Adsorption
Selective capture using a sorbent.
DLE FIELD SYSTEM / TECHNOLOGY
Technology matched to the brine
Direct Lithium Extraction is a family of selective lithium extraction technologies. The chemistry of each brine determines the process.
Selective lithium extraction from brine
DLE is a family of processes that separate lithium from other brine constituents. Extraction is followed by purification, concentration and conversion into the final product.
Different mechanisms. Different maturity.
Technology overview from the supplied materials. Company positions are not independent verification of current maturity or a list of DLE Field System partners.
The optimal DLE technology must be matched to the specific brine chemistry.
Lithium and competing ions, salinity, temperature and impurities affect pretreatment, selectivity, reagent demand and depleted-brine handling. No specific technology selection has been announced for DLE Field System.
Ion exchange
Ion exchange with an active material.
Solvent extraction
Transfer of lithium between liquid phases.
Electrochemistry & membranes
Electrical potential and selective barriers; maturity is process-specific.
Emerging electrochemical approaches
A research pathway illustrated in team materials. Potential advantages require brine-specific testing and scale validation; the image does not imply that the project owns or operates this equipment.
Each scale requires its own evidence
- Brine characterisation
- Technology screening
- Laboratory testing
- Pilot
- Demonstration & scale-up
Industrial deployment depends on process stability, product quality, water balance, reinjection and permitting. This is a validation pathway, not a list of stages completed by DLE Field System.
Three lithium production routes
Time labels in the graphic refer to different stages: mine development, evaporation and a DLE pilot. They are not directly comparable times to saleable product.
Hard-rock mining
- Time to product
- Mining and processing; timing depends on project readiness.
- Land footprint
- Pits, mines and tailings.
- Water logic
- Water for beneficiation and processing.
- Infrastructure / scale
- Mining and processing infrastructure.
Evaporation ponds
- Time to product
- A long, climate-dependent cycle.
- Land footprint
- Extensive pond areas.
- Water logic
- Concentration through evaporation.
- Infrastructure / scale
- Basin and local-climate constraints.
DLE from subsurface brines
- Time to product
- Extraction followed by refining; testing establishes timing.
- Land footprint
- Potentially compact surface facilities.
- Water logic
- Water balance and reinjection require validation.
- Infrastructure / scale
- Potential integration with existing wells.
DLE may offer a smaller surface footprint and greater compatibility with existing subsurface infrastructure, subject to brine chemistry and process design.