Lithium Extraction Methods
Discover the different lithium extraction methods: exploring greener alternatives and the game-changing technology of Lithium Harvest.
Lithium Extraction Methods: From Traditional to Innovative Approaches
Lithium, often dubbed the "white gold" of the energy revolution, is at the heart of modern technology - powering electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and countless consumer electronics. However, traditional lithium extraction methods such as evaporative brine processing and hard rock mining are under increasing scrutiny for their environmental impact.
Did you know that extracting just one ton of lithium using conventional methods requires nearly 500,000 gallons of water - enough to sustain an average family of four for over three years? Meanwhile, vast hard rock mining operations demand 115 acres of land, the equivalent of 87 football fields. With global lithium demand expected to skyrocket, the industry must adopt sustainable, efficient solutions.
With global lithium demand expected to skyrocket, the need for more sustainable and efficient extraction methods has never been greater. Thankfully, a new wave of innovation is emerging, led by Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and other advanced technologies that offer a greener, more sustainable way forward.
This article will explore the different lithium extraction methods, their advantages and drawbacks, and how Lithium Harvest's groundbreaking approach reshapes the industry - turning waste into a valuable resource while drastically reducing environmental impact.
Table of contents:
- What Is Lithium Extraction?
- Where Is Lithium Extracted?
- Solar Evaporation Brine Extraction: A Water-Intensive Process
- Hard Rock Mining: A High-Impact, Energy-Intensive Process
- Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) from Brine: A Cleaner, More Efficient Alternative
- Lithium Extraction from Geothermal Brine: A Sustainable Energy-Tied Solution
- Other Emerging Lithium Extraction Methods
- The Future of Lithium Supply: A Multi-Sourced Approach
- Lithium Production Technologies: A Comparison
- A More Efficient & Sustainable Way: Lithium Extraction From Oilfield Wastewater
- Direct Lithium Extraction - But Different
- Leading the Charge in Eco-Friendly Lithium
- Leading Sustainable Solution With a Powerful Business Case
- Which Extraction Method is the Most Sustainable?
- Lithium Harvest's Patented Lithium Extraction Technology
What Is Lithium Extraction?
Lithium extraction is the process of obtaining lithium, a highly sought-after alkali metal used in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and consumer electronics. Unlike other metals, lithium is not found in its pure form in nature; instead, it exists as salts or compounds within underground deposits, brine, mineral ore, clay, seawater, and geothermal brines.
With lithium demand soaring, sustainable and scalable supply has become a global priority. Historically, two primary methods have dominated lithium extraction:
- Solar Evaporation from Brine: Lithium-rich brine is pumped into vast evaporation ponds, where the sun concentrates lithium over 12–24 months. This method, used in South America's "Lithium Triangle," is land- and water-intensive with low recovery rates.
- Hard Rock Mining: Lithium-bearing minerals like spodumene are extracted, crushed, and chemically processed. This approach is energy-intensive, environmentally disruptive, and generates chemical waste.
In recent years, a new innovative process called Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) has emerged as a promising alternative. DLE technologies aim to extract lithium directly from brine or other lithium-rich sources with increased efficiency and reduced environmental footprint. As the demand for lithium continues to grow with the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and grid energy storage, developing and implementing DLE technologies become crucial in ensuring a sustainable lithium supply.
While established companies currently dominate the lithium market, the advancements in DLE technologies present new opportunities for a more efficient and environmentally conscious extraction process. These innovations have the potential to reshape the industry, paving the way for a greener future and supporting the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
Where Is Lithium Extracted?
Lithium, often called “white gold”, is primarily sourced from two major deposits: mineral-rich hard rock ores and lithium-rich brine reservoirs. Today, global lithium production is heavily concentrated in just a few regions, raising concerns about supply chain security.
Global Lithium Production: A Geographically Concentrated Market
- Australia leads the world in lithium production, contributing 41.3% of global supply in 2023 through hard rock mining.
