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 - September 5 2025
Global Business, BICHEM Group
Feasibility study confirms robust economics for a lithium project in South West Arkansas
Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor (Norway’s petroleum company), has released the results of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for its Southwest Arkansas project, confirming the strong economic potential of the development. The project aims to build an advanced lithium extraction and chemical processing facility, backed by a $225 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy awarded earlier this year to support Phase I construction.
According to the DFS, the facility is expected to deliver an initial annual output of 22,500 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate, marking the first commercial-scale direct lithium extraction from the Smackover Formation. The resource underpins a minimum 20-year mine life, with room for further expansion. Financial projections highlight a pre-tax, unlevered net present value of $1.7 billion and an internal rate of return of 20.2%, based on an estimated $1.45 billion in capital expenditures and average operating costs of $4,516 per tonne.
The company will deploy Koch Technology Solutions’ DLE process, based on selective adsorption technology, for which it holds exclusive regional rights. Management noted that these results substantially reduce both technical and execution risks, setting the stage for commercial operations to begin in 2028.
Australian explorer advances Bolivian brine testing with german pilot plant deal
Cosmos Exploration (ASX:C1X), through its selective acquisition vehicle EAU Lithium, has signed an agreement with a subsidiary of Vulcan Energy Resources to acquire a German-built A-DLE pilot plant for €1 million in staged payments. The facility will be used to test brines from Bolivia’s salt lakes. The transaction is subject to approval from the Bolivian government and state-owned Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB), as well as EAU securing a minimum of A$2 million in funding.
The A-DLE technology applies heat and salinity gradients to physically separate and selectively extract lithium from brine, while minimizing water consumption and reducing environmental impact. Under an agreement with YLB, EAU will deploy the plant to test brines from several of Bolivia’s key salars, including Coipasa, Empexa, and Pastos Grandes. The initiative is viewed as a significant step toward the sustainable industrialization of Bolivia’s lithium resources, positioning EAU as an emerging participant in this process.
Early-Stage fieldwork begins at Botswana brine lithium project
Marula Mining, a mining and exploration investment company, has commenced initial on-site activities at the Boteti lithium brine project, located in the Makgadikgadi salt pans of Botswana. The move follows the company’s planned acquisition of up to 70% of local operator Geowise Resources, with due diligence now completed and documentation underway to finalize the acquisitio.
Marula Mining has made its first payment to Geowise Resources, fulfilling its commitment to fund 100% of exploration, feasibility, and development costs. Geowise Resources has already begun community and stakeholder engagement, while fieldwork scheduled for this quarter will include brine sampling, structural mapping, and environmental assessments ahead of drilling.
The salt pans have been designated by Botswana’s Ministry of Mines as the Makgadikgadi Lithium District, recognized for their lithium and other critical mineral potential. Following the initial program, the two companies plan to begin drilling across three licensed blocks, deploying percussion or reverse circulation drilling methods alongside brine testing and sampling.
A merger to form major North American lithium producer
U.S.-based Piedmont Lithium and Australia’s Sayona Mining have finalized their merger, creating a new entity named Elevra Lithium, which is expected to become the largest lithium producer in North America and one of the world’s leading hard-rock lithium platforms. Under the terms of the deal, Sayona’s newly established U.S. subsidiary has been folded into Piedmont, with shareholders of both companies now holding roughly 50% each of the combined business.
The new company will consolidate both firms’ lithium project portfolios, with a focus on supplying the electric vehicle and energy storage supply chains, thereby strengthening its strategic role in the global energy transition. As part of the merger, Piedmont’s shares and American Depositary Receipts will be delisted from Nasdaq and the ASX, with its shareholders receiving Sayona ordinary shares on a proportional basis.
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