Volt Lithium Successfully Manufactures Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate
- 01-Feb-2024 7:29 PM
- Journalist: Nicholas Seifield
Volt Lithium Corp (TSXV: VLT | OTCQB: VLTLF) has recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone, successfully producing 99.5% battery-grade lithium carbonate in-house at its permanent Demonstration Plant in Calgary. This achievement is a testament to Volt's prowess in utilizing its next-generation direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. The process involved processing oilfield brine from the Keg River formation at the Rainbow Lake asset in Alberta, showcasing the company's ability to convert oilfield brine into lithium carbonate that meets stringent specifications for commercial use.
Alex Wylie, Volt's President & CEO, expressed excitement over the progress made in advancing their DLE capabilities. This achievement signifies a transformative breakthrough, allowing Volt to process oilfield brine and refine it into lithium carbonate entirely in-house. This strategic move is expected to substantially reduce production costs, positioning Volt as a low-cost operator in the lithium market.
Wylie emphasized the potential benefits for oil and gas producers in North America who seek to extract value from produced water. Volt's fully self-contained, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution aligns with the increasing global demand for lithium. By making the entire production cycle in-house, Volt aims to enhance margins and provide a commercially viable grade of lithium carbonate.
John McEwen, PhD, Volt's Vice President R&D and Technical Services, highlighted the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The Demonstration Plant, a key differentiator for Volt, allows the simulation of field operations and testing of brines from across North America. This capability positions Volt to showcase the broad utility of its DLE technology while efficiently advancing toward a marketable product.
Volt's proprietary DLE technology follows a meticulous three-stage process for lithium extraction from oilfield brine. In Stage One, established processes treat and purify oilfield brine, achieving an impressive removal of up to 99% of contaminants. Stage Two involves Volt's proprietary DLE technology, ensuring up to 98% lithium extraction results to produce eluate. The final Stage Three concentrates on the purification and refinement of the eluate in-house, yielding lithium carbonate with up to 99.5% purity, meeting industry specifications for battery-grade lithium.
This achievement not only propels Volt Lithium into a position of prominence in the industry but also underscores its dedication to advancing sustainable lithium production technologies. The ability to meet stringent specifications for battery-grade lithium positions Volt as a reliable player in the dynamic landscape of the lithium industry.
Volt's innovative approach, coupled with its commitment to operational efficiency, positions the company as a pivotal player in the evolving demands of the lithium market. As global initiatives focus on sustainable energy solutions, Volt's achievements in battery-grade lithium production highlight the company's potential to contribute significantly to the clean energy transition.
Volt Lithium's successful in-house production of 99.5% battery-grade lithium carbonate marks a momentous achievement, setting the stage for a future where sustainable lithium production plays a crucial role in meeting the world's growing energy needs.