- Chile, China, and Argentina collectively produce nearly 90% of the world’s lithium, primarily from continental brines.
- The U.S. once supplied 27% of global lithium (1996) but now accounts for less than 1%. Recognizing lithium's strategic importance for national energy security, the U.S. is taking decisive steps to rebuild its domestic supply chain.
While Australia’s strength lies in hard rock mining, Chile and Argentina leverage the immense potential of their expansive continental brines. However, this heavy dependence on a few geographic regions for such a critical resource presents significant risks, underscoring the urgent need for diversification and sustainable production.
Why Does This Matter?
A concentrated lithium supply chain poses economic and geopolitical risks, making domestic lithium production a global priority. Governments and industries worldwide are launching policy-driven initiatives to accelerate domestic production and secure offtake markets.
With lithium demand surging, the race is on to develop new, sustainable lithium sources - including unconventional deposits like geothermal and oilfield brines. These emerging technologies not only reduce environmental impact but also strengthen supply chain resilience, paving the way for a more secure and sustainable lithium future.
Solar Evaporation Brine Extraction: A Water-Intensive Process
Solar evaporation is one of the most widely used methods for lithium extraction, particularly in South America's lithium-rich salars (salt flats). This process involves pumping lithium-rich brine into massive evaporation ponds, where the sun gradually evaporates water over one to two years, leaving behind concentrated lithium salts.
While this method has been the industry standard for decades, it comes with significant environmental and efficiency challenges:
- Established process – Used extensively in Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, leveraging high solar exposure.
- High water consumption – Over 500,000 gallons per ton of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) is lost, intensifying water scarcity in arid regions.
- Large land footprint – Requires 65 acres for a single large-scale operation, equivalent to 26 hectares or 263,000 square meters - about the size of 210 Olympic swimming pools.
- Slow and inefficient – The process takes two to three years to complete and recovers only 20-40% of the lithium from the brine.
- Chemical waste – Leaves behind massive waste salt deposits and chemical reagents, which can contaminate soil and groundwater.
As lithium demand surges, solar evaporation's limitations become more evident. The need for a faster, more sustainable, and efficient extraction method drives the shift toward more innovative solutions.
Hard Rock Mining: A High-Impact, Energy-Intensive Process
Hard rock mining is the most common method of lithium extraction and the oldest, primarily used in Australia, China, and Canada. This process involves mining lithium-rich spodumene ore from pegmatite deposits (or clusters of rocks and crystals), which undergoes a complex series of energy-intensive and chemical-heavy treatments before lithium can be used. After mining the ore, it undergoes crushing, concentration, and chemical treatments, including roasting and leaching, to obtain a lithium concentrate. The transportation of crushed rock to China for processing adds to the carbon footprint and the need for more transparency regarding waste handling practices.
While hard rock mining provides a steady lithium supply, it comes with serious environmental and logistical challenges:
- Low lithium yield – Spodumene ore contains only 6-7% lithium, requiring significant mining efforts to produce a small amount of lithium.
- Energy-intensive processing – The roasting and leaching process requires enormous energy input, consuming vast amounts of fuel and electricity.
- High CO₂ emissions – Each ton of lithium extracted through hard rock mining emits up to 15 tons (15,000 kg) of CO₂ - equivalent to burning 6,522 liters (1,723 gallons) of gasoline, enough to fuel an average car for over 3.5 years.
- Land disruption – Mining leaves large open-pit scars, destroys habitats, and pollutes soil and water.
- Complex global supply chain – Much of the spodumene concentrate is shipped to China for further processing, increasing costs, logistics emissions, and raising concerns over waste management transparency.
The Downside of Hard Rock Lithium Mining
Extracting lithium from hard rock is a high-cost, high-impact process that requires more energy than other methods. With growing concerns over carbon emissions, land degradation, and sustainability, the industry is shifting toward cleaner, more efficient alternatives.
