First up let me state that I agree that this is a risky stock,...

First up let me state that I agree that this is a risky stock, and to be fair that is reflected in the MC. I also appreciate the alternate views of other posters.

In regards to DLE, IMO this will happen and has the potential to be a disruptive technology.

Environmental concerns are forcing all companies to look at their credentials in this area. Blind Freddy can see the climate is changing for the worse, and the tension around climate change is only going to get more and more intense. It will be the defining theme of the next decade, no doubt.

As HiDiHi (HoDiDo?) mentioned, Standard Lithium is potentially the most advanced, with a demonstration plant entering the commissioning phase now.

https://www.standardlithium.com/investors/news-events/press-releases/detail/72/standard-lithium-entering-commissioning-phase-of-its

Lilac Solutions has tech that Lake Resources is about to test using a direct extraction ion exchange process. They sound somewhat confident also with their pilot plant.

https://lakeresources.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lke_larger-volume-samples-to-be-produced-for-offtakers_13-jan-2020.pdf

Parkway Minerals have a technology called aMES, which has been under development in conjunction with Victoria University for ten years. They are looking at Potash in the short term, but claim it can deal with (most) high concentration (TDS) brines, including lithium and the sludge from desalination plants. They are looking at a pilot plant in the next six months.

https://www.parkwayminerals.com.au/ames-technology

One thing common to all of the above junior minors is that they talk a big game. I do think it's fair enough that this questioned by posters, but it's pretty ubiquitous at this end of the market.

I've taken a small position in Vulcan and will look to build on it depending on milestones. It's not one for the faint-hearted, but If you're interested in disruptive tech, then it's a good one to keep an eye on.

Good luck all.