YPF’s Y-TEC and XtraLit Join Forces to Pioneer Sustainable Direct Lithium Extraction in Argentina
Collaboration Agreement Signed to Develop Joint Projects, Combining YPF’s Energy Leadership in Argentina with Israel’s XtraLit Cutting-Edge Direct Lithium Extraction Technology
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina and REHOVOT, Israel, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — YPF Tecnología S.A. (Y-TEC), a subsidiary of YPF, Argentina’s leading energy company, and XtraLit, an innovative Israeli company specializing in Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), are excited to announce the signature of a cooperation agreement. This partnership aims to revolutionize lithium extraction through the potential joint development of DLE projects in Argentina, leveraging sustainable, efficient technologies tailored to the country’s brine resources to strengthen its position in the global new energies market.
With lithium demand surging for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, this collaboration merges Y-TEC’s expertise in new energy technologies with XtraLit’s global leading eco-friendly ion-exchange DLE technology to unlock and develop new commercial opportunities. The partnership will also allow to explore optimization of XtraLit’s resin to be applied for Argentina’s salt flat brines, paving the way for scalable, economically efficient and environmentally responsible lithium projects.
Horacio Marin, Chairman and CEO of YPF, said:
I first met XtraLit during my trip to Israel in early 2025 and was deeply impressed by Israel’s innovation ecosystem at large and XtraLit’s world-class technical capabilities in particular,
“We thank the Argentine Embassy in Israel for their support in scouting for us such a transformative technology partner.”
Eduardo Vallejo, General Manager of Y-TEC, said:
This agreement is a milestone for Argentina’s lithium industry,
“Partnering with XtraLit enables us to advance sustainable technologies that align with new global standards and enhance Argentina’s role in the lithium segment in partnership with an experienced team that developed a cutting-edge solution for the industry that is able to extend the applicability of DLE technology to lower lithium concentrations that are currently exploited while also addressing public concern of excessive consumption of water typical for other methods of extractions.”
Prof. Simon Litsyn, CEO of XtraLit, said:
We are thrilled to collaborate with Y-TEC and YPF to bring our DLE solutions to Argentina, in addition to the projects we are already developing in the Middle East and North America,
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to sustainable innovation to unlock new lithium sources in Argentina that weren’t addressed until now due to the lack of relevant technology.”
Gerardo Tyszberowicz, Director of XtraLit in Latin America, said:
This partnership with Y-TEC is a leap forward for XtraLit in scaling our technology in Argentina,
“YPF’s leadership and local presence will accelerate the growth of our DLE technology, ensuring impactful deployment in the region.”
Axel Wahnish, Argentine Ambassador to Israel, said:
Facilitating Argentine companies’ access to Israel’s innovation ecosystem is one of the strategic priorities for our Embassy,
“The synergy of Israel’s technological prowess and Argentina’s potential in mining, energy, and agriculture presents a historic opportunity for cooperation. We warmly welcome this partnership.”
The initiative is poised to attract investment and align with global sustainability standards, enhancing Argentine lithium’s market appeal.
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YPF’s Y-TEC and XtraLit Join Forces to Pioneer Sustainable Direct Lithium Extraction in Argentina, source
