US: World-first lithium plant uses oilfield water with 97% recovery

A US company, Gradiant, through its lithium-focused subsidiary alkaLi, has launched the world’s first fully integrated lithium production facility that extracts lithium from oilfield produced water in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale Formation. Expected to begin commercial operations by early 2026, this facility uses an innovative extract, concentrate, and convert (EC²) process that achieves up to 97% lithium recovery and 99.5% purity, surpassing industry standards. The plant is designed to supply up to 50% of the US lithium demand, addressing the growing need for domestic lithium amid rising electric vehicle and energy storage markets. AlkaLi’s vertically integrated model bypasses lengthy permitting processes, enabling faster deployment of battery-grade lithium production with lower capital and operating costs. The EC² platform combines Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) with concentration and conversion in a streamlined system that uses less water, energy, and produces less waste, enhancing both economic and environmental sustainability. The company has secured a