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) from Brine: A Cleaner, More Efficient Alternative
Traditional Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) represents a transformative shift in lithium production, offering a faster, more sustainable alternative to solar evaporation and hard rock mining. Unlike traditional methods, DLE extracts lithium directly from brine sources or evaporation ponds. DLE technologies can be classified into adsorption, ion exchange, and solvent extraction processes. These innovative techniques enable lithium extraction directly from complex brines with high concentrations of various ions.
- Higher efficiency – Extracts more lithium with less waste, improving resource utilization.
- Faster production – Cuts lithium extraction time from years to hours, enabling quicker scaling.
- Lower carbon footprint – Uses less energy and eliminates the need for large open-pit mines.
With the growing need for responsible lithium sourcing, DLE is positioning itself as the future of sustainable lithium production.
Lithium Extraction from Geothermal Brine: A Sustainable Energy-Tied Solution
Geothermal brine presents a unique, sustainable opportunity for lithium extraction. Unlike conventional methods, geothermal power plants already pump hot, mineral-rich brine from underground reservoirs to generate renewable energy. With efficient lithium extraction, this same brine can be used to extract lithium - without additional environmental disruption.
How It Works
- Brine circulation – Geothermal plants pump hot brine to the surface to produce electricity.
- Lithium separation – Before reinjecting the brine underground, lithium extraction technology selectively extracts lithium or other critical minerals, leaving other minerals and water intact.
- Energy synergy – The process uses renewable geothermal energy, reducing carbon emissions.
Why Geothermal Lithium Extraction Stands Out
- Minimal environmental impact – No open-pit mining, no evaporation ponds, and no groundwater depletion.
- Carbon-neutral lithium – Uses existing geothermal infrastructure, eliminating additional emissions.
- Win-win solution – Geothermal operators generate electricity and/or heat and extract lithium from the same brine source, increasing profitability and sustainability.
Geothermal lithium extraction is already gaining momentum, and as the demand for low-carbon lithium grows, this method could become a key solution for securing a domestic, environmentally responsible lithium supply.
Other Emerging Lithium Extraction Methods
As demand for lithium continues to soar, researchers and companies are exploring new, unconventional sources beyond traditional hard rock mining and brine evaporation. These alternative methods could diversify the lithium supply and reduce environmental impact.
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Lithium Extraction from Hectorite Clay
Extensive research has been conducted to develop clay processing techniques for extracting lithium, including leaching with acid, alkaline, chloride, and sulfate, water disaggregation, and hydrothermal treatment. However, none of these methods have proven economically viable for extracting lithium from clay.
Key Challenge: So far, no method has proven economically viable for large-scale lithium production from clay.
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Lithium from Unconventional Ores (e.g., Lepidolite & Petalite)
Besides spodumene, other lithium-bearing minerals like lepidolite (a lithium-rich mica) and petalite are being exploited, particularly in China and Europe.
- These minerals often require intensive processing, such as acid roasting, similar to clay-based lithium extraction.
- While lower in lithium content, they provide an alternative source that expands supply options.
Key Challenge: Mining and processing low-grade lithium ores is costly, making their commercial viability dependent on lithium prices and process efficiency.
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Lithium Extraction from Mine Waste and Tailings
Another emerging approach is recovering lithium from waste materials that were previously discarded.
- Tailings from old mining operations, initially processed for borax or other minerals, often contain lithium-rich clays that weren’t extracted before.
- Recovering lithium from waste can reduce environmental impact and extend resource lifespans.
Key Challenge: Lithium concentrations in mine waste are often low, meaning cost-effective and selective extraction methods are required to make this viable.
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Lithium Extraction from Seawater
The world's oceans contain trillions of tons of lithium, but at very low concentrations (~0.2 mg/l). Existing processes like coprecipitation extraction and hybrid IX-sorption have successfully extracted lithium from seawater, but newer membrane technologies show promise in reducing extraction costs.
Key Challenge: Current technologies remain too expensive and inefficient for commercial-scale production.
