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 15 2025
Global Business, BICHEM Group
New JV for Salta Lithium Projects
Lithium Argentina claimed on 12 August it would combine its Pastos Grandes and Sal de la Puna projects in Argentina’s Salta province with Ganfeng Lithium Group’s wholly owned Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes asset to create a large-scale brine operation targeting up to 150 000 t/y of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
Under a framework agreement, Ganfeng will own 67% of the new joint venture (JV) and Lithium Argentina 33%, with stakes based on resources, capital contributions and technology inputs. The deal is planned to be secured by the first quarter of 2026.
The combined project, known as PPG, will use a hybrid of direct lithium extraction (DLE) and solar evaporation, with a feasibility study due by year-end to support an application under Argentina's Incentive Regime for Large Investments in the first half of 2026.
Ganfeng will also provide Lithium Argentina with a six-year $130-million debt facility at secured overnight financing rate plus 2.5% to refinance corporate debt and fund development. The loan will be secured by Lithium Argentina’s equity in PPG and will allow Ganfeng to take up to 50% of Lithium Argentina’s offtake from the initial development phase, capped at 6 000 t/y, at market prices.
The companies have invested about $1.8-billion in acquisition and development across the combined assets to date.
Mexico is Prepared to Engage in Lithium Production
Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), Mexico’s state-owned oil company is exploring lithium extraction from oilfield brines in a bid to diversify its portfolio and advance the country’s energy transition.
Chief executive officer Victor Rodríguez said in the unveiling of the company’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan last week that high concentrations of lithium, comparable to Bolivia’s, have been detected in drilling operations across five states.
The company is assessing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies to isolate and process the metal into carbonate or hydroxide, essential materials for batteries and clean energy technologies.
As part of the plan, PEMEX may launch a new subsidiary, PEMEX Lithium, to produce so-called “petrolithium,” lithium sourced from petroleum brine. The move aligns with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s push for energy diversification and resource sovereignty.
The initiative could pave the way for collaboration with the national lithium company, LitioMx, mirroring global trends in which oil majors invest in lithium to future-proof their operations.
Mexico holds an estimated 1.7 million tonnes of lithium reserves. While smaller than other Latin American producers, the country has 82 known deposits across 18 states, with the largest concentrations in Sonora, Puebla, and Oaxaca. Experts say that with targeted investment and development, Mexico could emerge as a significant player in the global lithium market.
Analysts warn that PEMEX faces steep challenges in the sector, including its lack of experience in non-energy mining, the technical hurdles of clay-based lithium extraction, and the need to meet sustainability standards.
The government is positive and views PEMEX’s participation as a natural extension of its role in the shifting global energy landscape, with potential partnerships on the horizon with universities, innovation centres, and public enterprises abroad.
CleanTech Lithium Secured New Investment
Metals One Plc (AIM:MET1) has invested £1 million in CleanTech Lithium Plc (AIM:CTL), acquiring approximately 10.7% of the company’s enlarged share capital, according to a press release issued on 11th August.
CleanTech Lithium is developing lithium projects in Chile, including its flagship Laguna Verde project, which is at the Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) stage, and the Viento Andino project. The company's combined portfolio has a JORC resource estimate of 2.55 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent.
The funds will be used to acquire additional licenses for the Laguna Verde Project, complete the PFS and Direct Lithium Extraction technical work, and provide working capital. CleanTech Lithium plans to use Direct Lithium Extraction technology with brine reinjection, which the company states results in no aquifer depletion.
Metals One, which focuses primarily on uranium and gold projects, characterized the investment as a passive holding that does not confer any controlling interest or influence over CleanTech Lithium.
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