LiTHOS Secures US Patent, Paving the Way for Complete Lithium Refinery Operations with Broad Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Capabilities
ANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – LiTHOS Group Ltd. (“LiTHOS” or the “Company”) (CBOE CA: LITS), a company at the forefront of sustainable lithium brine extraction, is pleased to announce the allowance of its U.S. patent for the
Electro-Pressure Membrane Method for Recovery and Concentration of Lithium from Aqueous Sources
by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This patent secures LiTHOS’s ability to operate across the full lithium extraction and refinement process, covering essential stages from pre-treatment through lithium concentration to final processing for Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3) or Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) production. It safeguards LiTHOS’s flexibility to integrate any Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) method, supporting an adaptable approach to refining.
The patent allowance protects all five steps in LiTHOS’s lithium extraction and concentration process, marking a significant milestone for the company’s intellectual property portfolio. This comprehensive protection enhances LiTHOS’s capability to work with various DLE techniques, enabling seamless adaptation and integration with lithium carbonate or hydroxide production.
Scott Taylor, CEO of LiTHOS, commented,
This foundational patent broadens our ability to offer fully integrated lithium extraction and refinement solutions, from pre-treatment to the final stage of producing battery-grade materials. It provides LiTHOS with a secure framework for commercializing our AcQUA™ and TiERRA™ technologies, and for partnering with other DLE innovators to meet growing lithium demands sustainably.
Broad Patent Coverage Across All Stages of Lithium Extraction and Refinement
The patent’s coverage across all five extraction stages enhances LiTHOS’s flexibility to implement a full carbonate or hydroxide refinery and allows for integration with multiple DLE approaches. This adaptability is crucial for:
- Pre-Treatment: LiTHOS’s AcQUA™ technology allows for the effective removal of impurities like magnesium, calcium, and boron, preparing brine for optimal lithium recovery.
- Lithium Concentration and Refinement: The patent protects the electro-pressure membrane process that drives lithium concentration, laying the groundwork for efficient downstream conversion to high-purity Lithium Carbonate or Lithium Hydroxide.
- DLE Integration: AcQUA™ can work with various DLE techniques, including absorption, solvent extraction, and electrodialysis, giving LiTHOS and its partners the flexibility to adopt the most suitable extraction technology.
- Post-Treatment and Re-Injection: TiERRA™ technology addresses the challenge of responsible brine management by conditioning spent brine for re-injection, reducing freshwater requirements and aligning with environmental best practices.
Strengthened IP Enables Market Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
With this foundational patent, LiTHOS is positioned to accelerate commercial opportunities, offering:
- Strategic Licensing & Partnerships: The patent opens the door to new collaborations with lithium producers and refiners seeking flexible, scalable solutions for battery-grade lithium.
- Full Operational Control: Securing all steps in the lithium extraction process protects LiTHOS’s ability to operate independently or with industry partners in both refining and DLE stages, a critical factor in meeting industry demands.
Validated Technology and Industry Collaborations
- Technology Validation with SQM: In collaboration with Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM), AcQUA™ demonstrated high-purity lithium recovery and the removal of challenging impurities, positioning it as a viable choice for major lithium producers.
- Partnerships with Leading Companies: LiTHOS is actively engaged with global firms in the specialty chemicals and mining sectors, where AcQUA™ and TiERRA™ technologies are being evaluated for large-scale applications.
Sustainable Innovation in Lithium Extraction
LiTHOS’s AcQUA™ technology combines an electro-pressure membrane process that concentrates lithium efficiently without requiring fresh water or harmful chemicals. TiERRA™ complements this by providing a closed-loop solution that re-injects conditioned brine, reducing the environmental impact and supporting long-term water conservation. Together, these technologies align with the industry’s push for sustainable extraction and refining practices.
This patent solidifies LiTHOS’s standing in the lithium sector by enabling a fully adaptable lithium refining model, setting the stage for further innovation and partnerships that support the industry’s need for flexible, sustainable lithium solutions.
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LiTHOS Secures US Patent, Paving the Way for Complete Lithium Refinery Operations with Broad Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Capabilities, source
