As part of the UnLimited research project, a lithium workshop on extraction techniques of lithium from geothermal brines took place at Geotherm 2022 last Friday, June 3, 2022.
During the workshop, a total of six participants from different European R&D pilot projects provided insights into the technical approaches from extraction to further processing of lithium for use in lithium-ion batteries.
In this context, the presentations included recent research results on lithium sorption characteristics of applied sorbents, sustainability assessment of lithium in the North German Basin and Upper Rhine Graben, as well as first laboratory results of lithium release rates of different minerals and rocks.
In addition to the adsorption technique, as planned for example in the research project UnLimited, other forms of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) were presented, including an innovative membrane technology in the project BrineMine as well as the Li-Cap process of Geolith.
The presentation about the EuGeLi project (European Geothermal Lithium Brine), which has already been completed at the end of last year, met with great interest, as in this context the first European production of lithium carbonate from geothermal deep water was achieved. Participants had the opportunity to view samples of the water-based lithium solution as well as the final lithium carbonate product.
Finally, insights into the technical processes following lithium extraction for further processing of the lithium for its use in battery production were provided.
With more than 50 participants and lively discussions, the event proved to be a fruitful exchange and aroused great interest.