Summary
- EMP Metals conducting a DLE pilot at facility in Saskatchewan
- Facility has DLE pilot skid from KTS and systems from Saltworks Technologies
- Project demonstrated lithium recovery of over 97% and impurity rejection over 99%
- Lithium concentrations in eluate exceeded 2,000 mg/L with Li:TDS ratio over 0.1
- DLE system reflected high quality and clean Saskatchewan brine, efficient for downstream refining
Article
EMP Metals, a Canadian lithium exploration and development company, is currently conducting a direct lithium extraction (DLE) pilot at its facility in Saskatchewan. The company has partnered with UK engineering technology firm Koch Technology Solutions (KTS) for their DLE pilot skid, as well as Canadian lithium refining systems supplier Saltworks Technologies for pre- and post-DLE systems and concentrate, refine, and convert (CRC) technology to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate.
During the pilot, the geological brine was processed through the KTS Li-Pro pilot over a span of 75 days. The results demonstrated a lithium recovery rate of over 97% and an impurity rejection rate of over 99%. The DLE eluate produced during the pilot has been sent to Saltworks for further processing through its Pilot 10 lithium refinery, where it will be converted into battery-grade lithium carbonate for delivery to offtake customers.
Megan Low, the VP of Lithium Process Solutions at Saltworks, mentioned that the site pilot successfully achieved lithium concentrations in the DLE eluate exceeding 2,000 mg/L, with a Li:TDS ratio greater than 0.1. Additionally, the eluate had almost non-detectable organics, low silica content, and steady performance improvements throughout the optimization process. The Li:TDS ratio is a critical performance indicator, with a ratio of 0.1 or higher being considered excellent among DLE systems. This ratio reflects the high quality and cleanliness of the Saskatchewan brine processed, allowing for efficient downstream refining to produce battery-grade materials.
The successful pilot results showcase the potential of EMP Metals’ DLE process for producing high-quality lithium carbonate. The partnership with KTS and Saltworks has enabled EMP Metals to demonstrate exceptional lithium recovery rates and impurity rejection levels, positioning them as a promising player in the lithium extraction industry. The use of advanced technology and remote optimization further enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the DLE process, ensuring the production of battery-grade lithium for various applications.
Moving forward, EMP Metals plans to leverage the positive outcomes of the pilot to further develop and scale their DLE process. The company aims to capitalize on the growing demand for lithium as a key component in batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions. By continuing to collaborate with industry-leading partners and investing in cutting-edge technology, EMP Metals is well-positioned to establish itself as a competitive and sustainable lithium producer in the global market, meeting the needs of customers seeking high-quality lithium products.
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