Volt Lithium to Test Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Technology in North Dakota’s Bakken Formation

Wellspring Hydro

Volt Lithium, a U.S.-based lithium developer, is set to pioneer the use of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology in North Dakota’s Bakken formation, an oil-rich region known for its high production of lithium-bearing brines. In partnership with Wellspring Hydro, a wastewater recycler, Volt will deploy an advanced system that directly extracts lithium from oilfield brines, marking a significant step in meeting the growing demand for lithium, particularly in the electric vehicle and energy storage markets.

Collaborative Effort for Lithium Extraction

Volt Lithium’s new initiative aims to utilize the cutting-edge DLE technology to purify, extract, and refine lithium from brines extracted from the Bakken formation. The region is the second-largest source of brine production in the U.S., yielding around 2 million barrels per day (b/d) of lithium-bearing oilfield brine, according to Wellspring. Although the exact lithium concentration in the brine is not disclosed, the project presents an exciting opportunity to tap into this resource using a more sustainable and efficient method compared to traditional mining techniques.

The collaboration between Volt Lithium and Wellspring Hydro will be funded by an initial grant of $500,000, with the potential for up to $2 million in additional funding from the state of North Dakota. Volt plans to begin deploying a field study unit in early 2025 to assess the viability of the technology in the Bakken formation.

Direct Lithium Extraction: A Game Changer for Lithium Mining

Unlike conventional evaporation ponds, which require large amounts of land and water, DLE offers a much more efficient method for extracting lithium. This method is capable of higher recovery rates, as it selectively isolates lithium from brines, reducing the environmental footprint of extraction. However, DLE technology remains more expensive and complex, which has led to its gradual development and deployment. Still, its potential has drawn the interest of major oil companies such as ExxonMobil, which is also exploring the extraction of lithium from brine in the Smackover formation in Arkansas.

Volt’s efforts in North Dakota align with the broader trend of integrating advanced technologies into the lithium mining industry, responding to the growing demand driven by the global shift to renewable energy and the rise of electric vehicle production. The success of DLE could significantly reshape the economic landscape of lithium production, especially in the U.S.