A novel and potentially more eco-friendly approach to extract lithium may revolutionize the mining of this crucial mineral from deposits in Western Canada. Companies are progressing towards proving the effectiveness of direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology on a larger scale, enabling the extraction of lithium from underground salty water, known as lithium brines, which was previously challenging with conventional methods.
Alberta stands out as an appealing location for mining companies due to its existing infrastructure from oil and gas extraction that can be repurposed. LithiumBank, one such company, holds licenses for two lithium projects in Alberta and is utilizing wells constructed decades ago for oil and gas extraction to access underground brines containing lithium, a key component in clean energy batteries.
DLE technology offers a promising alternative to traditional lithium extraction methods, such as mining from rocks in Australia and extracting from lithium brines in South America. Unlike the lengthy evaporation process used in arid regions like Chile, DLE methods involve the direct extraction of lithium using chemicals, eliminating the need for solar evaporation.
In a recent study, Ngai Yin Yip and the team at Columbia University introduced a new solvent capable of extracting lithium from brine, showcasing potential benefits but also highlighting the challenges of implementing DLE technology at a larger scale. Companies like LithiumBank have conducted pilot tests of their DLE processes, successfully extracting battery-grade lithium and continuing to pursue feasibility studies to demonstrate the quality of their lithium extraction.
Currently, Canada has only two lithium mines, both extracting from hard rock, producing significantly less lithium compared to Australia. With global demand for lithium projected to increase nearly eightfold by 2040, driven by the electric vehicle market and renewable energy storage, the development of efficient and sustainable lithium extraction methods like DLE is crucial.
While DLE is considered more environmentally friendly than other extraction methods, its environmental impact depends on the energy sources used during the extraction process. Researchers emphasize the importance of utilizing clean energy sources, like solar power, to minimize energy-related emissions. Additionally, DLE can significantly reduce water usage, as most of the water used in the extraction process can be returned to the ground.
In conclusion, DLE technology presents a promising solution for sustainable lithium extraction, offering a balance between environmental benefits and trade-offs. As the industry explores new methods to meet the growing demand for lithium, advancements in DLE technology could play a crucial role in shaping the future of lithium mining in Canada and beyond.
