Grounded Lithium selects Koch Technology Solutions as lithium extraction provider

CALGARY — Grounded Lithium shared their direct lithium extraction (DLE) selection process, as previously communicated, reached a positive conclusion.

Based on lab results for the chemistry of the Kindersley Lithium Project brine (KLP Brine), the company selected Koch Technology Solutions (KTS), a Koch Engineered Solutions (KES) company, and its proprietary Li-Pro™ technology as the technology of choice for implementation in our upcoming field pilot.

Key KTS lab result findings:

• Observed lithium extraction recovery rates from KLP Brine averaged 98 per cent over multiple passes; and
• Equally positive, the process technology effectively rejected other key ions found in KLP Brine deposits with observed rejection factors of 99 per cent.

Next steps with KTS:

• The company received a proposal from KTS to provide the Li-Pro™ technology under an appropriately staged evaluation program, or field pilot, lasting several months to determine more extensive extraction results over the long-term; and
• KTS will assist in the preparation of a detailed feasibility-level engineering solution using the Li-Pro™ technology in a full-scale central processing facility to evaluate overall project commerciality.

Assuming the proposal is agreed to by all parties, GLC would be responsible for work associated with preparations of a functional field pilot, including but not limited to, provision of sufficient feedstock, job site and associated facility requirements such as permits, civil works, buildings and storage tanks, access to utilities, manpower and brine disposal. Subject to achieving certain corporate initiatives, the company envisions that these events will take place over the balance of 2023 and into early 2024.

“Our team continues to execute our business plan to become a leading Canadian commercial producer of battery-grade lithium. We are excited to be taking critical next steps, based on the very positive extraction results, with a world-class organization such as Koch,” said Gregg Smith, President & CEO. “Each milestone achieved provides increased conviction to advance the ensuing stages of our business plan, inclusive of the submission of our maiden PEA and the construction of a field pilot project later this year. We look forward to funding these stages and communicating results.”