PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
IN THE EVOLVING LITHIUM LANDSCAPE
OUR MARKET
Supporting the Growth in Lithium Demand
The lithium market is experiencing a significant transformation, primarily driven by the growing demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and grid storage systems. Current projections indicate that by 2035, the demand for lithium could be up to five times the current supply.
Over 75 new lithium mines are predicted to be necessary within the next twelve years to meet this demand.
Problem: Environmental and Operational Challenges of Conventional Lithium Mining
Traditional lithium mining techniques, particularly those involving evaporation ponds, pose several environmental and operational challenges:
Land
Each new mine can destroy approximately over 2,500 acres of land.
Water
Evaporation ponds lose 40+% of the resource.
CO2 Emissions
Each mine produces approximately 250,000 tons of CO2.
Time Efficiency
Full evaporation takes 9+ months.
Problem: Environmental and Operational Challenges of Conventional Lithium Mining
Lithium Deficit
Despite efforts to ramp up production, a significant deficit in the lithium market is projected, with the gap between operating mines and demand in 2035 estimated to be 2 million tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent. This deficit is further exacerbated by the increasing demand for clean technologies, with Electric Vehicles and battery storage systems accounting for 80% of mineral demand growth over the next two decades.
The Need for Net Zero
Meeting current Net Zero goals necessitates a substantial supply-side response in the lithium market in light of these challenges. The Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS) requires a significant increase in the growth rate of lithium demand, with projections indicating a more than 40-fold increase to meet SDS objectives. As the demand for lithium continues to soar, the industry faces the imperative of balancing growth with sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The current lithium industry faces significant challenges related to water consumption, environmental impact, workplace safety, and production efficiency. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to develop and adopt more sustainable and efficient lithium extraction technologies.
Major Challenges in the Lithium Industry
The production of lithium through evaporation ponds is incredibly water-intensive, with estimates suggesting around 21 million litres per day are utilized in this process alone.
The environmental footprint of lithium mining extends to significant land disruption and potential ecological damage, including contamination of local water sources from chemical runoff.
Workers at lithium extraction sites face severe health risks due to exposure to toxic chemicals and harsh conditions. Ensuring their safety requires urgent improvements in workplace standards and protective measures.
The use of acid injections in evaporation ponds poses substantial risks, not only complicating environmental efforts but also endangering the health and safety of the workforce.
Current extraction methods are not only inefficient but also unsustainable. With 2.2 million liters of water needed to produce just one ton of lithium, the industry must innovate to preserve resources and reduce waste.
Addressing these operational challenges is critical to maintaining the lithium industry’s viability as demand surges. Innovative and environmentally friendly technologies are essential to meet the growing needs while minimizing ecological impact.
Solution:
LiTHOS’s AcQUA™ Technology
LiTHOS introduces AcQUA™, a revolutionary technology designed to replace evaporation ponds in lithium production, addressing key environmental and efficiency challenges:
Reduces water usage by recycling up to 98% of input brine water and eliminates the need for evaporation ponds, substantially lowering environmental degradation and water consumption.
Streamlines the lithium extraction process, reducing the production time from years to weeks and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with traditional methods.
Our Technology: Transforming the Lithium Industry with Innovation & Sustainability
AcQUA™ offers a comprehensive, modular approach capable of pre-treatment, selective separation, and concentration of lithium-enriched brines. This technology circumvents the traditional challenges associated with Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and provides a sustainable and economically viable solution for lithium brine resource operators.
Seizing the Opportunity
With a fully operational DLE processing facility in Denver, Colorado, and strategic partnerships in the United States, Argentina, and Chile, LiTHOS is poised to lead the charge in sustainable lithium production. Our technology is built upon a foundation of proven, field-proven solutions initially developed for water management in the oil & gas sector, offering a promising solution to the future challenges of lithium production.