Geothermal brines
Hot subsurface waters may contain dissolved lithium. Extraction potential depends on brine chemistry and compatibility with the energy process.
UKRAINE / CRITICAL MINERALSFrom subsurface brines
From subsurface brines
to lithium.
A Ukrainian project for direct lithium extraction from subsurface brines.
Geology, oil & gas infrastructure and DLE technology — a new perspective on Ukraine’s critical minerals.
Why lithium
01 / CRITICAL MINERALS
3LiLithiumLithium for the electric century
Lithium is a critical mineral resource for lithium-ion batteries, from electric vehicles to energy storage systems.
Its importance reflects two factors: its role in energy technologies and the reliability of supply. New sources and extraction technologies expand the opportunities across this value chain.
01Importance for energy
Electric mobility · batteries · energy storage
02Supply resilience
Diversified sources · technology · resource base
Alternative lithium sources
Oilfield and other subsurface brines
Lithium-bearing formation waters are a focus of geological and technology studies. Existing well infrastructure may provide a basis for resource access.
Sources: IEA — Critical Minerals ↗ · USGS — Lithium ↗
02 / DEVELOPMENT APPROACH
From a geological hypothesis to field validation
We combine geology, engineering and DLE technology to progressively verify the resource and its development potential.
Ukraine’s potential01
Brine verification
02
Laboratory & technology
03
Field testing
04
Scale-up assessment
03 / GLOBAL DLE INTELLIGENCE
Global context. Verified sources.
Developments and research across the global DLE industry, linked to original sources. Company announcements are distinguished from independent confirmation, and research from commercial milestones.
GLOBAL DLE INTELLIGENCE
Latest DLE news
Updated: 22/09/2026. Sources are scheduled for daily review. New entries require verified source material.
Vulcan reports start of VULSORB sorbent manufacturing for Lionheart
Vulcan says commercial manufacturing of its sorbent for lithium extraction from geothermal brines has begun in Germany. Initial batches are intended for Lionheart. This milestone concerns sorbent supply; the company targets commissioning of the lithium project in the second half of 2028.
Source: Vulcan EnergyLilac reports selection for a $100 million DOE award
Lilac says its subsidiary was selected for DOE support for phase one of its Great Salt Lake lithium project. The award remains subject to final negotiations. The project plans to use direct lithium extraction from brine; selection does not mean production has started.
Source: Lilac SolutionsE3 Lithium updates its second-phase demonstration programme
The company described well completion and surface-equipment preparation for reservoir testing at Clearwater.
Source: E3 LithiumSmackover Lithium files the South West Arkansas DFS
The company reported filing its definitive feasibility study. Phase-one design capacity is 22,500 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year, a plan rather than actual production.
Source: Standard Lithium / EquinorE3 Lithium announces commissioning at the Clearwater demonstration facility
The announcement concerns a demonstration facility, not commissioning of a commercial plant.
Source: E3 LithiumOPEN TO COLLABORATION
Partnership Developing Ukrainian DLE together.
Technology, resources, research and investment.