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 - 16 May 2025
Global Business, BICHEM Group
Major Investment Targets Lithium Triangle Expansion and DLE Technology for Global Market Leadership
Rio Tinto recently emphasized that South America’s “Lithium Triangle” is a core region for global lithium supply. The company plans to invest US$2.5 billion to expand its Rincon project in Argentina, aiming for an annual output of 60,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate by 2028. In addition, Rio Tinto has completed its US$6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium, a company with 28 years of experience in Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), to accelerate the commercialization of this environmentally friendly and efficient technology, which enables the direct production of battery-grade lithium. Rio Tinto’s CEO Jakob Stausholm stated that Rio Tinto is working to increase its lithium production capacity to over 200,000 tonnes annually and is establishing a global network of processing facilities.
A Strategic Acquisition Lead to Change in Control of a Lithium Mining Enterprise
Zijin Mining announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Zijin International Holdings, along with acting-in-concert parties, has acquired a 26.18% stake in Zangge Mining (411 million shares). With governance arrangements in place, Zijin now effectively controls Zangge and will consolidate its financials. It enhances Zijin’s portfolio with a premium mining asset, improves the company’s copper and lithium reserves, and adds strategic potash resources vital to national food security. The deal also gives Zijin full control over the Julong Copper Mine and enhances lithium project synergies in Tibet by leveraging Zangge’s salt lake development experience and low-cost DLE technology.
Two Chinese Companies Withdraw from Lithium Projects in Chile
Chinese automaker BYD and metals giant Tsingshan Holding Group have withdrawn plans to build a lithium processing plant. Multiple factors contributed to their exit, including declining global lithium prices, market volatility, and administrative hurdles. In May 2024, BYD raised concerns about the government’s failure to secure suitable land for logistics needs, and on January 14, formally requested to terminate the project. Meanwhile, Corfo, Chile’s economic development agency, confirmed that Tsingshan abandoned its project after failing to complete company registration in Chile. The company also sought to change the project executor, which was not approved. Chilean Finance Minister Mario Marcel expressed regret but affirmed Chile’s continued commitment to building a domestic lithium value chain.
Partnership Formed to Test NF Technology in Lithium Processing
CleanTech Lithium, a sustainable lithium developer in Chile, is collaborating with DuPont Water Solutions to test DuPont’s new nanofiltration (NF) membrane technology, FilmTec™ LiNE-XD, designed specifically for high lithium recovery. This NF technology will be integrated into CleanTech’s DLE downstream process to remove impurities and maximize lithium yield. CleanTech Lithium CEO Ignacio Mehech emphasized the project’s alignment with their mission for efficient and sustainable lithium extraction and looks forward to validating the technology in upcoming pilot operations.
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