They are using a third-party sorption DLE resin to absorb...

They are using a third-party sorption DLE resin to absorb lithium chloride from the brine and then using pure water to desorb lithium chloride. The main advantages are no acid is required and the lithium concentrate (eluate) has a pH which is the same as water. Hence the concentrate is ideal for transporting to an external processing plant, no specialised dangerous goods requirements and regulations are needed. This would reduce both OPEX and CAPEX costs.

Whereas the Plix is an ion exchange resin which needs an acid (HCl) to desorb the lithium from the resin. This is more suited to an extraction process that is already using an acid to remove the lithium from ore matrix like clay (Big Sandy) and the ore body is relatively close to processing plant. Ion exchange resins do have a high absorption capacity than sorption resins.