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 - 18 April 2025
Global Business, BICHEM Group
New Merged Company in Lithium Industry
The essential lithium supplier to the U.S. electric vehicle supply chain, Piedmont Lithium Inc., and the miner Sayona Mining Limited have decided to promote their proposed merger. This strategic transaction will combine both companies’ strengths to create a top-tier, globally significant lithium business.
Upon completion of the merger—and pending Sayona shareholder approval—the newly combined company will operate under the name Elevra Lithium. The name reflects a shared vision for innovation and leadership in the lithium industry. The company will unveil further details regarding the brand identity, including the logo and design, closer to the deal’s closing date.
Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng Jointly Develop the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes Basins in Argentina
Lithium Argentina AG today announced a significant step towards expanding its lithium production capacity in Argentina through a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. The two company plan to jointly develop the highly prospective Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG) basins, consolidating their existing projects in the region to create a large-scale, low-cost lithium operation.
The PPG project encompasses Ganfeng’s wholly-owned Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project, the jointly-owned Pastos Grandes project (85% Lithium Argentina, 15% Ganfeng), and the Sal de la Puna project (65% Lithium Argentina, 35% Ganfeng). This strategic consolidation aims to unlock substantial synergies and establish Argentina as a leading force in the global lithium industry, catering to the burgeoning demand from the battery market.
New Player in Rio Grande Project
The lithium exploration and development company, NOA Lithium Brines Inc., has appointed Hatch Limited to conduct a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its Rio Grande Project in Salta Argentina.
The PEA will evaluate the project's economic parameters and development potential for an initial production capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent, with scalability options. Completion is expected in four months, providing critical insights into the project's viability and advancing it towards production, thereby unlocking further value for shareholders.
Bolivian Communities Push Back against Foreign-backed Lithium Projects
In 2024, Bolivia’s state-owned lithium company, signed contracts worth a combined $2 billion with Russian and Chinese companies to mine lithium from Salar de Uyuni in the country’s southwest. Once the project is completed, these facilities，at full capacity, are expected to produce almost 90,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate annually for production of lithium-ion batteries - enough to power 3 million electric vehicles.
However, this project has been pushed back by local communities who are experiencing water shortages. They say they’re concerned the projects will divert large amounts of freshwater from agricultural lands.
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