International Battery Metals (IBAT) has partnered with US Magnesium LLC to install a first-of-its-kind modular direct lithium extraction plant.
The agreement will see IBAT install its revolutionary direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology at US Magnesium’s operations outside Salt Lake City, Utah.
IBAT’s patented modular DLE plant will process brine produced from lithium-containing waste-magnesium salts, with the resulting lithium chloride providing feed for high-purity lithium carbonate production.
IBAT has begun setting up the majority of equipment, such as piping and utility connections.
Key equipment testing is currently in progress, and IBAT expects to finish full commissioning and startup within the next three months, which will pave the way for commercial lithium production.
Garry Flowers, IBAT CEO, commented: “Our commercial operations with US Mag will advance a productive lithium extraction operation.
“Given current lithium demand, supply dependence on China, and permitting challenges, our expected commercial operations are coming at an ideal time to produce lithium at scale in the US.”
Growing lithium demand
Lithium is becoming increasingly essential as the world strives to accelerate the transition toward climate neutrality.
Essential for the development of a range of green technologies, such as electric vehicles and energy storage, the demand for lithium is growing exponentially.
IBAT’s modular direct lithium extraction plant represents a paradigm shift, enabling the US to produce lithium at scale domestically, reducing reliance on foreign imports.
A new frontier in lithium extraction sustainability
IBAT’s revolutionary modular DLE plant boasts a remarkable capability, independently verified to extract over 97% of available lithium from brine.
Lab and field tests confirm its proprietary selective absorbent’s effectiveness in maximizing lithium uptake and minimizing brine-based impurities.
Notably, the plant’s advanced water recovery rate safeguards precious water resources. Through a closed recycling loop, IBAT’s technology efficiently extracts lithium from underground brine sources, returning the depleted brine to the same aquifer.
Verified across various natural brine locations worldwide, including Canada, the US, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Europe, this process uses minimal chemicals, limited to acid and base for pH control.
With its compact design, IBAT ensures swift lithium chloride delivery with negligible environmental impact.
Producing high yields
IBAT’s modular and easily transportable technology offers the advantage of operating within a compact three-acre site, significantly reducing its footprint compared to other lithium production facilities.
The modular, compact design not only optimizes construction and operating costs but also allows for flexibility in capacity.
Initial engineering assessments suggest that the IBAT DLE plant can produce up to 5,000 metric tons per year, with potential for expansion based on demand and brine characteristics.
John Burba, founder, CTO and director of IBAT, added: “International Battery Metals’ patented modular extraction technology will be the basis of future lithium extraction from brine resources around the world. It is the fastest technology to deploy and commence commercial operations.
“Furthermore, its inherent efficiency and environmental protective characteristics make IBAT’s technology superior to existing DLE operations. “We are very excited about the placement of our first plant on a resource and the expected commencement of commercial operations.”
Positioned to meet the growing demand for lithium in the US, IBAT’s DLE plant provides an alternative to global suppliers, notably China.
This proven technology ensures commercial-scale production with minimal environmental impact, both in facility size and overall footprint.