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Lithium Extraction from Oilfield Brines
Produced water from oil and gas operations contains dissolved lithium, presenting a waste-to-resource opportunity:
Key Opportunity: This method leverages existing infrastructure, turning industrial waste into a high-value resource. Learn more about lithium extraction from oilfield brines.
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Lithium Recycling from Batteries
With the rise in EVs and energy storage systems, recycling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries is a key strategy for sustainability.
- Reduces demand for virgin lithium mining.
- Cuts environmental impact and secures a circular economy.
Key Challenge: Current recycling processes involve high-temperature smelting or chemical leaching, both of which need further efficiency improvements. However, many innovative companies are gaining traction in battery recycling.
The Future of Lithium Supply: A Multi-Source Approach
No single extraction method will solve the lithium supply challenge alone. Instead, the future lies in a diversified approach that includes:
- Sustainable brine recovery (geothermal & oilfield brines).
- Advanced extraction technologies to increase efficiency, sustainability, and speed up production.
- Exploring unconventional lithium extraction methods
- Recycling lithium to create a circular supply chain and support lithium demand.
As the industry moves toward cleaner, more efficient lithium production, these emerging methods will play a crucial role in securing a sustainable, responsible lithium supply for the global battery market.
Lithium Production Technologies
Comparison of conventional lithium extraction technologies.
DLE from Brine |
Solar Evaporation Brine Extraction |
Hard Rock Mining |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Feedstock | Continental brine | Continental brine | Rock / spodumene |
| Project implementation time | 5-7 years | 13-15 years | 8-10 years |
| Lithium carbonate production time | 2 hours | 2-3 years | 3-6 months |
| Lithium yield | 80-95% | 20-40% | 6-7% |
| Average footprint per 1,000 mt LCE | 1.4 acres | 65 acres | 115 acres |
| System design | Mobile / stationary | Stationary | Stationary |
| Environmental impact | Minimal | Soil- and water contamination | Soil- and water contamination |
| Water consumption per 1,000 mt LCE | 80 million gallons | 550 million gallons | 250 million gallons |
| CO₂ footprint per 1,000 mt LCE | 1.5 million kg | 5 million kg | 15 million kg |
| Average invested capital per 1,000 mt LCE | $45 million | $50 million | $60 million |
| Average cost per metric ton | $5,700 | $5,800 | $6,900 |
DLE from Brine
Solar Evaporation Brine Extraction
Hard Rock Mining
A More Efficient & Sustainable Solution: Lithium Extraction from Oilfield Wastewater
At Lithium Harvest, we are pioneering a breakthrough lithium extraction solution that transforms oilfield wastewater into high-quality lithium compounds. Our lithium extraction solution offers a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional lithium mining.
Turning Waste into a High-Value Resource
Every year, the oil and gas industry produces millions of barrels of produced water - a costly byproduct that must be managed. Instead of disposing of this water, Lithium Harvest extracts lithium directly from it, offering a new revenue stream for energy companies while reducing environmental impact.
- Uses existing infrastructure – No need for new mines, massive evaporation ponds, or destructive drilling operations. Our process seamlessly integrates with existing oil and gas infrastructure, turning an existing byproduct into a valuable resource instead of creating new environmental footprints.
- Minimizes land and water use – Eliminates the need for 115 acres per ton of lithium, as required in hard rock mining. In contrast, Lithium Harvest’s operation requires only 1.4 acres per ton of lithium - roughly the size of a soccer field. Instead of vast open-pit mines, our process operates within a compact, modular design, fitting seamlessly into existing oil & gas infrastructure.
- Carbon-neutral lithium extraction – While hard rock mining emits 15 tons of CO₂ per ton of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), our process is carbon neutral. To put this into perspective, producing just one ton of lithium through hard rock mining generates as much CO₂ as taking 15 one-way flights from London to New York in economy class.
