GeoFrame Energy is set to begin construction this summer on a groundbreaking lithium extraction facility in East Texas, marking a major stride toward strengthening the U.S. clean energy supply chain. The initiative aims to secure a domestic source of battery-grade lithium carbonate—an essential material for electric vehicles and energy storage systems—at a time when global competition is tightening and Chinese export controls are becoming more restrictive.

This facility will be the first in the U.S. to extract lithium carbonate from the Smackover Formation, a vast and porous limestone aquifer known for its mineral-rich brines. GeoFrame will utilize cutting-edge direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology powered by geothermal energy. The method, developed by Australia's Ekosolve in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, promises a cleaner and more sustainable approach to lithium production.

Partnering with Halliburton for drilling operations, GeoFrame plans to commence production in early 2026. The company aims to scale operations to produce 83,500 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually by 2029—enough to meet the entire current U.S. demand, which was about 70,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2024. Currently, only about 44.7% of this demand is met through domestic sources, rising to 76.4% when factoring in Canadian imports.

“This project is about achieving energy independence and advancing sustainable innovation,” said Bruce Cutright, CEO of GeoFrame Energy. “Our process avoids hard rock mining and minimizes environmental impact by using geothermal energy and a closed-loop system.”

Covering over 7,400 acres, the East Texas facility will serve as a benchmark for environmentally responsible extraction. Unlike conventional techniques that consume large volumes of freshwater and often result in ecological damage, GeoFrame’s approach offers up to 95% lithium recovery with significantly reduced water use and no toxic byproducts.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment. With China restricting lithium exports amid ongoing trade tensions and tariff disputes with the U.S., securing local sources of critical minerals has become a strategic priority. In March, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order invoking emergency powers to bolster domestic production of essential minerals like lithium and nickel, citing national security and economic resilience.

GeoFrame’s Texas project reflects a broader industry pivot toward low-impact, sustainable extraction methods. Ekosolve’s DLE system relies on minimal chemical use, low power consumption, and almost no water, signaling a new era in lithium production—one focused on efficiency, responsibility, and long-term viability.