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 - 10 January 2025
by Emma Jia, Global Business, BICHEM Group
New Project in Ark-La-Text
A major step for lithium extraction and refinery was taken in U.S.A by Energy X, witch is expected to renew the leaning position of U.S.A. in global market.As the receiver of investment of POSCO and General Motors, Energy X plans to realize the annual production of 5000 tonne in the first stage for Lonestar Project, and then expand it to 25000 tonne.
China Becomes World's Second-largest Lithium Reserves
China’s lithium reserves have nearly tripled to make it the world’s second-largest holder of reserves of the key metal for renewable energy technology. The country now accounts for 16.5 per cent of global reserves, behind only Chile, and has moved ahead of Australia, Argentina and Bolivia, according to the China Geological Survey.The country was previously thought to have held 6 per cent of the world’s total, but the rise is attributed to the discovery of fresh deposits and new techniques that allow the metal to be extracted from minerals.Going forward, who holds the most effective lithium extraction technology will the leader in the new round of energy transformation.
Will Zijin Be the new Lithium Tycoon?
China’s Zijin Mining Group Co., already a global force in copper and gold, is stepping up its foray into lithium with the potential purchase of a Chinese producer of the battery material.The resource giant is in talks to buy shares in Zangge Mining Co. Ltd. that could lead to a takeover, Zijin said in a statement to the Hong Kong Exchange. Zijin has grown aggressively over the past decade through a string of acquisitions, and is aiming to be a bigger player in the expanding global lithium market.
CFIUS Gives Clearance for Proposed Acquisition
Arcadium Lithium, a leading global lithium chemicals producer, announced that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has concluded its review of the proposed acquisition of Arcadium Lithium by Rio Tinto (previously announced on October 9, 2024) and determined that there are no unresolved national security concerns. Arcadium Lithium expects the proposed transaction to close before mid-2025.
DLE: the Elixir for Europe to Release its Lithium Potential
Unlike the continental brines (salar brines) found in Chile and Argentina, which currently contribute to commercial lithium production, Europe’s lithium brine resources, mostly geothermal brines located in deeper, rocky underground areas with high heat flows, are classified as unconventional. Hence, traditional brine extraction methods, like evaporation ponds, are unsuitable for geothermal brines partly due to their high temperatures (typically between 120-300 °C) and challenging chemistries. However, DLE has the potential to extract lithium from these resources and is supporting the growth of European-sourced lithium supply, which is projected to be the fastest-growing segment, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.6%.
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