EMP METALS - PROJECT AURORA PARTNER SALTWORKS ANNOUNCES SECOND-GENERATION DLE TECHNOLOGY

Executive Summary

• EMP Metals’ partner Saltworks Technologies announced its second‑generation Direct Lithium Extraction (Gen‑II DLE) technology, which will be deployed at the Viewfield Project demonstration plant.
• The Gen‑II DLE process promises higher eluate purity, lower capital expenditures, and reduced chemical usage, enhancing the economics of lithium brine processing for Project Aurora.
• Saltworks will develop full‑scale plant designs and cost estimates for a modular commercial refinery capable of producing 3,000+ tpy of lithium product based on data from the demo plant.

Key Details

• Gen‑II DLE Technology: Introduces a “double DLE” process using off‑the‑shelf alumina adsorbents and pressurized membranes to boost eluate purity and cut CAPEX.
• Process Advantages: Higher‑purity eluate enables greater lithium chloride concentration before shipment; chemical‑free spokes eliminate the need for softening or ion exchange, reducing waste and lithium losses.
• Modular Design: Built on Saltworks’ Xtract modular sorption and ion‑exchange platform with patented architecture and advanced process control.
• Integration Flexibility: Can be added downstream of third‑party DLE systems or supplied as a complete industrialized solution.
• Demonstration Plant: Gen‑II DLE will serve as the centerpiece of the wellhead‑connected demo plant at EMP Metals’ Viewfield Project in Saskatchewan.
• Commercial Scale Outlook: Saltworks to produce full‑scale design and cost estimates for a 3,000+ tpy modular, repeatable commercial refinery for EMP Metals, leveraging data from the demonstration plant.
• Strategic Impact: Expected to lower overall lithium extraction costs and simplify the value chain from well to battery‑grade chemical, supporting EMP Metals’ goal of large‑scale, cost‑effective lithium production.

Notable Quotes

“This is a tremendous step forward in Direct Lithium Extraction technology. Our Project Aurora partners at Saltworks continue to push innovation and focus on lowering costs at every stage of the lithium brine processing flow sheet.” – Karl Kottmeier, CEO, EMP Metals.