SLB has announced that its demonstration plant in Clayton Valley, Nevada, has achieved great results in sustainable lithium production. By starting direct lithium extraction(DLE) trials at scale and with successful results, accelerating the commercialization of responsibly sourced lithium as sustainable.
Sustainable lithium production by SLB
SLB’ s patented solution integrates its expertise in advanced subsurface and surface engineering technology, “extracting lithium 500 times faster” than current methods. Unlike conventional evaporation processes, this technology uses only 10% of the earth and 90% less water. In its pilot plant, SLB has achieved a verified recovery rate of 96% lithium from brine, a figure higher than the 50% or less achieved with conventional techniques.
This process involves a series of advanced steps, from“concentration and treatment of impurities” to the production of high-purity lithium carbonate or hydroxide. In addition, the solution returns the spent brine to its source, minimizing environmental impact and avoiding damage to biodiversity, which is often associated with current evaporation methods.
SLB’s New Energy group president, Gavin Rennick, emphasized that “lithium is key to electrification and that finding faster, more sustainable methods is essential to meet demand. With the demonstration plant in Clayton Valley, SLB demonstrates that it is possible to produce lithium in a scalable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. “.
The extracted lithium can be marketed in multiple forms, either as lithium chloride, lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, depending on industry needs. This allows the flexibility to accommodate applications ranging from smartphone batteries to short- and long-range electric vehicles.
Lithium and its sustainable production. Source: SLB
With these results, SLB has met the technical milestones required under the participation agreement with Pure Energy Mineralsand has the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Clayton Valley Project. This breakthrough represents a new era in sustainable lithium production at a critical time for the electrification market.
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Source and photo: SLB
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