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 - July 18 2025
Global Business, BICHEM Group
Chinese Regulatory Crackdown Forces Suspension of Unlicensed Lithium Mining
Chinese miner Zangge Mining’s wholly-owned subsidiary was recently ordered by Haixi Prefecture authorities to cease lithium resource extraction due to the absence of a valid lithium mining permit. The company has suspended production and is actively working to obtain the necessary licenses. The shutdown impacts approximately 900 tons of monthly lithium carbonate output, representing less than 1% of national production, thus having a limited effect on the company’s overall performance. Meanwhile, eight lithium-related mines in Yichun, Jiangxi Province, were required to submit reserve verification reports due to approval irregularities, fueling market expectations of tightening lithium supply. Industry experts note that China is strengthening regulatory oversight of the lithium sector, likely leading to the exit of non-compliant capacity, which could support stabilization and potential price rebound for lithium carbonate.
Zimbabwe Plans $270 Million Lithium Processing Plant Amid Anticipated Market Recovery
Zimbabwe’s state-owned Kuvimba Mining House announced plans to invest $270 million in constructing a lithium concentrate processing plant at its Sandawana mine, set to begin operations in early 2027. The project, scheduled to start construction in Q3 2025, will be developed and operated jointly with two major Chinese metals companies for five years before ownership fully transfers back to Kuvimba; the partners have not yet been disclosed. Despite lithium prices plunging nearly 90% in the past two years due to oversupply, the company anticipates a price rebound by 2027, coinciding with the plant’s launch.As Africa’s largest lithium producer, Zimbabwe plans to ban lithium concentrate exports from 2027 to encourage local value-added processing.
Lithium Tech Startup Acquires Key U.S. Brine Assets
EnergyX, a lithium technology startup supported by General Motors, recently announced the acquisition of approximately 35,000 acres of lithium-rich brine land in the Smackover Formation, Arkansas, from Australia’s Pantera Lithium for about $26.1 million. The Smackover Formation is estimated to contain over 4 million tons of lithium resources and is a crucial domestic supply area for the U.S. Despite persistent low lithium prices, this deal highlights strong market interest in boosting U.S. lithium production capacity. EnergyX plans to build a lithium refinery in Texas with production targets of 12,500 tons per year by 2028 and 30,000 tons by 2030. All projects will utilize direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, which has yet to be scaled commercially. General Motors holds a first right of purchase on the lithium output.
Grant Boosts Development of Major Lithium Brine Project in Alberta
LithiumBank, a Canadian lithium developer, has received a $3.9 million CAD non-dilutive grant from Alberta’s Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) to advance its Boardwalk lithium brine project in central-west Alberta. The funding will reimburse 50% of eligible costs in phases, supporting key milestones including drilling, DLE process testing, lithium carbonate conversion studies, and feasibility assessments, targeted for completion by the end of 2026. LithiumBank plans to deploy modular DLE technology to shorten development timelines and lower upfront capital expenditures. The company has consolidated all mineral rights for both the Boardwalk and Park Place projects, holding the largest lithium brine resource base in North America.
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