Heading: Portable Direct Lithium Extraction Plant Owned by International Battery Metals in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Title: International Battery Metals Makes Breakthrough in Lithium Production
In a significant development for the clean-energy transition, International Battery Metals (IBAT) has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first company to commercially produce lithium using a new filtration technology. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the supply of the electric-vehicle battery metal, making it more affordable and readily available.
Based at a site in rural Utah controlled by US Magnesium, IBAT has commenced commercial production of lithium at a rate of nearly 5,000 metric tons per year. The company’s direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology has set a new standard in the industry, surpassing competitors like Standard Lithium, SLB, Rio Tinto, and Eramet.
IBAT’s portable DLE plant, designed by Chairman John Burba, has proven to be a game-changer in lithium production. With the potential to generate $10 billion in annual revenue within a decade, this technology is poised to transform the efficiency and speed of lithium production for electric vehicle manufacturers and other industries.
The conventional methods of lithium production, such as evaporation ponds and open-pit mines, have been replaced by DLE technologies, which aim to extract over 90% of lithium from brines compared to the 50% achieved through ponds. IBAT’s success in commercial-scale production marks a significant advancement in the industry’s quest for a more sustainable and efficient lithium extraction process.
Despite the challenges posed by the complex chemical compositions of brine deposits, IBAT’s innovative approach has paved the way for a more streamlined and environmentally friendly lithium production process. With plans to expand its operations globally, IBAT is set to revolutionize the lithium industry and meet the growing demand for this essential metal.
The company’s strategic decision to focus on small, portable plants has proven to be a key factor in its success, enabling rapid deployment and scalability. By offering a cost-effective and efficient solution to lithium production, IBAT is poised to lead the way in the clean-energy transition and drive innovation in the electric vehicle sector.
