PLM is at the forefront of sustainable lithium extraction. We specialize in Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, covering land management, and the geological aspects of lithium extraction. With projects underway in East Texas and Arkansas, PLM is committed to developing efficient and environmentally sound solutions for our lithium needs.

WHAT iS DIRECT LITHIUM EXTRACTION?

Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) is transforming lithium sourcing by eliminating the need for land-intensive evaporation ponds. The process uses advanced filtration and chemical techniques to efficiently separate lithium while operating in a closed-loop system that reduces water consumption and minimizes environmental impact. The result is a faster, more sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for energy storage and electric mobility.

DLE enhances lithium extraction by making it more efficient and environmentally responsible. Using advanced filtration and chemical processes, it eliminates the need for evaporation ponds, significantly reducing water consumption and land disruption. This approach maximizes lithium recovery while minimizing resource waste, providing a more sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for energy storage and electrification.

LITHIUM EXTRACTION PROCESS

Rather than relying on traditional evaporation ponds that take years to yield lithium, DLE simplifies lithium brine extraction, ensuring faster and more sustainable resource development. By directly separating lithium from brine, this method speeds up production while ensuring minimal land and water disruption.

Well Drilling

The first step is drilling wells into underground reservoirs where lithium-rich brine is naturally stored. These reservoirs sit beneath the earth’s surface, often in salt flats or geothermal regions. The goal here is simple—reach the brine without causing unnecessary land disruption.

Brine Extraction

The lithium brine extraction process involves bringing brine to the surface efficiently without excessive land use. Once the wells are in place, pumps extract lithium-rich brine, packed with dissolved minerals. Unlike traditional methods that leave brine exposed for long periods, DLE moves it straight into processing, ensuring a faster and more controlled operation.

Lithium Separation

This is where the real magic happens. The extracted brine goes through a filtration and chemical process designed to isolate lithium from the other minerals. Instead of relying on slow evaporation, the system selectively pulls lithium out, leaving behind unwanted materials. This step is key to making the process faster and more effective, ensuring a higher lithium recovery rate without excessive water loss.

Water Reinjection

After lithium is removed, the remaining brine isn’t wasted. Instead, it’s treated and reinjected back into the underground reservoir. This keeps the natural balance of the ecosystem intact, preventing unnecessary depletion of water resources—something that traditional lithium extraction struggles to achieve.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANTAGES OF DLE

Direct Lithium Extraction technology removes the need for evaporation ponds while maximizing lithium recovery. With advanced filtration and chemical separation, DLE makes extraction faster, cleaner, and more efficient, reducing environmental impact.

  • Faster Results – Instead of waiting years, DLE extracts lithium in just days, keeping up with demand.

  • More Lithium, Less Waste – Advanced processing techniques pull more lithium from each drop of brine, reducing waste.

  • Uses Less Water – A closed-loop system means water is recycled, not lost.

  • Smaller Footprint – No need for massive evaporation ponds, protecting land and local ecosystems.

  • Lower Environmental Impact – A cleaner, more efficient process that helps make lithium production more sustainable.

  • Flexible & Scalable – Works with different lithium-rich brine sources, making it adaptable for future needs.

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF DLE

DLE strengthens the lithium supply chain by reducing dependence on foreign sources and ensuring domestic production. It drives clean energy growth, supports battery and EV markets, and ensures a faster, more efficient, and sustainable approach to lithium extraction. As a leader in this space, PLM provides expert guidance on land management and sustainable resource development.

U.S. Energy Independence

A stable domestic lithium supply is key to reducing reliance on foreign sources and securing energy independence. With DLE, the U.S. can tap into its own resources, strengthen national security, and support the clean energy transition without supply chain risks.

Economic Potential

The lithium market is booming, driven by EVs, battery storage, and advanced technology. Scaling up DLE-powered lithium production means more jobs, stronger investments, and a competitive

Environmental Sustainability

Traditional lithium extraction isn’t designed for sustainable lithium extraction. It consumes too much water and harms ecosystems. DLE minimizes waste and land impact for a cleaner approach. By minimizing land disruption and water waste, DLE significantly reduces the environmental impact of lithium extraction.

COMPREHENSIVE LAND MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE

Securing the right land is crucial for successful lithium extraction, and PLM ensures a seamless process. From land acquisition and title management we handle the complexities to keep projects on track. Our team leverages advanced GIS mapping to assess land suitability and optimize resource planning, ensuring efficient and sustainable lithium extraction. With a nationwide team of experts, we identify prime locations, mitigate risks, and promote responsible, sustainable lithium resource development.

Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) FAQs

  • DLE is an advanced process that extracts lithium from underground brine using filtration and chemical separation, offering faster recovery with lower environmental impact.

  • DLE has higher lithium recovery rates (80-90%), uses less water, eliminates evaporation ponds, and reduces processing time from months to days.

  • Domestic lithium production supports energy independence, reduces reliance on imports, and fuels growth in EVs and battery storage industries.

  • PLM offers land management, site selection, GIS mapping, and project consultation for efficient lithium extraction.

  • Contact PLM today for expert consultation on land acquisition and site management for lithium projects.