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 - 07 February 2025
by Emma Jia, Global Business, BICHEM Group
2025: Big Year for DLE in South America
Global lithium supply is expected to increase 16% to 1.58 million tonnes LCE in 2025, up from an estimated 1.36 million tonnes in 2024. Among all lithium resources, Brine-sourced lithium units is expected to grow in line with demand in 2025, with expansions expected in Chile; and Direct Lithium Extraction technology (DLE), with its greater recoveries and significantly shortened production time, is expected to prove commercially viable for brines to maintain its market share.
New Lithium Extraction Facility Gets Go-head
The largest lithium extraction facility of UK, owned by Weardale Lithium, has received permissions to kick off construction.The permission issued by Durham County Council allows Weardale to build a new factory on the site of former cement works so that it can be used for processing lithium carbonate. The demonstrating plant has produced positive results with elevated results of lithium extraction and recovery rate using DLE technology.
New Project is about to Start in Argentina
Solaroz lithium brine project in Argentina owned by Australian mining company, Lithium Energy, recently received the final environmental impact assessment (EIA) approval for the next phase of exploration and evaluation. The approval covers the Central Block and Northern Block concessions, which span more than 10,600 hectares and contain the majority of the project’s existing lithium resources. According to the sale agreement signed by Lithium Energy and CNNET, the entire interests of Solaroz is now owned by CNNET who is also responsible for funding local operations and further development from January 1st, 2025.
Breakthrough in DLE technology
Higher eluate grades was achieved by eliminating recycle loops in the extraction process to significantly reduce operating costs, announced by Century Lithium who has successfully integrated ARi proprietary adsorption-based DLE technology. This achievements are tested at both ARi’s Twin Falls facility and Century Lithium’s Pilot Plant, and are expected to be applied for full-scale production in a timely manner after being further optimized by the engineering team at Century Lithium.
Chile Concludes Initial Phase of Lithium Mining Contracts
The initial phase of awarding special lithium operation contracts (CEOLS) concerning salt flats across the regions of Tarapaca, Antofagasta and Atacama to private enterprise has successfully completed. Seven firms and consortiums are attracted. Chilean government is reported to announce the successful bidders by the end of March. Additional areas identified for lithium exploration include regions in Tarapaca and Antofagasta, with the second phase of contracts open until March 7th, offering an extended opportunity for potential bidders.
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