A novel and potentially more eco-friendly technique for mining lithium could simplify the extraction of this essential mineral from deposits in Western Canada. Companies are progressing towards demonstrating the scalability of the technology, known as direct lithium extraction (DLE), which could offer a more environmentally sustainable approach compared to traditional methods.
Lithium found in underground lithium brines has been challenging to access using conventional means. However, DLE technology may enable companies to tap into these resources with potentially lower environmental impacts. Alberta, in particular, presents an appealing opportunity for LithiumBank, a mining company, due to the existing infrastructure from the region’s history of oil and gas extraction.
By repurposing old wells near Edmonton, LithiumBank aims to extract lithium from underground brines, crucial for battery production in the clean energy transition. The company holds licenses for two lithium projects in Alberta and is leveraging the region’s regulatory advantages, as well as the availability of water and power resources for mining operations.
Unlike traditional mining methods prevalent in Australia and brine extraction in South America, including Chile’s Atacama desert, DLE offers a more efficient alternative. While brines in Canada cannot naturally evaporate to concentrate lithium, DLE processes utilize chemical extraction methods, eliminating the need for solar evaporation.
Recent studies have showcased promising results of new solvents for lithium extraction from brines using DLE techniques. LithiumBank successfully pilot-tested its technology last year, demonstrating the extraction of battery-grade lithium. Further feasibility studies and tests are underway to validate the quality of the extracted lithium.
With global lithium demand projected to soar by 2040, driven by electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage systems, the adoption of advanced extraction technologies like DLE is gaining momentum. While DLE offers environmental benefits over other extraction methods, its sustainability hinges on clean energy usage to mitigate energy emissions.
Ehsan Vahidi, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, emphasizes the importance of integrating renewable energy sources into DLE processes to reduce energy emissions. Additionally, DLE minimizes water consumption by enabling the return of extracted brine water to the ground, making it a promising solution for sustainable lithium recovery.
In conclusion, DLE technology presents a significant opportunity for the lithium mining industry, offering a more environmentally conscious approach to meet the escalating global demand for lithium.