"It is bonkers what they claim." I'd disagree and say that the...

"It is bonkers what they claim." I'd disagree and say that the only thing that is "bonkers" as you say, is the inability of some (such as yourself) to do proper research



After a quick read through announcements and google search one can ascertain that Vulcan plans to use Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) in their flowsheet, which is increasingly being used in the industry as a replacement for the traditional evaporative method (you know the ponds).


This isn't re-inventing the wheel here, we aren't putting people on the moon and certainly not the first to do DLE.



The claim that it doesn't work or isn't viable is somewhat ludicrous, here are two quick links for you to familiarise yourself with the DLE operations already in motion

http://www.seplite.com/lithium-extraction-from-brine-lake.html

https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/su...deal-for-a-lithium-carbonate-plant-in-qinghai

http://www.inproved.com/blog/lanke



Also, Livent has been using adsorption-type DLE at their Hombre Muerto project in South America for a loooong time. Case in point below

http://www.fmc.com/portals/sustainability/flipbook/2011-SR/files/assets/basic-html/page27.html


Just so you know this is separate to their recent $5m investment in E3 metals, who have their own DLE technology. Fancy that..... One of the largest lithium producers in the world uses DLE, and invests in other companies that do so. Bonkers I say!!!




The majority of new brine developments that haven't sunk CAPEX in ponds are also evaluating using DLE processes, it is where the competitive edge lies,

-Not weather dependent, and
- Much better at producing consistent product for the battery chemicals market than the standard ponds


It's why many will look to brines that use the DLE process.




The only thing bonkers in the future will be the demand for Lithium, at least we can agree on that