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 - August 8 2025
Global Business, BICHEM Group
Successful freshwater well drilling reduces development risk at lithium project in Argentina
NOA Lithium Brines, a lithium exploration and development company, announced the successful drilling and completion of its first freshwater exploration well, RT-RG25-FW02, in the northern part of its 100%-owned Rio Grande lithium project in Salta Province, Argentina. The well, drilled to a depth of 190 metres, features a full casing and screened completion, ensuring strong water filtration performance. Pumping tests confirmed that the water quality meets the requirements for lithium brine operations, with an average conductivity of 1,400 µS/cm and a pH of 7.2–7.6.
This water source is one of three main freshwater targets identified within the project area, and its completion marks a key step in securing the water resources necessary for Rio Grande’s development. NOA stated that this will significantly reduce project development risk and enhance sustainability. The company holds over 140,000 hectares of lithium brine assets in Argentina’s “Lithium Triangle” and is among the largest non-producing lithium resource holders in the region, with key projects including Rio Grande, Arizaro, and Salinas Grandes.
A more regulated licensing era for China’s salt lake lithium industry
In July 2025, Zangge Mining Co., Ltd, a Chinese lithium and potassium producer, was ordered by the Haixi Prefecture government in Qinghai Province to halt lithium extraction after failing to complete procedures for a dedicated lithium mining license. On August 1, the company disclosed details in its half-year report, stating the project had received government approval and filing, was based on the comprehensive utilization of by-product tail brine, complied with technical standards, and held relevant patents. It is now awaiting final approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources for license renewal and modification, aiming to resume production as soon as possible.
Industry observers say the incident signals the end of the long-standing “potash-first, lithium-as-byproduct” development model, ushering in a more regulated “special licensing era” for China’s salt lake lithium industry. If rolled out nationwide, the policy could temporarily affect 5%–10% of salt lake lithium capacity.
Advanced DLE technology cuts costs and boosts efficiency for Argentine lithium project
Lilac Solutions, a direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology provider, has announced that its Generation 4 ion exchange (IX) technology has significantly enhanced the economics of the latest feasibility study addendum for the Kachi lithium project in Argentina. The upgraded process is expected to cut capital expenditure for the DLE unit by US$98 million and reduce operating costs by US$508 per tonne of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), delivering total project capital savings of about US$160 million. Lithium recovery rates rise to 90%, with impurity removal maintained at 99.9%. The technology also lowers water consumption by 32% and slashes power demand from 82 MW to 57 MW, offering both environmental and economic gains. Lilac claims the platform has the potential to deliver the world’s lowest-cost lithium production.
U.S. Smackover lithium projects are identified as key assets in the energy transition
Standard Lithium (SLI), an Arkansas-based lithium producer, is positioning its Arkansas and Texas Smackover Formation projects, leveraging DLE technology and strategic partnerships, as key assets in the energy transition. The Arkansas SWA project has secured a US$225 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, reporting a record lithium grade of 616 mg/L and achieving 99% recovery rates at its DLE pilot plant, significantly reducing costs and water usage. A 50:50 joint venture with Norwegian energy major Equinor will accelerate commercialisation, with first production targeted for 2027. In Texas, lithium grades reach 806 mg/L, signalling vast resource potential. Analysts project SLI could capture about 5% of the U.S. lithium market by 2030, balancing security, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
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