- Reduces operational costs – Oil and gas companies can monetize produced water instead of paying for disposal, transforming a liability into a new revenue stream.
- High lithium recovery rates – Achieves >95% lithium recovery, far exceeding the 20-40% recovery rates from solar evaporation ponds.
Unlike traditional methods that strip landscapes, require excessive energy, and consume vast amounts of water, our process is faster, cleaner, and more efficient - extracting lithium in hours, not years.
Direct Lithium Extraction - But Different
We have taken Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) to the next level at Lithium Harvest. While conventional DLE improves efficiency over traditional mining and evaporation, our patented adsorption technology combined with advanced water treatment is faster, cleaner, and more scalable than any existing lithium extraction method.
The world’s demand for sustainable, locally sourced lithium is accelerating. Lithium Harvest is leading the charge, delivering a low-cost, high-yield, environmentally responsible solution poised to transform the lithium supply chain.
Lithium Harvest Solution |
DLE from Brine |
Lithium Harvest Advantage |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Feedstock | Produced water | Continental brine | No drilling permits needed |
| Project implementation time | 12-15 months | 5-7 years | No asset acquisition |
| System design | Modular and mobile | Mobile / stationary | Unique modular design |
| Water consumption | 20 million gallons | 80 million gallons | Water recycled for secondary reuse |
| CO₂ footprint | Neutral | 1.5 million kg | Offsets CO₂ footprint from wastewater |
| Average invested capital per 1,000 mt LCE | $18 million | $45 million | No land acquisition |
| Average cost per metric ton | $4,550 | $5,700 | Low energy technology |
Lithium Harvest Solution
DLE from Brine
Lithium Harvest Advantage
Leading the Charge in Eco-Friendly Lithium
A New Era of Environmental Responsibility
At Lithium Harvest, we are revolutionizing the lithium industry by combining cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to sustainability. Unlike traditional lithium extraction methods that drain water resources, destroy landscapes, and emit massive amounts of CO₂, our innovative process is designed to deliver high-purity lithium with minimal environmental impact.
Zero-Carbon, High-Efficiency Lithium
- No CO₂ emissions – While hard rock mining emits 15 tons of CO₂ per ton of lithium, our process is carbon neutral.
- Powered by renewable energy – Our facilities rely on solar energy as the primary power source, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of lithium production.
- Minimal water use – Over 90% of water is recycled, eliminating the need for freshwater extraction and safeguarding local water supplies.
Compact Facility Design: A Smarter Approach to Lithium Extraction
Unlike large-scale mining operations that require open pits, evaporation ponds, and sprawling infrastructure, our modular and compact facilities are designed for:
- Easy integration into existing oilfield and water treatment sites – No need for new land development.
- Rapid deployment – Scalable and adaptable to different brine sources.
- Minimal environmental disruption – No excessive pipelines, no waste ponds, and no impact on local wildlife.
Sustainability in Action: Transforming Waste into a Resource
Our process takes produced water from oil and gas operations - a byproduct once considered waste - and turns it into a valuable lithium source. This prevents unnecessary disposal and creates a sustainable lithium supply without additional environmental degradation.
- No need for separate refining locations – Our extraction and refining operations are strategically located alongside produced water treatment centers, eliminating the energy-intensive transportation of raw materials.
- No waste by-products – Our extraction process does not generate any waste by-products, reflecting our commitment to protecting the Earth's vital water resources.
- Offsetting Carbon Savings – Our low-pressure, energy-efficient process also contributes to offsetting carbon savings through effective water management, making a significant and positive environmental difference.
Advancing Water Conservation: A New Standard for Lithium Production
Water scarcity is a major concern in lithium extraction, with conventional methods consuming vast amounts of freshwater. At Lithium Harvest, our process:
- Uses no freshwater sources, protecting local water supplies.
- Recycles over 90% of process water, reducing waste and ensuring responsible water management.
