Lilac Solutions has announced that its latest lithium extraction technology can recover over 90% of the lithium present in many brine formations while halving the construction costs of its system. This significant advancement is part of Lilac’s ongoing efforts to address concerns regarding the efficiency and economic viability of its technology as it seeks to attract clients worldwide.
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Oakland, California, Lilac Solutions counts prominent investors such as BMW and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. The company has traditionally been cautious about disclosing data on its direct lithium extraction technology. However, the increasing interest in the DLE sector from major corporations like Exxon Mobil and Saudi Aramco has highlighted the need for innovation, as no DLE technology has yet been successfully scaled commercially without traditional evaporation ponds.
In a strategic move to showcase its advancements, Lilac released a comprehensive 24-page white paper on Tuesday detailing the fourth generation of its technology. This system utilizes ion exchange ceramic beads to attract lithium in batch cycles, similar to a laundry machine. Subsequently, a mixture of water and acid is used to wash off the metal, making the process highly efficient.
The release of this long-awaited data comes at a crucial time as Lilac and its competitors, including International Battery Metals, EnergyX, and Sunresin, are vigorously promoting their DLE technologies to potential customers across the globe. Lilac’s latest achievement not only reinforces its position in the market but also aims to dispel doubts about the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of its technology in the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry.