Improving lithium refining technology to improve the environment.
Pennsylvania's lithium treasure
A new study on lithium production in Pennsylvania marks a big step forward for America's lithium industry. Published in Nature Scientific Reports, Justin Mackey of the National Energy Technology Laboratory estimates that the Marcellus Formation could supply 1,160 metric tons of lithium metal per year from oil and gas wastewater. This world-class lithium resource holds great promise for the future. (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-58887-x)
The technology gap
While the Marcellus Formation presents a valuable lithium resource, it is crucial that its development is done sustainably. However, there is a big technology gap that needs to be overcome. Currently, America produces only 1,000 tons of lithium a year, which is just 1% of the world's production. In 1995, America produced almost 30% of the world's lithium. This decline is due to severe underinvestment in refining technology. To reclaim our position as a leading lithium producer, we must invest in advanced extraction technologies.
Current lithium refining technology struggles to separate lithium from magnesium, according to a 2021 National Renewable Energy Laboratory report by Ian Warren. When magnesium levels go above 400 ppm, lithium selectivity drops below 50%. This is a major issue— 82.9% of lithium-bearing produced water samples in the US have high magnesium, making them hard or impossible to recover lithium from.
Furthermore, existing lithium extraction technology is very freshwater hungry. Each ton of lithium produced requires polluting up to 20-50 tons of freshwater. We urgently need technology that can handle high magnesium levels and reduce freshwater pollution to tap into this crucial resource. This is important in reducing lithium's environmental footprint and efficiently reshoring our critical minerals industry.
Innovating for Sustainability
To unlock America's lithium potential and address the technology gap in lithium extraction, innovative solutions like Forager Station's electrochemical lithium separation process show promise. These advanced technologies have the capability to eliminate high levels of magnesium and eliminate freshwater pollution. By investing in and supporting the development of technologies more suited for Marcellus Formation lithium refining, we can ensure that America becomes a leader in sustainable lithium production.
Environmental Benefits of Advanced Lithium Extraction
Advanced lithium extraction technologies can do more than just boost lithium production in the U.S.; they can also help the environment. In states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, extracting lithium brines can promote the cleanup and reuse of abandoned wells. The Marcellus Formation in these states has lithium concentrations similar to Arkansas's Smackover Formation, suggesting that these wells could be profitable from lithium extraction alone.
By developing better extraction technologies for the Northeast, we can improve how we tap into lithium brines nationwide. This will spread the environmental and economic benefits of sustainable lithium production across the USA.
Expanding America's Role
By embracing advanced lithium extraction technologies, we have a chance to boost America's role and spread the wealth. Right now, lithium brines in Arkansas's Smackover Formation are economical in just three counties. However, we have known since at least the 1970's that the full potential Smackover Formation resource extends from east of Dallas all the way to the Florida Panhandle.
Using innovative technologies and sustainable practices, we can finally tap into these vast lithium resources. This will strengthen local economies and help with environmental cleanup. Let's unite to make America a leader in sustainable lithium production. If you would like to join us in this mission, drop us a note!
Appalachian Lithium Region
Smackover Lithium Region
