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Deep Saline Aquifers as an Emerging Resource for Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE): Learnings from Alberta, Canada
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, 86th EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition, Jun 2025, Volume 2025, p.1 - 5
Abstract
Summary
Deep saline aquifers are an emerging resource for Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and are economically competitive and environmentally responsible alternatives to hard-rock and salar style lithium resources. This presentation will provide an overview of grass-roots lithium development, with a focus on the origin of elevated lithium with the Leduc Formation of Alberta, Canada and how a strong understanding of reservoir characterization can be paired with surface technology, including DLE, to become a promising and readily available supply of lithium. This is particularly important in North America, which has few traditional lithium ore deposits, and is seeking to establish a domestic supply. A study of a lithium brine resource in Alberta Canada is presented to demonstrate the evolution of an emerging lithium brine resource from the exploration stages and understanding lithium origins within the subsurface, through to the development and scaling DLE from the laboratory to a field pilot, to plans for a commercial scale processing facility. The study will provide an overview discussion of the technical challenges encountered on both the subsurface and surface sides, as well as the business considerations.
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