Direct Lithium Extraction

As the global demand for lithium surges, driven by the clean energy revolution and the expanding electric vehicle market, industries are pursuing more efficient, sustainable extraction methods. Traditional lithium mining methods, centered on extraction from hard rock (spodumene) and brine reservoirs, typically present considerable environmental and logistical challenges. Hard rock mining involves physically extracting large volumes of ore, which then undergoes a high-temperature chemical process to separate the lithium. This method is not only land-intensive, potentially leading to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss, but it also consumes significant energy.​

Lithium extraction from brine resources, mainly found in salt flats (salars) or underground brine sources, is a water-intensive process. ​

It requires large evaporation ponds where brine is left to evaporate over the course of several months to years, leaving behind lithium salts. This extensive water use, combined with added chemical treatment, can lead to the depletion of local water resources, affecting ecosystems and local communities that depend on these water supplies. In addition, this process is relatively slow, with the potential to cause a supply bottleneck as lithium demand grows.​

The quest for more sustainable and efficient lithium production has spurred the development of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), a cutting-edge technological breakthrough that paves the way for a more environmentally conscious approach to lithium mining.

The direct lithium extraction process begins with multiple pre-treatment steps to remove impurities prior to the subsequent extraction. Typically, precipitation, softening, filtration, and more targeted impurity removal will be carried out to provide optimal conditions for the lithium selective media. After extraction, the lithium stream undergoes post-treatment processing and concentration, in addition to final polishing to remove any remaining impurities in the product stream. ​

Purolite™ Resins play a critical role in the DLE process, with a portfolio of technologies to assist in these key processes. Puromet™ MTS9300, Purolite™ MTS9320, and S940 may be used in brine decalcification and hardness removal processes to decrease contaminants down to parts per billion level. S108 can be used to remove boron to very low levels selectivity. Optimal resin choice depends on the specifics of your plant operation, and Ecolab can help guide you to the best resin selection.

Ecolab has introduced powerful tools such as Purolite Resin System Modeling (PRSM) software to optimize the efficiency of brine purification processes. This advanced tool allows for a customized assessment of Ecolab’s purification products against the unique parameters of new or existing plants, enabling operators to predict outcomes, optimize operations, and achieve cost-saving benefits.​

DLE, powered by Purolite Resins technologies and supported by predictive software tools, ushers in a new era of lithium production. Ecolab is a global leader in sustainability and is highly invested in Purolite Resins to ensure that, together with our customers, we can achieve our sustainability goals.​

Please contact us to learn how ion exchange can support your direct lithium extraction efforts.