hi, not a chemist but here goes. The Lilac system is an ion...

hi, not a chemist but here goes. The Lilac system is an ion exchange process which uses ADSORBENT beads (not absorbent).

In (my) layman's terms the Li attaches itself to the beads. The Li is then "washed off" into a solution which is called an eluate.

In the example quoted the incoming brine contains 600 mg/l which is concentrated to 3000 mg / l. in the eluate which  significantly reduces downstream processing time.

Eluate     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elution

Perhaps someone might confirm or expand on my understanding - thanks

The recoveries were may be conservative and might increase when there is a continuous flow through the pilot plan

This was an important announcement ahead of the estimation of the total recoverable resource from Kachi announcement of which is imminent