- Prevents contamination – Unlike hard rock mining and evaporation, which can pollute rivers and groundwater, our method ensures zero water pollution.
A More Responsible Lithium Supply Chain
Sustainable sourcing is no longer optional for EV manufacturers, battery producers, and investors – it is a necessity. By choosing Lithium Harvest’s low-carbon, high-efficiency lithium, companies can:
- Reduce battery supply chain emissions by up to 47%.
- Achieve ESG and sustainability goals with a verified, green lithium source.
- Strengthen onsite domestic lithium production.
Lithium is essential for the world’s transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy, but not all lithium is created equal. Lithium Harvest is redefining what it means to produce lithium responsibly.
With a zero-carbon footprint, unparalleled efficiency, and a fully circular approach to resource management, we prove that innovation, sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
A Sustainable Lithium Solution with a Powerful Business Case
At Lithium Harvest, sustainability is not just about reducing environmental impact but also about delivering a commercially viable, scalable, and high-yield lithium extraction solution.
By leveraging produced water from oil & gas operations or geothermal brine, we offer a low-cost, high-efficiency alternative that outperforms traditional lithium extraction methods both financially and operationally.
Lower Capital Costs, Higher Returns
- No need for costly land acquisition – Our modular plants integrate directly into existing oil & gas infrastructure.
- No drilling permits required – Unlike traditional lithium projects requiring extensive permitting, our solution bypasses new drilling.
- Minimal upfront investment – Our streamlined approach reduces CapEx (up to 70% lower), allowing for faster and more cost-effective project deployment.
Unmatched Operational Efficiency
- >95% lithium recovery rate – Far surpassing solar evaporation’s 20-40% efficiency.
- Fastest lithium extraction process – Converts produced water into battery-grade lithium in hours, not years.
- Low energy consumption – Our low-pressure, fully automated, energy-efficient system keeps operational costs low while maximizing output.
- Cost-effective operation - Our on-site production and refining process, coupled with fixed-price feedstock, ensures the cost-effective production of lithium compounds.
A Scalable, Fast-to-Market Solution
Unlike conventional lithium projects that take years to develop, Lithium Harvest’s modular plants are:
- Rapidly deployable – Designed for fast implementation and quick scalability
- Adaptable to different brine sources – Our technology is compatible with oilfield, geothermal, and other lithium-rich brines.
- Flexible production – Our facilities can be scaled up or down based on market demand.
Monetizing a Wasted Resource
For oil & gas companies, produced water has long been a costly liability. Lithium Harvest turns this waste stream into a high-value lithium source, offering a win-win opportunity for the energy industry.
- New revenue streams – Instead of paying for wastewater disposal, companies can profit from lithium extraction.
- Strengthened ESG positioning – Demonstrates commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management.
- No disruption to core business – Our solution operates alongside existing oilfield operations, requiring minimal modifications.
Which Lithium Extraction Method is the Most Sustainable?
As demand for lithium skyrockets, choosing the right extraction method is critical for environmental sustainability. Traditional methods - hard rock mining and solar evaporation - come with significant environmental drawbacks, while newer technologies like Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) pave the way for a cleaner, more efficient future.
The Environmental Cost of Traditional Lithium Extraction
Hard Rock Mining – Extremely energy-intensive, requiring high-temperature processing and consuming vast amounts of fuel and electricity. This results in:
- High CO₂ emissions – 15 tons of CO₂ per ton of lithium, leading to a greater carbon intensity per unit of lithium extracted.
- Significant land degradation – Open-pit mining destroys ecosystems, increases erosion, and leaves behind barren landscapes.
- Severe water pollution – Toxic chemical waste from refining processes can contaminate rivers, groundwater, and soil.
Solar Evaporation – While leveraging solar energy, this method still has critical environmental challenges:
- Requires massive land areas – Over 65 acres per ton of lithium, making it highly disruptive to local ecosystems.
- Consumes extreme amounts of water – A significant concern in drought-prone areas, where millions of gallons of water are lost to evaporation.
