LibertyStream Appoints Dr Steven Harich, PhD in Physical Chemistry (University of California), as Chief Technical Advisor – Lithium Carbonate Refining Unit Commissioning Update
CALGARY, Alberta & DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc. (TSXV: LIB | OTCQB: VLTLF | FSE: I2D) (“LibertyStream” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Steven Harich, Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, as Chief Technical Advisor. Dr. Harich has been actively engaged with the LibertyStream team over the past month, providing on-site leadership and strategic guidance during the construction and commissioning of the Company’s Lithium Carbonate Refining Unit (the “Refining Unit”). His technical expertise and field involvement support LibertyStream’s advance toward initial lithium carbonate production in Texas, following mechanical construction completed in the last week of October 2025 and ongoing system integration and instrumentation setup.
Dr. Steven Harich, said:
I’m proud to formally join the LibertyStream team,
“I look forward to applying the expertise developed during my postdoctoral research in chemical physics and physical chemistry, alongside my industry experience in process optimization, process control, and sustainable water operations, to support the production of high-purity lithium carbonate for future American customers.”
Alex Wylie, President & CEO of LibertyStream, said:
We’re very pleased to welcome Dr. Steven Harich to our leadership team
“His decision to immediately engage in field operations during the commissioning of our Lithium Carbonate Refining Unit reflects the hands-on leadership we value. Dr. Harich’s world-class academic background and industry expertise will be instrumental as we initiate refining operations and begin producing high-purity lithium carbonate. His background bridging water systems and process chemistry maps directly to our crystallization, finishing, and QC workflows.”
Dr. Steven Harich – Chief Technical Advisor Appointment
Dr. Steven Harich has joined LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners Inc. as Chief Technical Advisor, effective immediately.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Utah State University and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Harich completed his postdoctoral research at the Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences in Taipei, Taiwan, where he specialized in reaction dynamics and photodissociation processes within the field of chemical physics. His work integrated theoretical and experimental approaches to quantum interference and complex chemical systems. Dr. Harich later served as Associate Professor at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics in China, focusing on chemical physics and physical chemistry.
From 2008 to 2017, he transitioned into industry with Springwater Development, applying his scientific expertise to engineering design, drilling operations, and field implementation.
Between 2017 and 2022, he served as Vice President of Water Well Science and Technology at XRI, where he led innovations in water resource management, including the development of integrated water data flow systems. Most recently, Dr. Harich was Director of Operations at Long Point Ranch, overseeing production, process optimization, and technology development for sustainable water operations, including lift-station and metering-system design.
His appointment marks a pivotal milestone in LibertyStream’s transition toward commercial-scale lithium carbonate refining, as the Company scales operations in Texas and builds strategic relationships to supply high-purity lithium carbonate to American customers.
Lithium Carbonate Refining Unit Commissioning
LibertyStream is in the final stages of commissioning its Lithium Carbonate Refining Unit at its Texas field operations. Construction was completed the last week of October 2025, and the Company is now finalizing system integration and instrumentation setup. This phase includes control-loop tuning and quality-assurance checkouts prior to sustained flow testing. The next phase involves flow testing, with initial lithium carbonate production expected to begin in the second half of the fourth quarter 2025.
Once operational, the Refining Unit will be capable of producing up to 10 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lithium carbonate, engineered to meet the technical specifications of future customers across both industrial-grade and battery-grade applications. To support product qualification and offtake discussions, bulk samples sourced from the Texas field site will be made available to prospective customers. Management anticipates consistent, high-quality output from the Refining Unit, enabling American customers to confidently assess product grade and reliability for long-term supply agreements.
READ the latest Batteries News shaping the battery market
LibertyStream Appoints Dr Steven Harich, PhD in Physical Chemistry (University of California), as Chief Technical Advisor – Lithium Carbonate Refining Unit Commissioning Update, source
