Australia: TDK Corporation, through its subsidiary TDK Ventures Inc, has made an investment in Novalith, a start-up specializing in Lithium-extraction. According to Novalith, their innovative technology leverages atmospheric Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to extract high-quality battery-grade Lithium from natural resources without producing harmful by-products.

The process also uses less water, requires smaller infrastructure, and costs less compared to current industry standards. With the projected demand for battery-grade Lithium expected to exceed supply by 2023 and a 9-fold increase by 2030 due to the growing trend for electrification globally, the industry is rapidly seeking Lithium production innovations to maintain a sustainable battery supply chain.

TDK argues that current production methods for Lithium-ion batteries have several drawbacks, including time, cost, and environmental impact. Traditional methods such as ore mining require significant investments in infrastructure and time-consuming processes to extract and separate resources from less desirable materials.

On the other hand, Brine extraction involves large volumes of water and chemicals to recover Lithium, resulting in slow processes and environmental concerns. Moreover, both processes have Carbon-heavy output and toxic by-products, such as the chemicals used in Brine solutions, further negating the intended environmental benefits of Lithium-ion batteries.

Novalith, a ground-breaking company, is set to revolutionize the industry by tackling the challenges of time, money, and sustainability. The company is on the cusp of launching its innovative LiCAL™ technology for extracting and refining Lithium from spodumene and clays. Unlike traditional methods that employ harsh acids or bases, Novalith's LiCAL™ technology harnesses the power of CO2 to extract and convert the ore to battery-grade Lithium efficiently. By implementing this novel process, Novalith has eliminated an array of extraction-related costs, allowing for downstream supply chain savings.

Novalith's innovative process not only boosts the economic viability of all Lithium battery-powered devices, but also guarantees that both the application and material-sourcing aspects of electrified society are eco-friendly. One of the most contentious issues in battery production, the "dirty" materials supply chain, has now been resolved, alleviating the most potent criticisms of the electrification movement.

For Lithium-ion batteries to have a truly sustainable future, decarbonization of production is necessary. Novalith, a company that is addressing this challenge, is working on a solution to extract Lithium faster and in a more sustainable way. By converting CO2 into a battery-grade product as part of the extraction process, Novalith helps minimize infrastructure, chemicals, toxic by-production, water usage, and costs. Without decarbonization, sustainability in the life cycle of Lithium batteries cannot be achieved, making Novalith's efforts crucial for progress in energy and environmental transformation movements. TDK Ventures is proud to support Novalith in their vision and looks forward to helping accelerate their technology to market.