Mineral Recovery from Brines: Technology, Investment and Policy Pathways
Panel Description: A sustainable and secure supply of critical minerals is a core component of the energy transition. Efficient and effective lithium and rare earth element extraction from geothermal brines provides an opportunity to stimulate economic growth and strengthen energy independence. These materials have the potential to further enable the large-scale deployment of batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage and are necessary components in our modern technology. With demand surging, there are complex dynamics at play, including sudden supply expansions, the slow pace of developing new projects, and the rapidly changing geopolitics of critical minerals. Consequently, many governments classify critical minerals, such as lithium, as “critical”, pushing for innovative extraction methods to enhance supply diversity and energy security. The supply-demand gap may be bridged by conventional supply increases from new or expanded mines. However, concerns about traditional methods, like hard rock mining and evaporation ponds, focus on environmental impacts and can cause supply delays. Recovery of lithium using direct lithium extraction (DLE) from geothermal brines provides a less impactful alternative.
While some companies have successfully demonstrated lithium recovery from geothermal brines, scaling up these technologies to full production remains complex and capital-intensive. This raises concerns about bankability, as investors seek proven, de-risked technologies before committing substantial capital. This panel delves into the latest advancements in DLE technologies and projects, as well as the role of strategic investments, R&D, and policy levers to bring DLE up to speed and establish it as a cornerstone of future lithium supply.
Moderators and panelists to be announced.