Libertystream builds lithium refining, wins ND grant

Executive Summary

• Libertystream Infrastructure Partners Inc. reports that the installation of its lithium carbonate refining unit in Texas is substantially complete, and the company has officially entered the commissioning phase, aiming for commercial production.
• The company and partner Wellspring Hydro have been awarded a $500,000 (U.S.) grant from the North Dakota Renewable Energy Program to validate battery-grade lithium carbonate production for future in-state battery cell manufacturing.
• These initiatives support Libertystream's strategy to build a vertically integrated supply chain, leveraging proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology on existing oil and gas infrastructure.

Key Details

• Texas Refining Unit Progress:
  • Purchase of the refining unit was announced in July 2025.
  • Site preparation activities initiated by early October 2025.
  • Installation is substantially complete; the company has entered the commissioning phase.
  • Capacity: The unit is engineered to produce up to 10 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lithium carbonate.
  • Product Specifications: Capable of meeting technical specifications for both industrial-grade and battery-grade applications.
  • Customer Engagement: Bulk samples from the Texas field site will be made available to prospective customers to support qualification and offtake discussions.
• North Dakota Grant:
  • Award Amount: $500,000 (U.S.).
  • Source: North Dakota Renewable Energy Program (REP).
  • Partner: Wellspring Hydro.
  • Purpose: To support the validation of battery-grade lithium carbonate for deployment within North Dakota, specifically for future battery cell manufacturing.
  • Use of Funds: Site-specific lithium extraction qualification, high-value third-party testing, lithium refining validation, and sample creation to prove quality and quantity capabilities.
  • Partnerships: Validation work to be performed in conjunction with the University of North Dakota and cathode cell manufacturers.
  • Timeline: Final confirmation of the grant is scheduled for October 27, 2025.
• Strategic Context:
  • Libertystream aims to be one of North America's first commercial producers of lithium carbonate from oil field brine.
  • Strategy involves deploying proprietary DLE technology into existing oil and gas infrastructure to reduce capital costs and risks.

Notable Quotes

• "We remain on schedule to initiate commercial lithium carbonate production with the installation of our refining unit in Texas," said Alex Wylie, president and chief executive officer of Libertystream. "We're also honoured to receive continued support from the State of North Dakota, which enables us to expand our refining capabilities and advance in-state lithium carbonate production to support future battery cell manufacturing."