LITHIUM CANADA
Explore our unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility showcased in projects such as Brine Lithium Extraction in Canada and the integration of Oil and Gas production, with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices. Additionally, our approach is strategically aligned with cost-effective measures, ensuring the implementation of efficient and economical processes.
Navigate through our website to gain insights into how our lithium extraction process surpasses traditional methods. Delve into the intricacies of current Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology and discover the transformative projects we are planning in Alberta, Canada.
At Lithium Canada, we are steadfast in our dedication to creating a sustainable future by transforming wastewater challenges into environmental opportunities. Join us as we lead the way in responsible and efficient lithium extraction, making a positive impact on both industry practices and our planet.
LITHIUM
What is Lithium? Lithium, a lightweight metal renowned for its exceptional energy storage capabilities, is a vital component in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, widely utilized in various electronic devices and playing a pivotal role in the electric vehicle (EV) industry's advancement.
Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) : Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) serves as a standard unit to quantify lithium content in different compounds, particularly lithium carbonate, essential for evaluating the efficiency of the lithium supply chain and assessing the economic viability of extraction projects.
Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LHM) : Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LHM), another crucial lithium compound, contributes to the production of high-performance lithium-ion batteries, offering benefits like extended battery life and improved thermal stability, making it increasingly valuable in advanced energy storage solutions.
Lithium Market : The current lithium market is dominated by three major countries: Australia, Chile, and China.
*Source: United States Geological Survey (2023)
With lithium-ion batteries currently dominating the market and lithium metal-based alternatives emerging, the demand for lithium is expected to skyrocket, especially with increasing usage in renewable energy plants and EVs. Existing lithium projects may struggle to meet demand by 2026, and demand is projected to double by 2035.
Driven by the race for Net Zero Emission and the surge in EV demand, lithium is spearheading sustainable transportation. Discover how lithium is propelling the EV revolution towards a greener future.
Supply and Demand of Lithium
Investing in lithium and its derivatives presents compelling opportunities, driven by their integral role in the global transition towards clean energy and electrification. With rising demands in EVs, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics, the lithium market shows significant growth potential, making investments in mining, exploration, and processing technologies promising for sustainable, long-term returns. Looking ahead to 2035, projections indicate a looming shortage in lithium supply compared to demand, underlining its crucial role in facilitating essential global transitions.
*Source: Benchmark Mineral Intelligence
TECHNOLOGY
Lithium Mining Method
Lithium mining primarily employs three main methods: traditional hard rock mining, evaporation, and Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) processes. In hard rock mining, lithium-rich minerals are excavated from underground deposits and subsequently processed to extract lithium. Evaporation techniques involve pumping lithium-rich brine from underground aquifers to the surface. The brine is then concentrated through natural evaporation or artificial means, such as solar evaporation ponds.
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) processes directly extract lithium from brine sources, such as underground aquifers, using advanced technologies like selective ion exchange or membrane filtration. These methods concentrate and extract lithium from the brine, meeting the growing demand for this crucial element, essential in manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions.
*Source: Global Metals & Mining Direct Lithium Extraction, Goldman Sachs (April 2023)
Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE")
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of lithium extraction methods as we compare the traditional evaporation process with the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technique. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) is a proven cutting-edge technology.
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DLE shortens processing time to hours to days compared to the traditional evaporation method, which takes years.
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DLE boasts a higher lithium recovery rate exceeding 90%.
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DLE is feasible wherever lithium-containing water exists. Additionally, it does not require a large-scale brine salt farm.
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DLE is not affected by weather conditions for brine evaporation, as it utilizes flowing water itself.
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DLE does not require a large amount of water to process lithium. With short processing times and adaptable facilities, DLE emerges as an environmentally friendly and efficient option for lithium extraction.
Direct Lithium Extraction Clasification
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Adsorption: Adsorption functions as a selective process, wherein a specialized material attracts and retains lithium ions, enabling their separation from the solution constituents during the direct lithium extraction procedure.
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Ion Exchange: Ion exchange entails a controlled exchange mechanism, wherein lithium ions are selectively replaced from a solid medium with other ions present in the solution. This method contributes to the isolation of highly pure lithium.
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Solvent Extraction: Solvent extraction serves as a strategic separation technique, involving the dissolution of lithium in one solvent and subsequent transfer to another. This meticulous process facilitates the creation of a refined lithium solution within the direct lithium extraction framework.
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Membrane: Membranes, acting as precision filters, permit the passage of lithium ions while impeding the transit of undesired elements. This integral role ensures the attainment of high purity levels in the final lithium product during the direct lithium extraction process.
PROJECT
Lithium Potential from Brine By-Product in Alberta
In 2023, Alberta wells produced 3.5 billion cubic meters of water for oil and gas production. It contains 175,000 tonnes of lithium estimated. This equates to approximately 953,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) or 839,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
Lithium Canada Project
Large-scale oil and gas production sites possess their own water treatment facilities but lack the capability for lithium extraction from wastewater. Integrating a lithium extraction facility into existing water treatment infrastructure at large-scale oil and gas production sites, offering a dual-purpose solution for wastewater management and resource recovery.
Also, in the oil and gas industry, production sites often face challenges in managing wastewater generated during operations. Typically, this wastewater is directed to conventional water treatment facilities. However, with advancements in technology and increasing demand for lithium, there is an opportunity to extract lithium from this wastewater while simultaneously treating it.
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Market Potential : The demand for lithium, driven by its use in various industries including energy storage and electric vehicles, presents a lucrative market opportunity. Additionally, the need for efficient wastewater management solutions in the oil and gas sector further underscores the potential for this integrated facility.
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Technical Viability : Technological advancements have made it feasible to extract lithium from wastewater with ~50 ppm Li+ concentration. Integrating a lithium extraction facility into existing water treatment infrastructure is technically viable and can be optimized for efficient operation.
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Revenue Streams: Revenue generation will additionally stem from the sale of extracted lithium not only from the water treatment. Leveraging both revenue streams enhances the financial viability of the project.
SUSTAINABILITY
By making smart use of available resources, our project keeps costs low in drilling and acquiring properties. We're taking a strategic step by using wastewater from Alberta's oil and gas production directly for extracting lithium, emphasizing our dedication to cost efficiency and sustainability.
We are serious about environmental responsibility and minimizing the impact of our lithium extraction process on the ecosystem. Our innovative approach involves a careful purification process for wastewater from oil and gas production, reducing environmental harm compared to traditional lithium mining methods.
We are preparing investment for success by taking advantage of the expected increase in lithium demand. Our project not only follows the global move toward clean energy but also anticipates a higher return, thanks to the projected rise in lithium costs. We are securing your position in a forward-looking venture that aligns with the growing demand for this essential resource.
CONTACT
Address
Bankers Hall, West Tower - 10th Floor
888 - 3rd st. SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5C5 Canada
General Inquiries
i@lithiumcanaca.ca