Multiple companies in Brazil are developing innovative ways to extract and process lithium in a more environmentally friendly way.

The demand for lithium has been growing rapidly over the past few years, as the world transitions to a clean energy future. Lithium is a key component of lithium-ion batteries, which are used in electric vehicles, solar panels, and other renewable energy technologies. The extraction and processing of lithium can have some negative impact on the environment. The brines used to extract lithium can be salty and polluted, and the mining process can produce dust and air pollution.

There are a number of lithium sustainability technologies that are being developed to address these environmental challenges. One promising technology is direct lithium extraction (DLE). DLE uses solvents to extract lithium from brines, without the need for evaporation ponds. This can significantly reduce the amount of water used and the amount of waste produced.

Another promising technology is the use of renewable energy to power lithium extraction and processing. This can help to reduce the carbon footprint of the lithium industry. There are companies currently developing a DLE technology that uses a proprietary solvent to extract lithium from brines. This technology could reduce the amount of water used by up to 90% and the amount of waste produced by up to 80%.

Another renewable technology is geothermal energy used to power lithium extraction and processing which can produce lithium with a carbon footprint that is 90% lower than traditional lithium extraction methods.

One of the most promising technologies is the use of dry stacking for tailings. Tailings are the waste materials that are left over after lithium is extracted from the ground. Dry stacking is a process that uses less water than traditional methods of tailings disposal, it also reduces the risk of water contamination.

The development of sustainable lithium technologies is a major priority for Brazil. The country is committed to becoming a leader in the global lithium market, and it is also committed to doing so in a way that is environmentally responsible.

These are just a few of the companies in Brazil that are developing sustainable lithium technologies. The development of these technologies is a major step forward for the lithium industry, and it is helping to make lithium mining a more environmentally friendly process.

To find out more information about the lithium industry in South America and the opportunities it can offer please do not hesitate to contact us.