Volt Lithium CEO Talks Up New Mining Extraction Method, Promises Major Production Advancements

Volt Lithium has introduced an innovative method for extracting lithium from oil field brines, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable and efficient lithium production. This development could significantly impact the lithium market, offering a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional mining methods.

New Extraction Method

During the recent Digging Deeper: The Future of Mining Benzinga virtual event, Alex Wylie, president, CEO, and director of Volt Lithium, detailed the company’s groundbreaking approach. Unlike conventional mining, Volt Lithium’s method uses water already produced by the oil and gas industry, tapping into this existing resource to extract lithium. This process eliminates the need for new mines, wells, or infrastructure, significantly reducing environmental impact.

"Our method involves partnering with the oil and gas industry, utilizing the water they produce daily," Wylie explained. "For every barrel of oil, approximately four barrels of water are produced. We take this water and extract the lithium before returning it to the producer for safe disposal."

Speed and Efficiency

One of the most striking advantages of Volt Lithium's process is its speed. Traditional lithium extraction methods can take months, whereas Volt Lithium’s technology completes the extraction in about an hour. This efficiency speeds up production and reduces operational costs, making it a highly competitive option in the lithium market.

"The time it takes for us to extract lithium is about an hour," Wylie noted. "This is significantly faster than what you see with hard rock mining or salt flats in places like Chile."

Scaling Up Operations

Volt Lithium has been actively developing and scaling up its operations. Wylie announced a major milestone: the company has built a field unit capable of processing lithium at a commercial scale. By the end of the third quarter, Volt Lithium plans to commence operations, initially processing 100,000 barrels of water a day, translating to between 1,500 and 2,000 tons of lithium annually.

"Our goal is to start commercial production with our field unit and gradually increase capacity," Wylie said. "We aim to process 2 million to 3 million barrels of water per day within the next few years, which would yield 40,000 to 50,000 tons of lithium per year."

Environmental Benefits

Volt Lithium’s method has substantial environmental benefits. By using existing water resources and infrastructure, the company avoids the environmental disruption associated with traditional mining. The process also reduces the need for new pipelines and wells, further minimizing its environmental footprint.

"We're not drilling new wells or creating new pipelines. We borrow the water for about an hour and then return it for safe disposal," Wylie explained. "This approach is fundamentally different and much more environmentally friendly."

Looking Forward

Volt Lithium's innovative extraction method significantly advances the lithium production industry. As demand for lithium continues to rise, driven by the growth of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, Volt Lithium is poised to meet this demand with a sustainable and efficient solution.

Wylie says, "We are committed to delivering results and scaling up our operations to help solve the North American lithium supply problem. Our approach not only meets the growing demand but does so in an environmentally responsible way."

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