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Using cleaner technology to produce sustainable lithium to meet global demand

The historical method of processing lithium brine is to use evaporation ponds – this requires a large land ‘footprint’ and can take up to 18 months to harvest the lithium. Recently, a process called Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) has shown that lithium can be processed in a more time-efficient and environmentally responsible way.​

There are approx. 9 DLE methods being trialled throughout South America​.

Basic overview of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) process

DLE has several potential benefits

  1. Reducing the footprint of evaporation ponds​
  2. Decreasing production times compared with conventional brine operation
  3. Increasing recoveries from ~40% to over 80%​

XTC Lithium’s proposed DLE pathway

  • Initial phase will be a R&D partnership, followed by a MoU ​
  • To be determined by drilling programme in Argentina and sample availability​
  • Entering into a formal collaboration agreement by Q3 2022