Argentina’s Lithium Production Is Set to Surge 75% in 2025
Argentina, the world’s fifth-largest lithium producer, is expected to reach 130,800 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production in 2025, a 75% year-on-year increase, according to the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM). In 2024, four of Argentina’s six active lithium projects collectively produced 74,600 tons of LCE, marking a 62% year-on-year growth. This increase was supported by capacity expansions at the Olaroz and Fenix projects, ramp-up at Cauchari Olaroz, and the start-up of the Sal de Oro project in October 2024. Despite rising U.S.-China trade tensions, industry experts believe Argentina’s mining sector will face limited impact from U.S. tariff measures under former President Trump.
India Seeks Strategic Lithium and Copper Partnerships in Chile
Indian officials will visit Chile next week to negotiate a 20% stake in two Australian lithium projects, Mount Holland and Andover, owned by SQM, the world’s second-largest lithium producer. The deal involves four Indian state-owned enterprises: KABIL, Coal India, Indian Oil Corporation, and ONGC Videsh. The delegation will also attend the World Copper Conference and meet with SQM executives. Chilean state miner Codelco recently agreed to supply copper concentrate to India’s Adani Group for a $1.2 billion smelter and signed a preliminary deal with Hindustan Copper on mineral exploration and processing.
Chile’s Lithium Resources Are Estimated to Increase
Chile’s lithium resources are now estimated to be 28% higher than previously thought, according to new research by the National Mining Company (ENAMI). Previously, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated Chile’s lithium resources at 11 million tons. While Bolivia and Argentina surpass Chile in total resources, Chile leads the world in lithium reserves, economically extractable deposits, at 9.3 million tons. As the world’s second-largest lithium producer, Chile’s Atacama Salt Lake remains the main production base for SQM and Albemarle. ENAMI will select a partner in May to co-develop the “Salares Altoandinos” project, marking the state’s first direct involvement in lithium extraction.
Update Highlights in Cleaner Lithium Extraction Technology
Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd. has released an update on its A-DLE technology, detailing outcomes from feasibility and engineering transition studies for its Phase 1 project. The technology is designed as a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to conventional lithium extraction methods. This underscores Vulcan’s commitment to advancing green lithium extraction solutions to strengthen its market position and appeal to stakeholders.
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