Go2Lithium (G2L) has achieved breakthrough results in lithium extraction, surpassing 98% recovery from brine using cDLE® technology in a pilot campaign in west-central Alberta. This impressive milestone positions G2L at the forefront of lithium extraction, significantly improving upon the typical 90-95% recovery rates of traditional DLE methods.
Go2Lithium’s Continuous Direct Lithium Extraction (cDLE®) technology
Key Highlights:
- >98% Lithium Recovery: G2L’s cDLE® technology achieved over 98% lithium recovery in pilot testing.
- 120-Hour Continuous Operation: The pilot plant processed 40,000 litres of brine continuously over 120 hours.
- Proven Commercial Viability: High recovery rates underscore the strong market potential of the cDLE® process.
The continuous nature of the cDLE® technology allows for a more efficient extraction process, reducing downtime, chemical consumption, and freshwater use. This innovation is vital for processing lower-concentration Canadian brines, securing higher lithium output and increased revenue per cubic meter of brine.
”“The development of the cDLE® method was all about having a process that recovered all the lithium and minimised the input costs and water use,” says Go2Lithium Director and CTO Peter Voigt.
“If we are going to mine these precious and limited resources then let’s do it in the most efficient and sustainable way.”
The pilot is part of an agreement between Go2Lithium and LithiumBank, in which G2L licenses its continuous direct lithium extraction (cDLE®) technology to support development of LithiumBank’s North American lithium brine assets.
The pilot plant processed 40,000 litres of brine sourced from four wells at LithiumBank’s Boardwalk project in Alberta over 120 hours of continuous operation. The campaign focused on the recovery of lithium in the absorption section of the cDLE® process. The brine was sampled at each contactor in the circuit and analysed for lithium concentration levels. The feed brine had an average lithium grade of 70 mg/L, and the barren brine 0.7 mg/L, indicating a recovery rate of 98-99%. These results align with LithiumBank’s Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) in November 2023 and prove the commercial viability of the cDLE® technology.
LithiumBank’s Boardwalk Brine Project in west central Alberta
”“The results from the cDLE® pilot plant are very pleasing,” says Mr Voigt.
“They represent a significant technical milestone for our technology by demonstrating how pivotal it is in lithium extraction, from the recovery through to the conservation of water and chemistry.
“One key advantage is our ability to swiftly cost and scale up the process, as it has already been fully engineered for other battery metals. We are excited to continue this collaboration with LithiumBank, complete the Boardwalk project, and proceed with their Park Place asset. As the industry evolves, the cDLE® technology will gain greater recognition for the value it offers to asset owners.”
Canada’s vast brine assets, located near US markets and paired with advanced technologies like cDLE®, will position the country as a leading player in the future global lithium supply. LithiumBank’s combined Boardwalk and Park Place projects are one of North America’s largest brine assets, containing over 27Mt of contained lithium carbonate equivalent.
Go2Lithium, a 50/50 joint venture between Clean TeQ and NYSE-listed Ivanhoe Electric, holds the exclusive global license for the cDLE® technology being used by LithiumBank.