As explained in the Goldman Sachs report below, the implementation of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies has the potential to significantly boost lithium supply from brine projects, similar to how shale technology revolutionized oil production.
Unlike steepening the lithium cost curve, DLE could actually widen it. The article also argues that the capital intensity of DLE projects could be comparable to traditional pond projects, offsetting higher upfront costs with lower operational expenses.
Source: https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/gs-research/direct-lithium-extraction/report.pdf
Volt Lithium Corp. (Traded as VLT.v or VLTLF for US shareholders) is achieving notable strides in the realm of DLE technology. The company's primary focus centers on procuring lithium from oilfield brines at its Rainbow Lake Project located in Northwestern Alberta. Encompassing an extensive area spanning 430,000 acres, this property hosts a considerable lithium reservoir estimated at 4.3 million tons.
Perhaps in light of the increasing recognition of the potential of DLE technology, VLT closed up 8% today with over 2x its avg volume.
Volt employs a distinctive extraction process to derive lithium from oilfield brine, involving two pivotal phases: brine treatment and its groundbreaking IES-300 Direct Lithium Extraction Technology. This sophisticated approach eradicates a remarkable 99% of impurities from lithium-enriched oilfield brine while effectively recuperating as much as 93% of the lithium content.
Volt Lithium has demonstrated unwavering commitment in advancing its operations from laboratory experimentation to the implementation of pilot-scale activities. Through this endeavor, Volt has effectively procured lithium from low-concentration brines within a simulated commercial setting. Their pilot production initiative yielded an impressive 90% recovery rate of lithium from brines containing as little as 34 milligrams per liter.
Company Website: https://voltlithium.com/ Posted on behalf of Volt Lithium Corp.