IBAT's modular direct lithium extraction technology claims 95 pc recovery rate

International Battery Metals Ltd. has claimed that its modular direct lithium extraction (MDLE) technology delivers a 97 percent extraction rate of lithium from feed brine to lithium chloride. The technology has recently received certification from Greg Mehos & Associates (GM&A), an independent testing agency. 

According to GM&A, IBAT's existing commercial plant produces a total recovery rate of 95 percent using its internal transition recycle loop technology. The agency tested the company's lithium extraction process when the latter demonstrated the technology at Impact Technology Development in Devens, Massachusetts on June 20.

"GM&A's findings are significant because their independent verification confirms our technology captures high yields through DLE, making it a game-changer for recovering lithium from existing brine bearing properties," noted Dr. John Burba, Founder of IBAT.

Garry Flowers, CEO of IBAT, commented, "We're very excited to move into this next stage of commercialization of our DLE process, which is faster to market, more environmentally friendly and more effective in producing high-quality lithium chloride, solidifying domestic supply chains". 

IBAT claims the direct lithium extraction as a cost and resource efficient lithium extraction method that serves as a clean, socially conscious alternative to traditional methods.

The company's unique Selection Absorption technology eliminates solar evaporation ponds, salt piles, and lime plants while rejecting impurities. It also recycles greater than 94 percent of the plant's process water, according to IBAT.

Further, the process and control system affirms lower operating costs with the total estimated capital costs being less less than half of traditional plant costs. The technology can also be deployed and brought on-line much faster, at a fraction of the cost of traditional lithium mining models, the company adds.

IBAT claims to be the first company in the world to successfully design, build and operate a mobile, Modular MDLE plant at commercial scale with lithium brine.