Lithium is critical for electric vehicle and grid storage batteries, but global production is dominated by China and traditional methods are environmentally taxing. Lilac Solutions is developing a proprietary DLE technology that uses ceramic beads to selectively extract lithium ions from brine with minimal water usage. Their pilot at the Great Salt Lake, despite low lithium concentration, demonstrated 87% recovery and 99.97% purity. The technology could significantly reduce water consumption compared to hard-rock mining and extensive evaporation methods.
The project is positioned in Utah, a mining-friendly state, and plans to build a commercial plant operational by the second half of 2027. Despite regulatory scrutiny over water use and relatively low lithium levels at the site, Lilac returns water back to the lake, mitigating environmental impact. Unlike many lithium companies, Lilac intends to be a technology provider rather than a mining operator, marketing equipment to larger producers. This strategic approach could accelerate domestic lithium production while addressing ecological concerns.
Other firms and energy giants are developing DLE projects in the US, such as at California’s Salton Sea and Arkansas’s Smackover region. Lilac’s technology’s adaptability to various brine qualities and lower water use presents significant advantages. However, challenges remain including regulatory restrictions and the economics of extracting lithium from low-concentration sources. If successful, Lilac could become a major hardware supplier for the rapidly expanding lithium market, supporting efforts to diversify supply chains away from China.
👉 Pročitaj original: MIT Technology Review