- Produces harmful waste salts – Disposing these residual minerals can lead to long-term soil and water contamination.
Standard DLE methods, while more efficient and less water-intensive than the above, can still be improved. Lithium Harvest's advanced DLE technology revolutionizes this space by integrating superior water treatment processes, turning a waste product - oil & gas wastewater - into a valuable lithium feedstock.
Our advanced DLE technology focuses on maximizing lithium recovery while minimizing environmental disturbance. It supports a circular economy by re-purposing industrial by-products and aligns with existing infrastructure, like geothermal and oil field operations, to reduce environmental impact further. This approach yields a higher concentration of lithium more efficiently and sustainably.
The world’s transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles requires a lithium supply chain that is truly sustainable. Lithium Harvest is leading this transformation by providing a solution that is not only environmentally responsible but also economically viable.
Why settle for outdated methods when a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable alternative exists?
Check out the comparison table below to see the differences and make your opinion.
Lithium Harvest Solution |
DLE from Brine |
Solar Evaporation Brine Extraction |
Hard Rock Mining |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feedstock | Produced water | Continental brine | Continental brine | Rock / spodumene |
| Project implementation time | 12-15 months | 5-7 years | 13-15 years | 8-10 years |
| Lithium carbonate production time | 2 hours | 2 hours | 2-3 years | 3-6 months |
| Lithium yield | >95% | 80-95% | 20-40% | 6-7% |
| Average footprint per 1,000 mt LCE | 1.4 acres | 1.4 acres | 65 acres | 115 acres |
| System design | Modular and mobile | Mobile / stationary | Stationary | Stationary |
| Environmental impact | Minimal | Minimal | Soil- and water contamination | Soil- and water contamination |
| Water consumption per 1,000 mt LCE | 20 million gallons | 80 million gallons | 550 million gallons | 250 million gallons |
| CO₂ footprint per 1,000 mt LCE | Neutral | 1.5 million kg | 5 million kg | 15 million kg |
Lithium Harvest Solution
DLE from Brine
Solar Evaporation Brine Extraction
Hard Rock Mining
Lithium Harvest's Patented Lithium Extraction Technology
In conclusion, the sustainability of lithium extraction methods is a critical consideration in pursuing a cleaner and greener future. While traditional methods like hard rock mining and solar evaporation have significant environmental drawbacks, Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) offers a promising solution.
At Lithium Harvest, we are at the forefront of this innovative approach to lithium extraction. Using our extraction and treatment expertise, our patented technology allows us to extract lithium and other critical minerals from produced water and other brine sources. By transforming wastewater or byproducts into a valuable resource, we are addressing the environmental challenges associated with lithium extraction and contributing to the conservation of freshwater resources.
With our sustainable extraction process, we can significantly reduce water consumption, carbon emissions, and ecological impact. By maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing waste, our technology aligns with the principles of a circular economy, paving the way for a more sustainable lithium supply chain.
As we continue to advance our proprietary DLE technology and water treatment solution, we are committed to driving the green energy transition and building a better future. By extracting lithium and other critical minerals from produced water, we address the demand for these essential materials and mitigate the environmental impact traditionally associated with their extraction.
A More Sustainable Future Starts Now
The global energy transition depends on lithium, but extracting it should not come at the cost of our planet.
Not all lithium is created equal - and neither are extraction methods. At Lithium Harvest, we have developed a patented Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) process that is faster, cleaner, and more efficient than any traditional method.
Our next-generation lithium extraction solution transforms oilfield wastewater and geothermal brine into high-purity lithium - efficiently, sustainably, and at scale. By leveraging existing infrastructure, we eliminate the need for new mines, evaporation ponds, or excessive land use, providing a cost-effective, ESG-friendly solution for energy producers and battery manufacturers.
Why settle for outdated, destructive methods when a better alternative exists? Ready to rethink lithium extraction?
Lithium Extraction
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