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A US innovation promises to revolutionize lithium production by speeding up the process by 500 times. This idea could transform the industry and the future of batteries.
A new technological revolution has just been unveiled by the United States, promising to transform the way lithium is extracted. In Clayton Valley, Nevada, a company facility SLB is bringing advances that combine speed, efficiency and sustainability.
The promise? Lithium production up to 500 times faster, a huge leap forward compared to conventional methods.
Record lithium recovery
The innovation presented by SLB is based on technology Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), which uses modern processes to optimize mineral recovery.
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The efficiency is impressive: the installation achieves 96% recovery of the lithium present in the brine. For comparison, traditional methods take up to 18 months to complete a cycle, while the DLE system delivers results in a matter of hours.
With demand projected to grow 18-fold by 2030 and 60-fold by 2050, the technology emerges as a response to growing pressure on global markets.
The breakthrough positions the U.S. as a leading player in the race for faster, cleaner sources of lithium, vital for rechargeable batteries that power electric cars and renewable energy systems.
Sustainability as a priority
In addition to speed, reduced environmental impact is one of the main advantages. The new system requires only 10% of the land and much less water, compared to traditional methods, which rely on extensive evaporation ponds.
This makes the process not only more efficient, but also more aligned with market sustainability demands.
Gavin Rennick, President of SLB’s New Energy division, highlights the importance of this approach: “We are accelerating lithium production without compromising natural resources, a crucial step towards the future of clean energy."
Flexibility for different markets
Another highlight of DLE technology is its ability to produce both lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide.
These materials are essential for different types of batteries, from those used in short-range vehicles to models designed for long distances. This versatility allows the facility to meet the changing demands of the global market, consolidating its strategic relevance.
Global implications of innovation
Lithium is essential to advancing global electrification, serving as the basis for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems. However, traditional mining faces challenges in keeping up with growing demand.
The technology developed by SLB not only seeks to solve this problem, but also reduce the US's dependence on foreign suppliers, strengthening the country's energy security.
The news comes at a critical time, as governments and businesses accelerate efforts to meet ambitious climate targets.
By facilitating access to lithium and reducing the environmental impacts of production, SLB offers a powerful tool to drive the global transition to clean energy.
A promising but challenging future
While this technology represents a significant advance, challenges remain. The scarcity of rare earths and the need to rapidly scale production are still barriers.
However, with unparalleled extraction speed and a sustainable approach, the US is proving to be at the forefront of energy innovation.
With demand for lithium continuing to grow, innovations like this will be crucial to meeting global needs and ensuring a future where clean energy is affordable and accessible for all. The race is now against time.
