Combustion and electric cars ‘nurturing’ from the same deposit. This is the promise that gains strength after the latest development of Volt Lithiuman American company that has managed to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from the brines of an oil field in the Permian Basin, in Texas and New Mexico. This milestone not only means a step forward in lithium extraction technology, but also the possibility of better using the earth’s resources to power both traditional and electric vehicles. Furthermore, this advance has been achieved in a deposit in which not much hope had been placed, since the tests carried out so far indicated that there were other deposits with better characteristics to achieve such pure lithium carbonate.
Volt Lithium, based in the United States, has achieved 99.5% purity in the lithium carbonate produced from its direct lithium extraction (DLE) system, an innovative technology that allows lithium to be extracted from brines without the need for the large evaporation ponds that are commonly used. This advance has been made possible through a series of tests in an oil field in the Permian Basin, an area rich in hydrocarbons and, now, potentially in high-quality lithium.
Volt Lithium CEO Alex Wylie recently expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, stating that the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate in the Permian Basin represents a “significant milestone” for the company and the sector. Volt Lithium seeks to position itself as one of the first commercial lithium producers in North America from oil fields, which could guarantee a secure source of critical minerals for the region.
To understand the importance of this advancement, it is essential to know what battery grade lithium carbonate is. This compoundwith the chemical formula Li?CO?, is mainly used in the production of lithium-ion battery cathode materials, such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP). and lithium manganate oxide (LMO), both essential in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries. In recent years, global demand for this compound has grown exponentially due to its use in the electronic device industry and, especially, in electric vehicles.
The Volt Lithium extraction process is based on three high-precision stages: in the first, it purifies the brine from the deposit, eliminating up to 99% of the contaminants. Then, in the second phase, its DLE technology allows lithium to be extracted with 99% efficiency. Finally, the third stage involves the purification and concentration of the eluent (solvent) to produce lithium carbonate that meets battery industry standards.
Although the success of Volt Lithium is recent, attempts to extract lithium from oil fields are not new. In fact, the Smackover formation, which spans from Texas to Florida, has been the subject of exploration for lithium extraction for several years. In this formation, brines rich in bromine and lithium have been found, and several companies have shown interest in producing commercial lithium from these wells, such as ExxonMobil and Standard Lithium, in partnership with Norwegian producer Equinor.
Direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology has been the driving force behind this change. Although developed in the 1970s and 1980s, it is only now achieving concrete results in large-scale production of lithium from unconventional sources, such as oil field brines. This technology stands out for avoiding large evaporation ponds, allowing for faster and less invasive extraction for the environment, ideal for areas such as Smackover and the Permian Basin.
The Permian Basin, in particular, is one of the largest epicenters of oil and gas production in the United States. However, in a recent study by the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas at Austin, it was concluded that brines in this area have lower concentrations of lithium compared to Smackover. Still, Volt Lithium’s experience demonstrates that viable production can be achieved with the right technology and processes.
This technological advance could also reduce the United States’ dependence on other countries for lithium supplies. Currently, The main lithium producers are Australia, Chile and China, while the United States only has a small part of the global market, with operations in the Silver Peak field in Nevada. The possibility of extracting lithium from oil fields, taking advantage of existing infrastructure, opens new opportunities for the country to increase its production of this key mineral.
Demand for lithium continues to rise globally, with growth expected to reach up to 1.5 million tonnes by 2025, driven by the growing popularity of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. To meet this demand, it is essential to diversify extraction sources, and oil fields could play a key role.
The paradox of the oil fields
In this context, lithium carbonate plays a crucial role. In addition to being the base component of many batteries, lithium carbonate is relatively safe to transport and store, unlike its pure metallic form, which is highly reactive. Its versatility has increased its popularity in industries as varied as glass, ceramics and pharmaceuticals.
This Volt Lithium achievement highlights an interesting paradox: the same deposits that were once “culprit” for a large part of CO emissions? could now become part of the solution for the energy transition. By using these wells to produce battery-grade lithium, resource use is maximized and environmental impact is minimized, extracting two key resources for future mobility from a single well.
As The industry advances in the exploration of technologies such as DLEthe future of lithium extraction in North American oil fields looks promising. With the possibility of creating a secure and regional source of lithium, the energy industry could take an important step towards a more sustainable model and less dependent on imports.
Volt Lithium continues to fine-tune its technology in the Permian Basin and plans to continue producing lithium carbonate and lithium chloride concentrates through the end of 2024, with hopes of establishing a viable business model in the near future. In a world where demand for lithium is only increasing, these advances represent an opportunity for North America to position itself as a leader in the production of this critical mineral.
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