(Editors at Energy Analytics Institute, 16.Jan.2025) — Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) is a method of producing lithium from lithium-rich saltwater typically from deep underground reservoirs which cannot be used for drinking or agriculture purposes.
In the process, lithium is separated from other brine constituents, like sodium, calcium and magnesium, by bringing the brine into contact with a medium designed to selectively attract the lithium, according to Noway’s Equinor.
DLE is a technology that extracts lithium from brines located deep underground and reinjects the brine without lithium back into the subsurface through a second injector well.
DLE technologies produce a high purity lithium concentrate which can be converted into battery grade lithium chemicals using conventional processing technologies
And, integrated DLE processes typically consist of 5 main steps: pre-treatment, DLE, concentration, purification and crystallisation.
____________________
By Editors at Energy Analytics Institute with details from Equinor. © 2025 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.