The rise of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology promises to open up new sources of lithium supply this decade, potentially helping to avert a forecasted shortfall. According to a new Benchmark special report, DLE represents a group of technologies that selectively extract lithium from brines. This novel technology offers a significant shift in the lithium supply landscape.
What is Direct Lithium Extraction?
DLE is a well-established technology with operational projects in China and South America. The process begins with extracting brine from aquifers, which is then transported to a processing unit. Here, lithium is selectively extracted using a resin or adsorption material, while the spent brine is reinjected into the aquifer, ensuring no depletion or environmental damage.
The resin captures or adsorbs lithium chloride (LiCl) from the brine. Then the captured lithium is stripped with water, creating a lithium eluate. This eluate undergoes further concentration through reverse osmosis and mechanical evaporation before being processed into battery-grade lithium using industry methods.
One of the key advantages of DLE is its ability to reduce the environmental impact compared to traditional extraction methods. Conventional techniques often lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and destruction of habitats and biodiversity. In contrast, DLE minimizes these issues by avoiding extensive evaporation ponds and using selective extraction methods.
Moreover, DLE technologies help lower the carbon footprint of lithium extraction by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. By employing more efficient and targeted extraction methods, DLE significantly cuts the energy required compared to traditional techniques.
This efficiency contributes to the decarbonization of the energy sector, making DLE a crucial technology for reducing the overall environmental impact of lithium production.
- COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: The Fastest Growing North American Lithium Junior
Current and Future DLE Production
Currently, there are 13 operational DLE projects projected to produce about 124,000 tonnes of lithium chemicals in 2024. By 2035, DLE is expected to contribute 14% of the total lithium supply, amounting to around 470,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), as per Benchmark’s Lithium Forecast.
While most of this supply will come from continental brines, geothermal and oil fields could contribute 9% and 14% respectively.
- CHECK OUT live lithium prices here.
The Role of DLE in New Brine Projects
Almost 75% of new brine projects are expected to use some form of DLE. This highlights the growing importance of unconventional lithium sources and the expanding ecosystem of new players in the lithium value chain, especially oil companies that bring substantial capital and expertise.
Despite its potential, DLE’s path to commercialization faces several challenges, including:
- issues with scalability,
- inflationary pressures, and
- delays at new brine projects.
Technical risks also pose hurdles for new investors. Benchmark’s DLE special report outlines various DLE technologies, including adsorption, ion exchange, solvent extraction, and membranes, with adsorption being the most widely adopted and best-established, particularly in China.
Each brine source is unique in terms of impurity levels and lithium concentration, meaning there is no ‘one-size-fits-all solution’. Consequently, each DLE solution must be tailored to the specific environmental and economic conditions of the project.
Unlocking New Sources: Oil-field Brines
DLE technology has the potential to unlock previously undeveloped sources of lithium, such as petro brines and geothermal deposits, by achieving recovery rates of 80-90% compared to the current evaporation yields of 20-50%. This is particularly significant for “unconventional” brine resources in western jurisdictions, aligning with the political priorities in the US and European Union to build localized and diversified streams of critical minerals.
DLE’s potential is attracting significant interest from major players, including oil and gas companies. For example, Standard Lithium’s Stage 1A project in Arkansas could be the first petro brine project to come online in 2026. It has an initial production of 5,000 tonnes per year.
Additionally, Exxon Mobil has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with battery producer SK On for the supply of up to 100,000 tonnes from its DLE lithium project in Arkansas.
Despite the enthusiasm, DLE projects face significant capital and operating cost challenges. These projects have seen substantial cost increases as they advance and feasibility studies are updated.
Rising global inflation rates, along with higher equipment, utility, and labor costs, have driven these increases. For example, early-stage DLE projects have an average capital intensity of $37 per kilogram of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), while advanced projects average $60 per kilogram of LCE.
Given these challenges, Direct Lithium Extraction is unlikely to be a short-term solution for the lithium industry. Benchmark does not believe that DLE technology alone can bridge the structural deficits in the lithium market. However, it remains a promising avenue for expanding lithium supply in the long run.
The post Is Direct Lithium Extraction the Key to Solving the Lithium Shortage Crisis? appeared first on Carbon Credits.
The uranium price has continued its upward trajectory this week, climbing to 85.67 USD. This represents a solid 2.19% gain over the last seven days and extends the year-to-date performance to a 5.09% increase. After a period of consolidation, the market is witnessing renewed momentum driven by the converging forces of a widening supply deficit and escalating energy demands from the technology sector.
Uranium Price
Market Drivers for the Uranium Price
The primary catalyst behind the recent movement is the intensifying focus on nuclear energy as a critical solution for powering artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. As data centers expand globally, tech giants are increasingly seeking reliable, carbon-free baseload power, prompting a reassessment of long-term demand. Recent reports indicate that major utilities are accelerating their contracting cycles to secure fuel inventory, anticipating a squeeze as new reactors come online in Asia and dormant facilities restart in Japan.
