ExxonMobil is pioneering a new approach to lithium production, extracting the critical battery material from deep underground brine in Arkansas. Using a three-step process called direct lithium extraction, the company has successfully produced small batches of battery-grade lithium in just eight months.
This method involves pumping brine to the surface, removing impurities, and refining the lithium to meet industry standards. Unlike traditional mining methods that rely on hard rock extraction, ExxonMobil’s technique promises a more efficient and potentially sustainable way to supply lithium for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and other rechargeable devices.
In a video published on the company’s website, Sanket Desai, ExxonMobil’s lithium technology portfolio manager, likens the process to baking a cake — starting with the right raw materials, fine-tuning the chemistry, and perfecting the process for maximum efficiency. The company drilled its first lithium well in Arkansas in 2023 and has since set up a pilot plant to optimize production. With expertise in chemical and process engineering from its traditional oil and gas operations, ExxonMobil is leveraging its technological strengths to scale up lithium production and support the growing EV market.
Looking ahead, ExxonMobil aims to refine and enhance its lithium extraction process to meet the increasing demand for battery materials. The company’s ultimate goal is to supply enough lithium to power approximately one million EVs, a significant step toward the global energy transition. With ongoing advancements and a commitment to innovation, ExxonMobil is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving lithium market.
Source: ExxonMobil
