CleanTech Lithium has successfully delivered its first batch of lithium produced using the environmentally friendly Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology in a groundbreaking development for the lithium industry. Announced on Monday, the company completed the initial stage of production at its DLE pilot plant in Chile, producing 88 cubic meters of concentrated eluate. This yield is equivalent to approximately one metric tonne of lithium carbonate.
The company has already shipped the concentrated eluate to the United States, where it will be processed into battery-grade lithium carbonate. This milestone is seen as a significant step forward in the sustainable production of lithium, a critical component for the growing electric vehicle and renewable energy markets.
Chile, the world's leading producer of high-quality lithium from brines, processes nearly a third of the global lithium supply. With the rise of DLE technology, the country is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable mining practices. The Chilean government has prioritized ecological concerns and increased state involvement in lithium production, seeing DLE as a way to meet these goals while maintaining its dominance in the lithium market.
DLE technology is praised for its lower environmental impact compared to traditional extraction methods. It uses less water and energy, reducing the ecological footprint of lithium production. This aligns with global trends towards more sustainable and responsible mining practices, which are increasingly demanded by both consumers and regulators.
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