On the supply side, geopolitical friction continues to tighten the market. Persistent restrictions on Russian nuclear fuel imports have forced Western utilities to pivot toward alternative suppliers, creating bottlenecks in conversion and enrichment services. Additionally, recent activity from physical funds—most notably a reported purchase of 100,000 pounds of yellowcake by Sprott—has removed spot inventory, adding immediate upward pressure to the uranium price.
Technical Outlook
Technically, uranium has firmly established support above the psychological $80 level. The breakout above $85 signals bullish sentiment, with analysts eyeing the $90 mark as the next key resistance zone. The 30-day movement of 8.27% suggests that buyers are stepping in aggressively on dips, reinforcing a strong uptrend. If the price can sustain a close above $86, it may open the door for a retest of the cyclical highs seen in previous years. However, investors should remain attentive to upcoming production reports from major miners like Kazatomprom and Cameco, which could introduce short-term volatility.
The post Uranium Price Today: AI Power Demand and Supply Deficits Fuel Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.
The Lithium Price surged to a fresh two-year high today, closing at 170,999.81 CNY per tonne. This marks a significant 7.55% gain over the last seven days and extends a powerful year-to-date rally of 44.38%. After a prolonged period of consolidation, the battery metal has broken critical resistance levels, driven by a convergence of aggressive policy shifts in China and renewed supply constraints.
Lithium Price
Market Drivers for the Lithium Price Rally
The primary catalyst for this week’s 7.55% move is the sudden tightening of supply in China’s Jiangxi province. Authorities have canceled 27 mining permits in the hub as part of an environmental "anti-involution" campaign, effectively removing significant feedstock from the market. This supply shock coincided with Beijing’s announcement that export tax rebates for battery products will be cut from 9% to 6% starting in April. This policy shift has triggered a massive "front-running" effect, with manufacturers rushing to secure raw materials and export finished goods before the deadline.
Adding fuel to the fire, industry giant CATL reportedly placed a massive $17.2 billion order for cathode materials earlier this week. This demand signal has forced downstream players to cover spot positions aggressively, exacerbating the squeeze created by the Jiangxi permit cancellations.
Technical Outlook
Technically, the Lithium Price has staged a decisive breakout above the psychological 170,000 CNY level. The 30-day movement of 71.86% suggests the market is in a steep markup phase, fueled by short covering and panic buying. Momentum indicators are currently in overbought territory, but the fundamental supply deficits suggest support remains strong at the 155,000 CNY breakout zone. If the rally sustains, the next key resistance target lies near 200,000 CNY, a level not seen since the market began its correction two years ago.
The post Lithium Price Today: China’s Supply Crackdown and Tax Overhaul Fuel 7% Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.
The Lithium price continued its explosive start to 2026, surging to 170,999.81 CNY per tonne on Friday. The battery metal has posted a remarkable 7.55% gain over the last seven days alone, extending a massive 71.86% rally over the past month. Year-to-date, lithium prices are up 44.38%, marking a definitive reversal from the surpluses that plagued the market in previous years.
Lithium Price
Market Drivers
Two primary factors are fueling the current rally: a surge in utility-scale energy storage demand and sudden supply constraints in China’s mining hubs.
- Energy Storage Demand Spike: While EV sales remain steady, the demand for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in energy storage systems (ESS) has outperformed expectations. Analysts forecast a 55% growth in ESS installations for 2026, driven by Beijing’s mandate to double EV charging capacity and grid storage infrastructure by 2027.
- Jiangxi Supply Crunch: On the supply side, Chinese authorities recently canceled 27 mining permits in the lithium hub of Jiangxi as part of an environmental crackdown. This follows the suspension of operations at CATL’s Jianxiawo mine, effectively removing significant monthly tonnage from the market just as downstream battery makers rush to restock ahead of reduced export rebates.
Technical Outlook
Technically, the Lithium price has decisively broken through the psychological resistance level of 150,000 CNY. The steep vertical ascent suggests intense buying pressure, likely exacerbated by short covering from traders who were positioned for a surplus. With the price now firmly establishing support above 160,000 CNY, market participants are eyeing the 200,000 CNY level as the next major target. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicates the metal is in overbought territory, suggesting potential volatility in the short term as the market digests these rapid gains.
The post Lithium Price Today: Energy Storage Boom and Supply Cuts Ignite 71% Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Uranium Price Today: AI Power Demand and Supply Deficits Fuel Rally
Lithium Price Today: China’s Supply Crackdown and Tax Overhaul Fuel 7% Rally
Lithium Price Today: Energy Storage Boom and Supply Cuts Ignite 71% Rally
-
Climate Change5 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Greenhouse Gases5 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Greenhouse Gases2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Spanish-language misinformation on renewable energy spreads online, report shows
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Bill Discounting Climate Change in Florida’s Energy Policy Awaits DeSantis’ Approval
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Climate Change2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Carbon Footprint2 years agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits